user.config file in the user’s AppData folder, and says it contains an invalid character (0x00, a blank “null” character). It is typically limited to one workstation or one Windows user, and the practice database itself is not affected. Note the full error text, close Eaglesoft, and call your IT provider or Patterson support.
What the error means
Like many Windows programs, Eaglesoft saves some settings in a small file for each Windows user on each computer. If that file is damaged, for example because the computer lost power or crashed while the file was being saved, the file can end up filled with blank characters. When Eaglesoft tries to read it, Windows reports that a “hexadecimal value 0x00” is an invalid character, usually with the file path and a line number. Because this file belongs to one Windows user on one computer, other workstations normally keep working.Likely causes
- The computer was turned off or lost power while Eaglesoft was open.
- Windows crashed or was forced to restart while Eaglesoft was saving settings.
- The disk is failing or full, so the file was not written correctly.
- Security software interfered while the file was being written.
What to check first
- Write down the full error message, including the file path and line number. Take a photo if you cannot copy it.
- Close Eaglesoft completely on the affected computer.
- Check whether other workstations work. If they do, the problem is local to this computer, which is good news.
- Try logging in to Windows as a different user on the same computer, if your office has one. If Eaglesoft opens for that user, the damaged file belongs to the first user’s profile.
- Note what happened recently: a power cut, a forced restart, an update.
How to fix it
Call first: the fix involves changing files in a Windows user profile. Ask your IT provider or Patterson support (800-475-5036) to do it, or to walk you through it. Do not delete files in the Eaglesoft program or data folders.
[[TECH INPUT NEEDED: actual fix steps from tickets for the “hexadecimal value 0x00” user.config error, e.g. which file to rename, where, and what Eaglesoft rebuilds on next launch]]
How to stop it happening again
- Put workstations, not only the server, on a battery backup if power cuts are common in your building.
- Close Eaglesoft before shutting down a computer.
- Replace drives that report errors. A damaged settings file can be an early sign of a failing disk.