Distorted graphics in STAAD.Pro on Dell Alienware computers


  
 Applies To 
  
 Product(s):STAAD.Pro
 Version(s):All
 Environment: N/A
 Area: STAAD.Pro Download/Installation/Security/Performance
 Subarea: Performance
 Original Author:Dhiman Banerjee, Software Development Group
  

It has been observed that on certain computers the STAAD.Pro icons in the ribbons and workflows appear distorted. Investigation on this has identified the cause to be related to DELL machines which runs AWCC Service that is AlienWare Command Center. 

Solution:

  1. Ensure STAAD.Pro is closed. 
  2. In Windows explorer, navigate to the folder C:\ProgramData\A-Volute\DellInc.AlienwareSoundCenter\Modules\ScheduledModules\Configurator
  3. Open the any text editor (like notepad, notepad++) in administrator mode and open the BlackApps.dat
  4. Add the following list of executables at the end of the BlackApps.dat

    SXP.exe

    Bentley.Staad.AutoLoadCombRuleManager.exe

    Bentley.Staad.Editor.exe

    Bentley.Staad.exe

    Bentley.Staad.Licensing.Configuration.exe

    Bentley.Staad.ScriptEditor.exe

    Bentley.Staad.UnitConverter.exe

    Calculator.exe

    SectionDBManager.exe

  5. Save the BlackApps.dat file 
  6. Open Task Manager and go to 'Services' and search for 'AWCCService' - Right click and 'Restart'
  7. Launch STAAD.Pro and the problem should be fixed

Notes:

Any updates to the ‘AlienWare Command Center’ or AWCC service can cause the BlackApps.dat file to get reset to default, in which case, the graphics problems would resurface. In such cases, one would have to repeat the steps 1 to 7 listed above. 

Similar issues may occur with software that uses similar technology to STAAD.Pro and these applications may benefit from similar style solution by adding the executable in the exclusion list as above. Here is a related wiki 

https://bentleysystems.service-now.com/community?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0114019

See Also

Icons in the side panel of RAM Connection are distorted

References