Resetting the User Interface in Revit 2011

If you have ever had a user stuff around with the ribbon in 2010 or 2011 you may have already worked out a way to reset the User Interface (UI) or you may have just manually put everything back where you found it

But Revit keeps these settings in the UIState.dat file which is stored in a secret hidden place where windows doesnt want you to find it.

If you couldnt find it here is the location;

Windows XP
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit {Product Name} 2011 
Windows Vista

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit {Product Name} 2011

Once you find the file all you need to do is delete/rename/move the file and Revit will recreate it from the default settings when it opens Revit again

There must have been a number of people asking how to reset the UI because Autodesk has now released a script which will basically do the above for you, you can find the script here

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=14880949&linkID=9243099

Another tip is you can copy a UIState.dat file into the location of each user which will setup that user with quick access toolbars, any ribbon customization etc. If you combine this with a copy of the office Revit.ini file you can setup workstations pretty quickly without even opening Revit!

Certainly one to be careful with, and be particularly careful of build numbers, as I have seen UIstate.dat files causing problems if the build isn't consistent