Summary

If GibbsCAM is experiencing unexpected behavior, resetting the user settings can often resolve issues caused by corrupted preferences or configuration files.

The recommended method is to use the Recovery Tool, which restores the user settings to their default values. If the Recovery Tool is unavailable, you can manually reset the User Preferences folder.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When to Use This Article

Resetting the GibbsCAM user settings may resolve issues such as:

  • Missing or misplaced toolbars

  • Missing dialog boxes

  • Windows opening off-screen

  • Unexpected interface behavior

  • Display or graphics settings not saving

  • Corrupted user preferences

  • Startup problems caused by damaged configuration files

Before You Begin

Resetting the User Preferences restores GibbsCAM to its default configuration.

Depending on your configuration, this may reset:

  • Workspace layout

  • Toolbar customization

  • Window positions

  • Display preferences

  • Interface settings

  • Recently opened file list

  • Other user-specific preferences

The following items are not removed:

  • Part files

  • Machine Definition Databases (MDDs)

  • Virtual Machine Models (VMMs)

  • Post processors

  • Tool libraries

  • Other production data

If you have customized your workspace, consider making a backup before resetting your settings.

Method 1 – Use the Recovery Tool (Recommended)

The Recovery Tool is the recommended method for restoring GibbsCAM's default user settings.

Launch the Recovery Tool

  1. Close GibbsCAM.

  2. Open the Windows Start menu.

  3. Locate Recovery Tool for the version number of GibbsCAM being used.

Alternatively, run the tool directly from:

C:\Program Files\Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>\Bin\Recovery Tool.exe

  1. Run the Recovery Tool.

  2. Allow the tool to reset the user settings.

  3. Restart GibbsCAM.

When GibbsCAM starts again, a new set of default user preferences will be created automatically.

Method 2 – Manually Reset the User Preferences Folder

If the Recovery Tool cannot be used, you can manually reset the user profile.

  1. Close GibbsCAM.

  2. Open File Explorer.

  3. Browse to:

%APPDATA% \Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>


  1. Locate the User Preferences folder.

  2. Rename the folder to something like:

User Preferences_Old


  1. Launch GibbsCAM.

If the User Preferences folder is missing, GibbsCAM automatically creates a new one using the default settings.

Tip: Renaming the folder instead of deleting it allows you to restore your previous settings if necessary.

Verify the Reset

After GibbsCAM starts:

  • Default toolbars are restored.

  • Window locations return to their default positions.

  • Display settings are reset.

  • User preferences return to factory defaults.

If the original problem no longer occurs, the issue was likely caused by a corrupted user profile.

Troubleshooting

Problem: The Recovery Tool Does Not Resolve the Issue

Cause

The problem may not be related to the User Preferences.

Resolution

Continue troubleshooting by checking:

  • Graphics drivers

  • Machine Definition Database (MDD)

  • Virtual Machine Models (VMM)

  • Plug-ins

  • Installation files


Problem: My Customized Layout Is Gone

Cause

The User Preferences were reset to their default values.

Resolution

If you renamed the original User Preferences folder instead of deleting it, restore the original folder to recover your previous settings.


Problem: GibbsCAM Created a New User Preferences Folder

Cause

This is expected behavior after the existing User Preferences folder has been reset or renamed.

Resolution

No action is required.

Best Practices

  • Use the Recovery Tool whenever possible.

  • Rename the User Preferences folder instead of deleting it.

  • Keep backups of customized settings.

  • Use the Migration Tool when upgrading to a newer version of GibbsCAM.

  • Reset user settings before performing a complete reinstall.

Expected Result

GibbsCAM starts with a clean set of default user preferences while preserving your part files, MDDs, VMMs, post processors, and other production data.

Related Articles

Keywords

Recovery Tool, Reset GibbsCAM, Default Settings, User Preferences, Reset Preferences, Restore Defaults, Workspace, Toolbars, Display Settings, Configuration, Corrupt Settings, Interface, AppData