Notes Client won't start – error message and solutions

Content

• Error description 1
• Troubleshooting 2
• Clear memory 2
• Resetting Notes Client Configuration 2
• View support log 2
• Show trace 3
• Gather support information 4
• Sources and links 5
• Tips for avoiding mistakes 5

Error Description

Problem: Since the introduction of the Eclipse-based Notes client (from version 8 onwards), some installations have been experiencing recurring startup problems. The Notes client often hangs during the startup process and displays a nonspecific error message without loading completely.

Figure 1 – Error message at startup

Background: Since version 8, the Notes client has been based on the Eclipse platform, which enables platform independence and extended functionalities (e.g., through plugins). However, this can lead to complications in the context of Eclipse integration, especially if configuration files are corrupted or cached data is outdated.

Troubleshooting

Clean up memory

Memory cleanup: If the Notes client still fails to start, processes may be remaining in memory. This can be resolved by restarting the system or by running the following command:
nsd -kill

This terminates all Notes processes that are still active in memory.

Reset Notes Client Configuration

1. Open the command line (with administrative rights if possible).
2. Navigate to the Notes program directory. You can do this via the following path:
cd “C:\Program Files\HCL\Notes”
3. Run the following command to reset the configuration and clear the cache:
notes.exe -RPARAMS -resetconfig -clean

View support log

If the problem persists, a more detailed diagnosis can be performed using the following menu options in the Notes client:
Help > Support > View log

Figure 2 – Accessing protocol options

The Log Viewer provides information about problems in the Eclipse framework.

Figure 3 – Overview of information on specific error messages.

View trace

Additional information can be retrieved via the trace. To do this, select the following item from the menu.

Help > Support > View log

Figure 4 – Detailed information on specific error messages.

Gather support information

Serious problems starting HCL Notes can be resolved in cooperation with HCL Software's software support. In this case, please gather support information. To do this, select the command in the menu.

Help > Support > Collect support information

Figure 5 – Call for the collection of support information.

Note: Gathering the information will take a few minutes.

The summarized support information is provided in a ZIP file for download. Save this file and send it to your HCl Software Business Partner for further analysis.

Figure 6 – Provision of the ZI file for support information.

Sources and links

For more information, please refer to the following support article from HCL Software:

Notes Standard Client hangs while it's “loading…”
https://support.hcl-software.com/csm?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0029529

How to clear Notes workspace cache & corrupted Eclipse cached plug-ins without resetting User Eclipse reference
https://support.hcltechsw.com/csm?id=kb_article&sys_id=7367d0771bc74c50c13e748edc4bcb9c

Tips for avoiding errors

Regular maintenance: Keep your Notes client up to date through regular updates and maintenance.