Solution: Revit 2020 or Other Autodesk Software Crashes Fatally When Entering Serial Number

Issue:

When attempting to enter a serial number for Autodesk Revit 2020 or other Autodesk software during the activation process, the application encounters a fatal error and crashes. The software becomes unresponsive and cannot be closed directly, requiring termination via Task Manager.

Cause

This issue can occur if a beta language option is enabled in the system’s region settings, specifically the “Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support” setting.

Solución

To resolve this issue, disable the “Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support” option in your operating system’s region settings.

Steps to Disable Beta Language Support

1. Access Region Settings:
   • Windows 10/11: Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
   • Windows 7/8.1: Go to Control Panel > Region.
2. Navigate to Administrative Language Settings:In the Language & Region settings, click on Administrative language settings or select the Administrative tab in the Region dialog box.
3. Change System Locale:In the “Region” dialog, under the “Administrative” tab, click Change system locale….
4. Disable Beta UTF-8:In the “Region Settings” dialog, uncheck the box next to Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support.
5. Apply and Restart:
   • Click OK to apply the changes.
   • You will be prompted to restart your computer. Select Restart now.
6. Re-attempt Activation:After the computer restarts, launch Revit 2020 or the affected Autodesk software and attempt to enter the serial number and activate it again.