LaTeX forum ⇒ General ⇒ Problems getting "Output Window"

[Mikey10029]

Hi

I have never used LaTex before, but downloaded the programme TexWorks from https://www.tug.org/texworks/ .

I've opened the TexWorks editor ok, and typed in a very simple programme. But then, when I click on the "typeset" button to try to get an output window I get an error message:

Code: [Select all] [Expand/Collapse] [Download] (untitled.tex)

"This is pdfTeX, Version 3.14159265-2.6-1.40.16 (TeX Live 2015/W32TeX) (preloaded format=pdflatex)
  restricted \write18 enabled.
C:\texlive\2015\bin\win32\runscript.tlu:680: C:\texlive\2015\bin\win32\runscript.tlu:642: no appropriate script or program found: fmtutil
Running the command C:\texlive\2015\bin\win32\fmtutil.exe
I can't find the format file `pdflatex.fmt'!
 
kpathsea: Running mktexfmt pdflatex.fmt

The command name is C:\texlive\2015\bin\win32\mktexfmt"

So it seems to be looking for some other files......... but I've no idea where to get those from?

If anyone can help a true novice, I'd be very grateful.


Thanks

Mikey

[Stefan Kottwitz]

Hello Mikey,

welcome to the forum!

You could try to build the format or all formats. For this, open a command window (Start / "cmd") and type at the command prompt:

fmtutil-sys --all

Stefan

[Mikey10029]

Hi Stefan,

Many thanks for your so quick reply....... however! I did say I was a novice, so I don't even know how to open a command window...... Where would I find the "Start" command?

Mikey

[Stefan Kottwitz]

Hi Mikey,

it depends on the Windows version, in Windows 7 and earlier there was the "Start" button. I thin they removed it with Windows 8 and brought it back later, after user protests.

You need to find a start button somehow, or the program cmd.exe, which may be in a folder like c:\windows\system32 or so. Or press keys STRG+R.

Locating cmd.exe with the Windows explorer could be good because one could click on it with the right mouse button and choose "Execute as administrator" for having full system rights.

Stefan

[LonelyDeer]

Hi Stefan!
Mikey is out, so I will try to find a solution with you (if you will be so kind).

I've tried to run \fmtutil-sys --all from cmd. Here is the result: C:\textlive\2015\bin\win32\runscript.tlu:686 C:\textlive\2015\bin\win32\runscript.tlu:646: no appropriate script or programme found fmtutil.

What should i do?

My brief history:
(install textlive - very long because window of installer often get status "dose not respond" - then open Latex - article - Hello world - error C:\textlive\2015\bin\win32\runscript.tlu:686 C:\textlive\2015\bin\win32\runscript.tlu:646: no appropriate script or programme found fmtutil)