Massive Problem: No campaign except Rome´s can be started - game crashes at loading screen before entering campaign map

[C. Norris]

Hey.


I have recently started a Rome campaign on Alex.exe and I´m ~15 turns in. Then I wanted to take a look at some other factions`starting positions and economy but I´m not able to get even to the map as the game crashes right when the loading bar finishes at the last loading screen before entering the campaign map for the first time. "Rome-Total War Alexander has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to the problem"
I tried launching all the other factions with all 3 available exes but it crashes always at the same point, no matter what options I choose in the launcher. Even if I try to start via the batch-files I get the same results.
The strange thing though is that launching or continuing the Rome campaign works fine. Also this camp. should be out of any errors as I always used the script correctly.
Another odd thing is that I was in fact able to launch a non-Roman campaign several times sucessfully before. I did this just for curiousity with Sarmatia/Seleucid/sparta/Ptolemaics/Carthage but I didn´t even end the turn, so I doubt it would have interfered with the already ongoing Rome campaign.
I did no other changes to my game data except playing Multiplayer via Hamachi and on the following day it randomly stopped working.
Just for information: I did the latest EDU fix (1.30) for Multiplayer.

So I decided to delete my Roma Surrectum folder - which was btw NOT installed in C:\Program Files but in a custom folder on D:\ - and reinstall the game in a fresh copied Rome + BI + Alex folder with the latest patches which I keep as backup to be used if a new mod comes out. I´m sure that this can´t be the problem as this backup works 100%.
So I installed it on the Desktop in a separate folder in order to copy the files to the RTW backup folder afterwards to get also rid of the skeleton error message. So it should be a fresh new installation which also has the launcher with the correct path.
But the same problem remains.
Still every campaign except Rome´s crashes to desktop at startup even before reaching the campaign map.

Here are my specs:

RTW + BI + Alex, latest patches installed (100% sure there´s no problem)
No steam
Not installed in C:\Program Files but in a custom folder in D:\
Installed the latest working Multiplayer fix (EDU 1.30)
Started a Rome campaign with Alex.exe (0-turn) M/M low advisor ~Turn 15
Unit detail high
unit shaders on
vegetation detail default
no bloom
AA is turned off ingame but activated in Catalyst
ATI Catalyst 10.6
Win 7 HP 64-bit with latest updates; logged in as administrator
UAC off
i7 860
ATI HD5850
8 GB Ram
1TB HD with plenty of free space


There´s also another person who has found the same problem even before me. He has reported that 1-turn campaign works for all factions but I haven´t tried yet.

Maybe some poeple that have started a Rome campaign or played RS2 MP could try starting a non-Roman campaign and tell if it works for them.


Thanks in advance for any help

Chuck

After a long time messing around I decided to go for another complete reinstall.
This time I really took care to delete all files and traces of my game. Most important is the cleaning of the Windows registry after deleting the game files which can be done with programs like "CCLeaner" e.g.
It found more than 1300 dead registry entries related to RS2 which I haven´t seen for any other mod before.
After the fresh install I was indeed able to start a non-Roman campaign sucessfully, so it seems to have done the trick. At least for now. I hope it´s not just temporary as I have still no clue why the problem suddenly appeared as I´m sure that I didn´t alter any game files.

The key to a sucessful re-installation seems to be deleting all traces of your game, especially in the registry, by using tools like CCleaner or similar programs. Maybe this could be mentioned in a stickied thread to help people with similar problems

OMG

This is super annoying.

After the reinstall I tried to start Rome campaign and a Carthage campaign, both with success. I thought the issue was solved now and copied my savegames into the Rome folder.
Then I had to turn off the PC and leave.
Few hours later I started my PC again and I wanted to take a closer look at some other factions but I receive the exact same problem again. This time it wasn´t even possible that some game files might get corrupted as my PC was turned off.
Damn it, do I have to reinstall the game every time I want to play another faction or what?

This is just driving me insane...

Pls help me!

[Hellhound1]

Maybe a corrupt save? To be even more superly annoying, can you do a complete re-install again, without copying the saves, check it works, make new saves, restart your computer, and check that works?

[C. Norris]

How can the saves be corrupt if they don´t exist?
I can only reach Romans` campaign map and these save files are working. Else I wouldn´t be able to start or play this campaign.
All other factions:
There are no save files because I couln´t even get to the point where saving is possible. Also in the rare occasions where I could launch a non-Roman campaign I didn´t save anything or ended the turn. So there are also no auto-saves.

Anyways I will go for another install tomorrow and report then.

Edit:
What could be some possible reasons for a savegame to become corrupt? Except the case when you not use the script properly?

[Hellhound1]

After the reinstall I tried to start Rome campaign and a Carthage campaign, both with success. I thought the issue was solved now and copied my savegames into the Rome folder.

Maybe by loading these up, something broke again?

[C. Norris]

This could indeed be the solution. Will keep that in mind and try it tomorrow as I´m too tired for today.
However I still don´t get it why a corrupt Rome savegame which is in its seperate modfolder should interfere with other modfolders that don´t even have savegames. (sounds like quantum physics )

Thx for your advice!

[Hellhound1]

I dont know either, but then it seems lots of random stuff happens.
Ill check back in the morning then, check to see if its worked ^^

[Magefsx]

Same problem- rome works fine with alex.exe, and then when I tried any other faction (albeit using rome.exe this time) I had exactly the same CTD- meaning I cannot find a fix for my submod.... mumble.
Best of luck with fixing this!

[tone]

Where are you installing the multiplayer EDU? Are you installing it in the multiplayer folder in data/_IMPORTANT_STUFF or somewhere else?

Can you upload the export_descr_units.txt file in the main /data folder please? I suspect that what's happening is that the multiplayer EDU is still there, and the reason Rome still works is that it has its own EDU.

[C. Norris]

Ok here´s a new status report for now:

I did another complete reinstall of RS2. This time I haven´t done the MP fix or copied the savegames.
After testing it with several factions, I can confirm: I can now launch other campaigns again. => It works again.
This leaves the following conclusion:
There are only two potential reasons that could have caused the issue:
1) The Multiplayer Fix
2) A Rome savegame that might have become corrupt.

I´m going to test these two cases separated from each other now and will report.

Where are you installing the multiplayer EDU? Are you installing it in the multiplayer folder in data/_IMPORTANT_STUFF or somewhere else?

I followed exactly these steps:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Go to this folder:
D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\_IMPORTANT_STUFF\Single_Player (it's the one used for historical battles, not campaign so don't worry)

Renamed this file:
"export_descr_unit" to "export_descr_unit.old" (to keep it as backup)

Unzip and paste the latest patch into the "D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\_IMPORTANT_STUFF\Single_Player"-folder

Repeat the process for the "D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\"-folder.

After that there is a bat-file called "RS2_RTW" in the main RS II folder. Double-click that one and choose 1.

Can you upload the export_descr_units.txt file in the main /data folder please? I suspect that what's happening is that the multiplayer EDU is still there, and the reason Rome still works is that it has its own EDU.

Do you mean right after using the Multiplayer fix or after trying to start a campaign when the fix is already applied?

[Sebastos Abdes Pantera]

I think this problem was similair to my thread. I could load my current campaigns afterwards, however I could not start up a campaign. However I did the MP fix and thats when it started to happen.

[DarthLazy]

The MP fix only alters historical battles for the SP campaign... it cant be causing it

[C. Norris]

The MP fix only alters historical battles for the SP campaign... it cant be causing it

I wouldn´t be too sure of this statement now!

The next thing I did was copying my Rome saves in the correct folder an trying to launch a non-Roman campaign and it worked.
So now there´s only one possiblity left for me. It has to be the fix. Now I´m heading for testing the fixed EDU.

Btw, Lazy, Have you tried starting a non-Roman camapign with the MP 1.30 fix applied?
Please try it and tell me about your results!

Edit:

Whatever you do guys, the multiplayer patch doesn't go into the Single Player folder - you'll break the game....makes sense doesn't it? The Multiplayer patch would go in the Multiplayer folder.

So this might be the error. If you´re right then GalvanizedIron´s step-by-step-guide for installing the patch is simply wrong and hellhound1´s installer overwrites the wrong files?
This would mean the instruction should be changed.
So the EDU goes not into Single_Player but Multiplayer folder?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Go to this folder:
D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\_IMPORTANT_STUFF\Single_Player (it's the one used for historical battles, not campaign so don't worry)

Renamed this file:
"export_descr_unit" to "export_descr_unit.old" (to keep it as backup)

Unzip and paste the latest patch into the "D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\_IMPORTANT_STUFF\Single_Player"-folder

Repeat the process for the "D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\"-folder.

After that there is a bat-file called "RS2_RTW" in the main RS II folder. Double-click that one and choose 1.

"D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\_IMPORTANT_STUFF\Multiplayer"
I suppose this is the right folder then?

Edit 2:
Just found this post and tried it myself:

I'm wondering whether the multiplayer EDU is remaining in the data folder. Could you upload your export_descr_units.txt file please from after you try and play a single player campaign?

After you've done that, try copying the export_descr_units.txt file from /data/_IMPORTANT_STUFF/Single Player into the main RS2 /data folder.

If my hunch is correct (that the launcher may not be copying the single player EDU back across for campaigns or something liek that), that'll fix it.

After applying the MP fix (into Single_Player folder) I tried launching a campaign but it failed. Then I copied this EDU into the data folder as described and it still crashed. So your assumption is not the final solution.

Afterwards I tried to patch the EDU in the Multiplayer folder like I´ve mentioned in my first edit and restored the Single_player EDU from my backup (export_descr_units.old) and tried launching a campaign but it also crashes.
It seems to me that the MP fixed EDU isn´t compatible with single player campaigns at all and the multiplayer mode has yet to become fully implemented into RS2 with a patch.
At the moment it looks like someone has to have 2 copies of RS2 on his hard drive in order to play both modes sucessfully.

[C. Norris]

Ok here i finally found the solution for this problem:

1) Forget everything that I´ve said about the MP fix that has to be installed in the multiplayer folder instead of the single_player folder. The fix is fine as it is and compatible with other players and GI´s instructions are correct.
Here´s it again:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Go to this folder:
D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\_IMPORTANT_STUFF\Single_Player (it's the one used for historical battles, not campaign so don't worry)

Renamed this file:
"export_descr_unit" to "export_descr_unit.old" (to keep it as backup)

Unzip and paste the latest patch into the "D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\_IMPORTANT_STUFF\Single_Player"-folder

Repeat the process for the "D:\Roma Surrectum II\Data\"-folder.

After that there is a bat-file called "RS2_RTW" in the main RS II folder. Double-click that one and choose 1.

2)
In order to play MP you have to do the MP fix. That means copying an updated EDU file over 2 EDU´s in 2 different folders. This will make the game compatible with the Multiplayer but will break your single player campaigns as they need the "official" EDU files that you have just overwritten with the patched ones (especially the one in the main /data folder).
Therefore it´s absolutely essential to keep the original EDUs as a backups in the same folders by renaming them to something like export_descr_unit.old.

And here comes the crux of the matter:
Everytime you want play single player campaign again you have to manually restore the original EDUs (that you keep as backup) again, e.g. by renaming the patched EDU to export_descr_unit.mp and the original export_descr_unit.old back to export_descr_unit.
This renaming procedure has to be done every single time switching between multiplayer and singleplayer mode.
The sad thing is that this is nowhere mentioned in any of the multiplayer guides! Someone should write this in thick, red, bold letters in a stickied thread!!


I think the reason why I could play Rome camapign is that it seems to have its own EDU and doesn´t rely on the one that becomes altered (not sure though).

I hope this will help people with the same problems.

Edit:
I have attached the original EDU file for those who didn´t make a backup.

~Chuck

[Sebastos Abdes Pantera]

Brilliant work Chuck! I knew something was up with the fix.

[|Sith|Galvanized Iron]

Brilliant work Chuck! I knew something was up with the fix.

If your momma had taught ya to read you would see that it is written plain as day to save a backup in the text Chuck Norris qouted.

[C. Norris]

If your momma had taught ya to read you would see that it is written plain as day to save a backup in the text Chuck Norris qouted.

Thats right! You´ve mentioned to save the backup, however you did NOT mention that you have to switch between the two EDUs every time. That is not as obvious to everybody as it might be for you as there appeared many people with the same problem!!

[Sebastos Abdes Pantera]

If your momma had taught ya to read you would see that it is written plain as day to save a backup in the text Chuck Norris qouted.

I did read everything. No need to insult me. I did save backups, however I did not know I had to change between them every time I wanted to play single player.

[|Sith|Galvanized Iron]

I did read everything. No need to insult me. I did save backups, however I did not know I had to change between them every time I wanted to play single player.

No insul intended, I just got slightly annoyed, don't take it the wrong way.

[tone]

Big apologies on this. I've just seen what the Multiplayer installer does.....and to be honest I'm pretty annoyed about this too.

Basically the multiplayer update installer for some reason overwrites the Single Player EDU and doesn't overwrite the multiplayer one...I'm not sure why this is. Anyway, to restore a working campaign, please install this file in data/_IMPORTANT_STUFF/Single Player.

Again, my sincere apologies about this as I hadn't realised what was going on here.

[|Sith|Galvanized Iron]

Big apologies on this. I've just seen what the Multiplayer installer does.....and to be honest I'm pretty annoyed about this too.

Basically the multiplayer update installer for some reason overwrites the Single Player EDU and doesn't overwrite the multiplayer one...I'm not sure why this is. Anyway, to restore a working campaign, please install this file in data/_IMPORTANT_STUFF/Single Player.

Again, my sincere apologies about this as I hadn't realised what was going on here.

I don't see the reason to be annoyed. I made a post about launcher refusing to launch multiplayer EDU on release day, but none of the team even replied to the topic. So I had no other choice, but to solve this critical problem on my own. I realized the launcher only were able to launch the SP EDU, so replacing the SP EDU was the obvious solution, I did also write in the manual instructions for fixing the MP that they should make a backup of the old EDU.