8.2.3. Error message: „ImportError: DLL load failed

8.2.3. Error message: „ImportError: DLL load failed"

In this article you will learn how to fix the error "ImportError: DLL load failed" in AutoCAD Plant 3D. This message often occurs when the file paths for scripts exceed the permitted character length of Windows.

Prerequisites

• You have administration rights on your local computer to move file paths or adjust directories.
• Plant 3D is closed to avoid conflicts when moving files.

Step-by-step guide

1. Identify the path that is too long: Check whether your CustomScripts are located in deeply nested directories, such as in OneDrive: c:\users\username\onedrive\dokumente - detail engineering plant 3d\autocad plant 3d 2024 content\cpak common\customscripts\...
2. Move the directory structure: Move the CustomScripts folder to a local directory with a short path structure, for example: C:\P3DContent\CustomScripts

   Result: The path length is massively reduced, thereby circumventing the Windows limit (MAX_PATH).

3. Adjust the content path in Plant 3D: Open the project settings or the content path settings in Plant 3D and point them to the new, shortened directory.
4. Run the registration command again: In the command line of Plant 3D, enter PLANTREGISTERCUSTOMSCRIPTS again.

   Result: The scripts should now load without an error message.

Important notes

• Avoid OneDrive: Avoid storing content folders in synchronized cloud directories, as these often create extremely long default paths due to the Windows folder hierarchy.
• Flat hierarchy: Always use short and flat directory paths (e.g. directly under C:\) for your Plant 3D content.
• Uniform standard: Define a uniform local path (e.g. C:\P3DContent) for all project participants to avoid compilation errors within the team.

Troubleshooting

• Error despite short path: If the error persists, experts can enable the Windows setting for long paths (>260 characters) via group policy or the registry. However, this is only recommended if the IT infrastructure supports it; shortening the paths is the safer way.