How to repair a damaged Archicad installation

Issue description

If the installation was damaged by security software, if insufficient write permissions existed during setup or update, if the update was interrupted, or if the program fails to start after installation, the installation must be repaired.

Solution

1. Repair on Windows

To repair the installation on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Download the latest full installer for Archicad from the Graphisoft downloads page. If available, also download the most recent update package.
2. Temporarily disable any security software (such as antivirus and firewall) and disconnect from the network for the duration of the repair.
3. Right‑click the installer and choose Run as administrator.
   
4. The installer will detect the existing installation and display a Repair option.
   
   Note: Repairing resets the update state. Any update displayed in the dialog will be removed. Installed add-ons will also be removed and must be reinstalled after repair.
5. Click Repair and proceed as with the standard installation process.
   
   Note: Once the repair completes, you may be prompted to restart your computer by clicking Finish. If asked — restart.
6. If you also downloaded an update, install it now — again with security software disabled and using “Run as administrator.”
7. After installation and update are complete, re-enable your security software. You can now also restore the network connection.
8. Finally, ensure that all required security software exceptions for Archicad are configured correctly. Refer to the Graphisoft support article on security software exclusions for guidance.

2. Repair on macOS

To repair the installation on macOS, follow these steps:

1. Download the latest full installer for Archicad from the Graphisoft downloads page. If available, also download the most recent update package.
2. Temporarily disable security software and disconnect from the internet for the duration of the installation.
3. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security and go to Full Disk Access.
4. Double‑click the installer to launch it.
   
5. Drag and drop the installer (or the Archicad application icon, if prompted) into the Full Disk Access list to grant permissions.
   
6. Ensure Full Disk Access is enabled for the installer.
   
7. Run the installer.
   
8. The installer will detect the existing installation and offer the Repair option.
   
   Note: Repairing resets the update state. Installed add-ons are removed and need to be reinstalled.
9. Click Install to proceed — the rest follows the standard installation steps.
   Note: After finishing, you may be prompted to restart your Mac; if so, please do so.
10. If you also downloaded an update, repeat steps 4–9 to install it.
11. After both the program and the update installation finish, re-enable the security software and restore the network connection.
12. Finally, ensure that all required security software exceptions for Archicad are configured correctly. Refer to the Graphisoft support article on security‑software exclusions for guidance.

3. Full Removal and Clean‑Reinstall (if repair fails)

If the installation is severely damaged and repair does not resolve the issue:

1. Uninstall Archicad completely.
2. Run the Registry Cleaner (on Windows) or Preferences Cleaner (on macOS), as appropriate, following the warning and backup instructions carefully. 
3. Once cleaning is complete, reinstall Archicad by following the steps above for your operating system.

Note: Please read all warnings and prerequisites before running the cleaning tool.