The error "NO STEP DEFINITION WAS FOUND" in Abaqus typically indicates that the input file (.inp) lacks a properly defined analysis step. Even if you've created a step in the GUI, this error can occur due to, If all loads and BCs are assigned to the Initial step, and no analysis step follows, the solver has nothing to compute. Ensure that loads and BCs are assigned to the correct analysis step (e.g., Buckle or Static).

Some time we report this error when switching between Abaqus versions (e.g., from 2016 to newer versions).

Hopefully this will help to resolve your issue.

Thanks Ram

I had checked all these things you said.

Now I noticed that whenever I make a change inside the keyword editor (even adding a *) this error appears. Do you know why I can't make a change in the keyword editor?

I found the solution:

Use the "File > Set Work Directory" option in Abaqus/CAE to specify the correct directory where your input file and other related files are located. Make sure that the chosen directory is accessible and that Abaqus has the necessary permissions.