To ensure the lessons work as described, do these steps before beginning:

1. If you have not already done so, download the lesson files from http://www.autodesk.com/maya-tutorials. Copy the Getting Started 2012 Lesson Files zip file to your local drive and unzip the folder.
2. Select File > Set Project and set the GettingStartedMaya2012LessonData\MEL directory as your Maya project. For more information, see Downloading the lesson files and setting the Maya project.
3. Select File > New Scene to create a new scene.
4. Make sure the Construction History icon (below the menu bar) is on. (If it is turned off, it has a large X across it.)
   
5. Ensure that the interactive creation option for primitives is turned off by selecting Create > Polygon Primitives > Interactive Creation. The option is off when a check mark does not display beside the item’s name in the menu.
6. Ensure that the interactive creation option for surfaces is turned off by selecting Create > NURBS Primitives > Interactive Creation. The option is off when a check mark does not display beside the item’s name in the menu.
7. For any code snippets, we suggest you write them out in the Script Editor rather than copy and pasting them. Certain symbols such as “ and ‘ may not copy and paste correctly.