3DS Max: FTL: Virtual device creation failed

Question

On opening of 3DS Max, you receive the following dialog

Answer

This is caused with an issue with the graphics adapter driver installed, or an incompatible adapter. 

You can find a list of certified graphics adapters and the driver to install using the below Autodesk link:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/sites/default/files/file_downloads/3dsmax2017AUG_GFX_Results.pdf 

If you do have an incompatible graphics adapter and the latest drivers for your card do not resolve this error, then you can force 3DS Max to use software acceleration.  Please note that this is not recommended and can cause graphics glitches within the software. 

To revert to software acceleration, from within the 3DS Max options:

• Select the Viewports tab
• Under Display Drivers, select choose driver
• From the list, select Nitrous Software
• Close 3DS Max