Abaqus 2017 Environment File

Hi all,

I am attempting to transition from 6.14 to 2017. The model I had been using in 6.14 uses a VUMAT with a modified environment file (Fortran command is commented out). When migrating to 2017, I experienced the "Problem during linking" error that accompanies the environment file still having that command; however, it seems the 2017 version uses a .pyc file to set the environment for user materials. Is anyone familiar with this file? Does it call a set of fortran commands from another location? How would I go about getting rid of this command?

Or, alternatively, is there a simpler way for 2017 to work with a VUMAT? 

Thank you,

Hannah