Error using syms command

Im trying to turn x into a symbolic variable so I can create a piecewise function but whenever I run syms x it gives me this error;

Invalid MEX-file 'C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2017a\toolbox\symbolic\symbolic\mupadmex.mexw64': The specified module could not be found. .

Error in syms (line 190) calledFromBase = mupadmex('', 8);

Why is it giving me this error and how can I fix it?

Answer 1

[Santhosh A V]

Hi Alexander

I understand that you are receiving mupadmex.mexw64 error. when you are running syms x. Can you please confirm if you are using Dell System, if yes then please follow below steps.

This error can be caused by the Dell Backup and Recovery program. This Dell Backup and Recovery is known to interfere with MATLAB, particularly MATLAB R2015b and newer versions.

The interaction between MATLAB and Dell Backup and Recovery 1.8 versions of "Qt5Core.dll" can cause problems in MATLAB, and the Symbolic Math Toolbox appears to be affected by this.

Windows 10 users can update to Dell Backup and Recovery 1.9 or later.

For other Windows versions, either uninstall Dell Backup and Recovery or disable its shell extensions. To disable the Dell Backup and Recovery shell extensions, use a utility such as http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html to selectively enable or disable these shell extensions:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell Backup and Recovery\Components\Shell\DBROverlayIconBackuped.dll

C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell Backup and Recovery\Components\Shell\DBROverlayIconNotBackuped.dll

C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell Backup and Recovery\Components\Shell\DBRShellExtension.dll

Disabling Dell Backup and Recovery shell extensions:

• Removes the backed-up and nonbacked-up icon overlays in Microsoft Explorer
• Removes any context menus on files from Dell Backup and Recovery
• Might have other unintended side effects

I hope the above information helps.

Thanks

Santhosh