Problem

You've worked with Citavi in the past without any problems, but you now receive the error message

Citavi has stopped working

Solutions

Most likely the .NET Framework is defective. Citavi needs a working installation of the .NET Framework in order to function properly. Start with Solution 1 and work your way down the following list if the problem continues.

 

1. Run the Microsoft Fixit-Tool

The Microsoft Fixit-Tool tool detects and tries to fix some frequently occurring issues with the setup of Microsoft .NET Framework or with updates to the Microsoft .NET Framework.

 

2. Repair the Citavi Installation

1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
2. Click Programs and Features.
3. Select Citavi [Version].
4. Click Change.
5. Click Next.
6. Select Repair.
7. Continue with the Assistant until it is finished.

3. Run the Windows System File Checker

1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
2. On the Start menu, type cmd.exe. Right-click the only search result (cmd.exe) and then click Run as administrator.
3. Type sfc.exe /scannow and press Enter. The System File Checker will run, which may take a while.
4. Restart Windows and then start Citavi.

4. Install Windows Updates

Windows 11, 10 or 8: 
In Windows automatically searches for updates as long as this feature was not disabled. To make sure that automatic updates are activated or to change your settings, switch to the Control Panel and then click System and Security > Windows Update. Select Change settings and activate Install updates automatically if necessary.

Windows 7:

1. Click the Start button. Enter Update in the search field. In the list of results, click Windows Update.
2. Click Search for updates, and wait until Windows has finished searching.
3. If you want to be informed when updates are available, click Check for updates.
4. In the list of important updates, click an entry to display additional information. Select the checkbox for all updates you want to install and click OK.
5. Click Install updates.

5. Rename the Project Cache

If Windows was not correctly shut down, it can cause damage to the the file that manages project cache files. This file is saved in a hidden folder. The hidden folder must first be displayed and then deleted:

Windows 11, 10 and 8:

1. Open Windows Explorer (Computer).
2. In the menu bar select View > Options > On the View tab, under Advanced settings you will see a long list of configuration options. Under Hidden files and folders, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
3. Click Apply and then click OK. Previously hidden files and folders are now displayed.
4. In Windows explorer, enter following path: %localappdata%\Swiss Academic Software\Citavi 7\
5. Rename the folder ProjectCache, e.g. ProjectCache.bak.

Windows 7:

1. Open Windows Explorer (Computer).
2. In the menu bar select Organize > Folder and search options.
3. On the General tab, click Show all folders.
4. Click Apply and then click OK. Previously hidden files and folders are now displayed.
5. In Windows explorer, enter following path: %localappdata%\Swiss Academic Software\Citavi 7\
6. Rename the folder ProjectCache, e.g. ProjectCache.bak.