Issue
Some "old generation" DTM, cannot be executed in Unity Pro V11.1

Product Line
Unity 11.1

Environment
Windows 10, Windows 7

Resolution
Some "old generation" DTM, cannot be executed in Unity Pro V11.1
Symptoms may be :

• update catalog fails
• or DTM cannot be open

DTMs (non exhaustive list) :

• Endress & Hauser Promag 100
• Rosemount 8712E Magnetic Flowmeter Rev 3
• Rosemount_644_Temperature_Transmitter_8_HART_000026_0018_8_DD1_4_181_4_DTM
• Rosemount_2051_Pressure_Transmitter_10_HART_000026_2655_A_DD1_4_173_3_DTM
• Rosemount_8712E_3_HART_000026_0057_3_DD1_4_173_2_DTM
• ....

Root cause
Unity Pro V11.1 is compiled with Visual Studio 2012 and enables by default
Microsoft© Windows protection called DEP (stands for Data Execution Prevention).
DEP ensure a better protection against malicious codes attacks.

Previous versions of Unity Pro were compiled with Visual Studio 2008 that does not support DEP.

Here is a short explanation of DEP:
"The primary benefit of DEP is to help prevent code execution from data pages. Typically, code is not executed from the default heap and the stack. Hardware-enforced DEP detects code that is running from these locations and raises an exception when execution occurs. Software-enforced DEP can help prevent malicious code from taking advantage of exception-handling mechanisms in Windows"

Some “old generation” DTMs generated years ago, seems not compatible with DEP : when Unity Pro load it, Windows detects a risk in regards to DEP and throw an error.

Solution
Old generations DTM should be updated by manufacturer to comply with Microsoft DEP protection.

Alternative solution
DEP protection can be disabled on Windows 7 and 10 Operating Systems.

Procedure :
In Windows 7 and Windows 10,  type cmd , then Right click on search results ‘cmd.exe’ and click on Run as Administrator.
Then, copy paste the following and hit Enter:
bcdedit.exe /set {CURRENT.EN_US} nx AlwaysOff
Reboot


To enable back DEP, type the following in command prompt and hit Enter:

bcdedit.exe /set {CURRENT.EN_US} nx AlwaysOn



This will enable back Data Execution Prevention.

Important notice
Disabling DEP may expose computer system to vulnerability and remote-code execution. So in case DEP is disabled, computer must be secured thanks to : connection to secured network, firewall protection…. etc.

Publicado para: Schneider Electric Portugal