ACA/AMEP: Error when using random tools within AutoCAD Architecture

When you open your AutoCAD Architecture (2010/2011/2012/2013) software and you get error messages that there is no such command, or that the database is not installed.  You will need to verify two things; 1) Your needed folders have been installed and 2) Your paths within the software are correct.

Verify the installation folders installed correctly on your machine:

• C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACA 20XX\enu\AEC Content folder;  verify that you have your Imperial folder and Metric (if installed). Within these folders should be a Design and Documentation folder with more folders within those.
• C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACA 20XX\enu folder; should have an AEC Content, Details, Layers, Plotters, PTXML, Styles, Template, Tool Catalogs and a WebFiles folder.
• C:\Users\CBiddulph\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\ACA 20XX\enu\Support folder; this is where your cuix files are stored as well as the folders Actions, AuthorPalette, Color, Icons, Pats, Profiles, RegisteredTools, RegisteredTools-AutoCAD, ToolPalette, WorkspaceCatalog.

NOTE: If you are missing any of these folders you can get them from another user in the office but if that is not an option for you, there are suggested fixes below.

Verify paths within the software through the options dialog box are correct:

Type OPTIONS at the command line and verify the following;

• On the Files tab, verify your support file search paths are all there.

• AEC DesignCenter Content Path is pointing to the C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACA 20XX\enu\AEC Content.
• The Tool Catalog Content Root Path is pointing to the C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACA 20XX\enu\.
• Click on the Add/Remove button next to Detail Component Databases.  Verify that it is pointing to the C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACA 20XX\enu\Details\Details(US).  This will be the same for the UK detail path.

If you have all the folders and your paths within the OPTIONS dialog box are correct this means that your ACA.cuix is corrupt.

How to fix this issue:

For the 2012 or 2013 version, you can try resetting your software to default or run a repair through control panel:

1. Go to your computers Start menu
2. All Programs 
3. Autodesk 
4. Autocad Architecture 2012 or 2013
5. Click on "Reset Settings to Default" and after it reloads your software check to see if your tools work if not follow the above instructions for uninstalling and reinstalling.

For versions prior to 2012, you will need to try to run a repair or run an uninstall/reinstall by following the steps from my blog "Quick guide on uninstalling Autodesk software" and  "A simple guide for install the Autodesk 2012/2013 software". It is strongly recommended that you install the software in a  diagnostics mode.