Simcenter STAR-CCM+ Help me! "Can't load HOOPS Exchange library" or "couldn't load PLMXmlIo / CADModeler" errors during geometry import.

2023-02-22T09:24:07.000-0500
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Summary

In this article you will be guided what to do when receiving errors indicating problems with loading libraries or modules during importing geometry into Simcenter STAR-CCM+.


Details

1. "Can't load HOOPS Exchange library" error.

It was recognized that this error is appearing on the Windows 10 64-bit OS due to a missing specific .dll library file in the system directory. When receiving this error you can check if you are able to find the following file: VCOMP140.DLL in the following location: C:\Windows\System32. If not, you have the bad luck working with the affected OS. Don't worry, it is not difficult to fix it, see the instructions from the following link https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/missing-vcomp140dll/afca0b6b-3ced-4e82-8ce8-8734a440d516

2. "Couldn't load PLMXmlIo" and/or "couldn't load CadModeler" module errors.
It was recognized that a third-party software bug is responsible for those issues with Simcenter STAR-CCM+. 
If you are able to find SXWMON.DLL file in the following locations:

  • c:\windows\system32\SXWMON64.DLL for Windows 10 - 64 bit or
  • c:\Windows\SysWow64\sxwmon32.dll for Windows 10 - 32 bit

then you are affected by this bug. To recover Simcenter STAR-CCM+ functionalities change the name of this file to e.g., SXWMON64_old.DLL but be prepared that this could cause issues with third-party software dropping this file during installation. A Google search can help you understand what is the source of this file, e.g. https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/Troubleshooting-application-conflicts-with-LES?language=en_US

As a workaround or temporary solution, during the startup of a Simcenter STAR-CCM+ session, you can try to add the following flags responsible for loading modules indicated by error message e.g.:
  • -module CadMoldeler
  • -module PLMXmlIo
  • -module StarMeshing
  • -module MeshingSurfaceRepair

For debugging issues like this, a tool called Dependency Walker or Microsoft Process Monitor could be helpful. Please take a look at the related KB article with an example of the debugging procedure.

KB Article ID# KB000049836_EN_US

Contents

SummaryDetails

Associated Components

Design Manager Electronics Cooling In-Cylinder (STAR-ICE) Job Manager Simcenter STAR-CCM+