"Database Connection errors. Failed to connect to the followings databases" when starting Advance Steel

Autodesk Support

Feb 7, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

While opening Advance Steel, the program returns the following error:

Database connection errors

Failed to connect to the following databases:
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Advance Steel Objects 20xx\Data\AstorRules.mdf
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Advance Steel Objects 20xx\Data\AstorDetails.mdf
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Advance Steel Objects 20xx\Data\AstorBase.mdf
...

database connection errors message while Advance Steel opening

 

Causes:

The installation process encountered issues installing all components and setting all internal paths.

Note: One common scenario occurs when installation is started from Desktop (the installation kit was downloaded directly on Desktop).
 

Solution:

To solve this behavior follow these steps:
  1. Close Advance Steel / AutoCAD (if it is open).
  2. Browse to the folder:
  • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\ADVS\
  • E.g. for Advance Steel 2021 version: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2021\ADVS\
  1. Delete the file ASSettings_Advance.xml.
  2. Open Control Panel > Uninstall a Product.
  3. Right-click on Advance Steel 20xx > Uninstall.
  4. Choose the option Repair or Reinstall.
  5. Choose the option Repair.
  6. When finished, start Advance Steel.

Products:

Advance Steel;

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