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Technical Article   Error:  AML ERROR - Undefined variables: HOMEDRIVE and HOMEPATH

Article ID: 17354
Software:  ArcInfo Workstation 9.3, 9.3.1, 10
Platforms:  Windows 2000, XP, Windows 7

Error Message

The following error occurs when starting products in ArcInfo:

"AML ERROR - Undefined variables: HOMEDRIVE\\ line 31 of file c:\arcexe8x\startup\arc.aml
AML ERROR - Undefined variables: hidden\\ line 34 of file c:\arcexe8x\startup\arc.aml
AML ERROR - Undefined variables: hidden\\ line 35 of file c:\arcexe8x\startup\arc.aml"

Cause

The HOMEDRIVE and HOMEPATH user variables are either not set or set to path names that contain spaces characters. This can also be caused by Microsoft Security Patch Q835732 on Windows XP.

Solution or Workaround

Set the following variables as both system and user variables: 

   HOMEDRIVE    C:

   HOMEPATH     C:\<create>


1. Click New in the User Variables window and enter HOMEDRIVE as the variable name, and C: as the Variable value.
2. Repeat the process for HOMEPATH in the user variables.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for both HOMEDRIVE and HOMEPATH in the System Variable window.

Where the variables are set depends on the operating system. -show me-

Summary
Instructions provided describe how to edit environment variables for various platforms.
Procedure


 WARNING: The instructions below include making changes to essential parts of your operating system. It is recommended that you backup your operating system and files, including the registry, before proceeding. Consult with a qualified computer systems professional, if necessary.

Esri cannot guarantee results from incorrect modifications while following these instructions; therefore, use caution and proceed at your own risk.






 If the computer is running Windows XP and has Microsoft Security Patch Q835732 applied, call Microsoft's Tech Support at 1-800-936-8248 to receive a hotfix for this issue. Be sure to mention the hotfix for Microsoft Knowledgebase document Q824898 to avoid incurring charges, as this is a known issue to Microsoft.



Related Information

  • Patches and Service Packs-ArcInfo Workstation Patch for Windows for XP
  • AML ERROR -Argument >>and<< invalid, function EXISTS\\ line
    Attempting to start Arc, ArcEdit or ArcPlot produces the error message: {CODE}AML ERROR - Argument >> and << invalid, function EXISTS\\ line 34 of file c:\arcexe8x\startup\arc.aml Usage: [EXISTS {-FILE ...

    Created: 3/21/2001
    Last Modified: 12/17/2012