HELP: The Game Simply Will Not Run

[Cosmosis]

I feel like I've tried everything, and was hopeful the 1.20 update would fix my problems...but it has not. Ever since I tried playing Battletech again after a long vacation this summer (last played in June, tried to pick it back up in August), Battletech has refused to run properly.

First, it would not load my saved game (Steam version)

Second, after backing up my saved game to start a new one fresh (to test if the saved game file was corrupted), the game began crashing on load up - it would boot up to the opening cinematic then simply close abruptly (Steam version).

Third, out of desperation, I uninstalled the Steam version and instead installed the game through the Paradox Launcher. It initially worked - yay! But when I tried booting it again to play a new game (and figure out where to transfer my saved game to test it out), it began doing a thing where the screen would seem to load, then minimize to a tiny Windows blue title screen that would not open up no matter what I did. The opening music would play in the background, but eventually the game would crash or I would have to force end it just to get use of my computer back. (Paradox Launcher version).

Fourth, I went into the install folder and loaded up the Battletech launcher. In fiddling with some of the display settings, I could get the game to load. However, even after saving those settings, the game would yet again begin to crash in the same way mentioned in example three above. Changing more of the settings (unchecking or checking the windowed mode option, checking and unchecking the full screen option) MIGHT get the game to begin loading past the opening cinematic, but invariably it would crash again. (Paradox Launcher version).

Fifth, today I installed the new 1.20 update after it came through the Paradox Launcher, and yet again the game continued to crash. I went into the Battletech launcher again, tweaked some settings again including the new Display option to Force Show the window. Started the game - and it actually loaded to the start screen! YAY! But then I tried starting a new game...and it randomly crashed and abruptly closed again without warning.

WHAT IS GOING ON? Anyone else facing all of these issues? I LOVE this game and want to play it more (and ideally continue my saved game) but it will just not work, despite running fine earlier in the summer. Here is what I have done beyond the examples above:
- Posted a bug report here on the forum
- Posted specific questions about the issues I have been facing, here on the forum
- Done all of this on the forum because Harebrained Schemes website and the Paradox website all state to do so.

How do I get some assistance with this issue? I'm so frusturated. Even hearing others are facing these same issues would prove comforting.

Basic tech situation: Running the game on a Windows 10 gaming laptop (ASUS ROG G501JW). The only security software I am running are the default Windows Defender Security Center and the paid version of Malwarebytes.

TL; DR: Long-time Paradox fan, lover of Battletech, damn game won't run know matter what even after it ran fine since it was first released on the same machine.

 

[Edmon]

Have you tried the uninstall cleanly procedure in the modding forum?

This tends to fix most issues, as sometimes a corrupt savegame can cause your game to not run and simply uninstalling it from steam does not help.

 

[Havamal]

https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/foru...h-guide-uninstall-battletech-cleanly.1107546/

 

[Cosmosis]

Thanks Edmon and Havamal. I completed the clean uninstall per the video (which I also think should be posted elsewhere than the Mod forum).
... it did not work.

The first time I ran the game following the clean uninstall, I got the same "Windows frame" crash I described previously, so I went in to the Battletech launcher and turned on the Force Focus option. This led to me successfully booting the game, starting a new campaign, and getting through the intro campaign video. However, as soon as I tried to actually begin the campaign, the game crashed yet again, this time with the "Oops" pop-up window (which I could not see due to the Force Focus option).

Clearly, something in 1.1 and later has gone terribly wrong, and 1.2 has not fixed it (at least for me).

So, what now?

 

[Edmon]

In that same thread with the uninstall procedure, there is a bit about deleting registry entries as part of the uninstall process.

I believe this is required for windows 10, but I don't have windows 10 so I can promise anything. If that doesn't work, post your outputlog.log (from the main game directory) and we'll see if theres any hints as to your problems in there.

 

[AndrewT]

Please attach here the game log (depending on which game version you have):
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\output_log.txt
C:\Program Files (x86)\Paradox Interactive\games\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\output_log.txt
C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG Galaxy\Games\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\output_log.txt


DXDIAG is a program you run from a command prompt or the Windows start menu 'run' dialog box (or 'search programs' in Windows 7 or later). After running it will open a window and start collecting info with a progress bar in the lower-left corner. When it completes click the 'save all information' button and save it to a file then attach that file here.

 

[Rustingbooger]

I have had the same issues. I am tired of dealing with steam's issues. So I went with paradox, but they cant help. something to do with it being in beta. I wont be wasting my money on a game I cant play. If I cant get it to play here soon, I wont ever bother with paradox or hairbrained schemes again.

Too say that I am very disappointed is an understatement. So far, the only company that I have not had any online issues with have been with a russian company and its warship game.

 

[AndrewT]

I have had the same issues. I am tired of dealing with steam's issues.

There is no indication this issue has anything to do with Steam as such.

So I went with paradox, but they cant help. something to do with it being in beta.

Our client is indeed in beta, but does fundamentally work. I can see you were suggested to try running it in Windows Admin mode, which usually helps the downloading problem you had. If you did that and it didn't help, please update the ticket accordingly.

To look at whatever issue you have with the Steam version of this game, please start your own fresh thread and attach the log and dxdiag as I described above. Thank you.

 

[Cosmosis]

Please attach here the game log (depending on which game version you have):
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\output_log.txt
C:\Program Files (x86)\Paradox Interactive\games\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\output_log.txt
C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG Galaxy\Games\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\output_log.txt


DXDIAG is a program you run from a command prompt or the Windows start menu 'run' dialog box (or 'search programs' in Windows 7 or later). After running it will open a window and start collecting info with a progress bar in the lower-left corner. When it completes click the 'save all information' button and save it to a file then attach that file here.

As always, thanks AndrewT. I have attached the output log and the DXDIAG file here. I hope it can help lead to a solution (and just for clarity, in trying to fix the issue, I did a clean uninstall of the Steam version and completely deleted the registry folder for the game and then installed the Paradox version).

 

[AndrewT]

As always, thanks AndrewT. I have attached the output log and the DXDIAG file here. I hope it can help lead to a solution (and just for clarity, in trying to fix the issue, I did a clean uninstall of the Steam version and completely deleted the registry folder for the game and then installed the Paradox version).

The game is trying to run on your Intel video (which is unsupported for this game) instead of the proper nVidia video GPU. No real idea why that should be. Use nVidia Control Panel, Manage 3D Settings, to force BattleTech.exe onto the "high power nVidia" option there.

 

[Edmon]

The game is trying to run on your Intel video (which is unsupported for this game) instead of the proper nVidia video GPU. No real idea why that should be. Use nVidia Control Panel, Manage 3D Settings, to force BattleTech.exe onto the "high power nVidia" option there.

The above will work perfectly, however, if I may suggest something else as well:

If your laptop has twin graphics cards (one on the motherboard, plus your dedicated one) you may find it helpful to disable the onboard one. As you will never use it and it will simply generate conflicts as well as waste system resources.

To do this:

Go to the Control Panel (not that "settings" in windows 10, the real control panel),
Go to "System".
Click "Device Manager".
Find your Intel Onboard Graphics device, right click and select "Disable".

You may also find, that certain motherboards allow you to disable it directly. You'll need to find out how to get into your BIOS on windows 10 to do so. That is actually a better way of doing it, but it's more of a pain in the arse as Windows 10 doesn't allow you to mash F2 (or similar) to get into the BIOS on boot.

Ensure your desktop is correctly using your graphics card to display the screen before you make this change.

 

[Mythanalor]

game ran fine, running several mod. saw notice for new version 1.2 available.

Win10 1803 64bit

Rather than worry about incompatibility, uninstalled game and Deleted Battletech Folder
Re-installed fresh from Steam no mods. - No Mods folder at all
New campaign.
- select custom
- set skip intro. set salvage and payout to highest. -> Start
- Black screen with loading icon and "changing" quotes/tags. game does not appear to freeze/hang but will not progress. kill window after 30min.

Output_log shows anomalous entries all keyed to (Filename: C:/buildslave/unity/build/artifacts/generated/common/runtime/DebugBindings.gen.cpp Line: 51)
- Data.DataManager [ERROR] Request of Type Sprite was given an empty Identifier
- Data.DataManager.LoadRequests [ERROR] manifestEntry is null for [Gear_HeatSink_Generic_Standard_Medium] [HeatSinkDef] - resourceIds are case sensitive so be sure to check that too
- Data.DataManager [ERROR] LoadRequest for Gear_HeatSink_Generic_Standard_Massive of type HeatSinkDef has an invalid manifest entry. Any requests for this object will fail
- Data.DataManager [ERROR] LoadRequest for Ammo_AmmunitionBox_Generic_AC5_double of type AmmunitionBoxDef has an invalid manifest entry. Any requests for this object will fail

 

[Edmon]

game ran fine, running several mod. saw notice for new version 1.2 available.

Win10 1803 64bit

Rather than worry about incompatibility, uninstalled game and Deleted Battletech Folder
Re-installed fresh from Steam no mods. - No Mods folder at all
New campaign.
- select custom
- set skip intro. set salvage and payout to highest. -> Start
- Black screen with loading icon and "changing" quotes/tags. game does not appear to freeze/hang but will not progress. kill window after 30min.

Output_log shows anomalous entries all keyed to (Filename: C:/buildslave/unity/build/artifacts/generated/common/runtime/DebugBindings.gen.cpp Line: 51)
- Data.DataManager [ERROR] Request of Type Sprite was given an empty Identifier
- Data.DataManager.LoadRequests [ERROR] manifestEntry is null for [Gear_HeatSink_Generic_Standard_Medium] [HeatSinkDef] - resourceIds are case sensitive so be sure to check that too
- Data.DataManager [ERROR] LoadRequest for Gear_HeatSink_Generic_Standard_Massive of type HeatSinkDef has an invalid manifest entry. Any requests for this object will fail
- Data.DataManager [ERROR] LoadRequest for Ammo_AmmunitionBox_Generic_AC5_double of type AmmunitionBoxDef has an invalid manifest entry. Any requests for this object will fail

Your install is refering to mods that don't exist, please use the clean uninstall procedure here:
https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/foru...h-guide-uninstall-battletech-cleanly.1107452/

 

[Mythanalor]

(Win10 1803 64bit)

UNINSTALL GAME
- Then Delete Folders -
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\BATTLETECH
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\"YOURID"\ 637090
C:\Users\"YOURNAME"\AppData\Local\ Harebrained Schemes - For some reason, I do not have this. I found a Harebrained Schemes folder in AppData\LocalLow
FOR STEAM USERS : Library, right click BattleTech - Properties - Updates - Steam Cloud - UNCHECK

Regedit : Delete - Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Harebrained Schemes\BATTLETECH

Reinstall
- skip intro, esc to Character background and Callsign - Yay

 

[Cosmosis]

The game is trying to run on your Intel video (which is unsupported for this game) instead of the proper nVidia video GPU. No real idea why that should be. Use nVidia Control Panel, Manage 3D Settings, to force BattleTech.exe onto the "high power nVidia" option there.

Again, AndrewT and Edmon, I appreciate all the help.

So, I went into the NVIDIA 3D settings and told it to only run Battletech.exe using the NVIDIA card, not the Intel graphics...and the game continues to crash. I'll try and record it, but basically what happens EVERY TIME is it loads up to the main menu, and as soon as I try to start a game, it will begin loading, and then basically switch windows to any other running application. I can SEE Battletech running in the background and the icon is on my taskbar, but if I try to do anything with it - click on it, Windows-Tab to it - it will not open. I can hear the music running in the background, but that is all. I then have to find a way to basically force close the game, using either the Task Manager or right-clicking on the icon to close it.

Also, I have the Battletech launcher set to Display with the Windows Mode option checked and the Force Focus checked, because otherwise I get the other error where during loading it just minimizes to an unopenable tiny Window and runs in the background (and is even harder to force close).

Sorry if I sound so frustrated, but I just want the game to work at this point. Forget my saved game!

 

[Edmon]

Again, AndrewT and Edmon, I appreciate all the help.

So, I went into the NVIDIA 3D settings and told it to only run Battletech.exe using the NVIDIA card, not the Intel graphics...and the game continues to crash. I'll try and record it, but basically what happens EVERY TIME is it loads up to the main menu, and as soon as I try to start a game, it will begin loading, and then basically switch windows to any other running application. I can SEE Battletech running in the background and the icon is on my taskbar, but if I try to do anything with it - click on it, Windows-Tab to it - it will not open. I can hear the music running in the background, but that is all. I then have to find a way to basically force close the game, using either the Task Manager or right-clicking on the icon to close it.

Also, I have the Battletech launcher set to Display with the Windows Mode option checked and the Force Focus checked, because otherwise I get the other error where during loading it just minimizes to an unopenable tiny Window and runs in the background (and is even harder to force close).

Sorry if I sound so frustrated, but I just want the game to work at this point. Forget my saved game!

From the main game screen, press the cog in the bottom corner. Check these settings are correct and/or also try windowed mode.

Screenshot attached.

 

[Cosmosis]

From the main game screen, press the cog in the bottom corner. Check these settings are correct and/or also try windowed mode.

Screenshot attached.

Hello again everyone, and Edmon thanks as always for the assistance. I double-checked the graphics settings in the game, and they were fine. I also tried switching to running the game in Windowed mode. Still crashing. I'm giving up at this point.

I do appreciate all of the help, but it seems there is either some sort of huge bug plaguing some of us that HBS is not aware of and/or cannot fix, and that was introduced after the 1.1 update. It's a shame, as this is the most enjoyable game I have played in years. But considering none of the excellent advice here has fixed the issue for me, nor that I can even start a new campaign, I'm out of luck. Fingers crossed a future update gets the game back up and running.

Any reason we cannot reach out to HBS directly about these issues? I noticed everywhere says to leave bug reports here through the Paradox forums (which I've done).

 

[AndrewT]

HBS (who are now part of Paradox BTW) do read these forums, even if you don't get direct replies from them.

Can you see in the output log if the game is now running on the nVidia or still on the Intel?

 

[Cosmosis]

HBS (who are now part of Paradox BTW) do read these forums, even if you don't get direct replies from them.

Can you see in the output log if the game is now running on the nVidia or still on the Intel?

Thanks again, AndrewT! I checked the outputlog.txt file, but it still lists the Intel card, even though I have told it (through the NVIDIA Control Panel) to run it using the Nvidia card. Also, I noticed the last time the file was updated was two days ago, so I am not sure it is updated. Is there a way to manually run the outputlog.txt? The crashes do not always result in the "Oops" window that states the outputlog was updated. And for some reason when I try to run the CrashReporter.exe, it's not doing anything.

 

[AndrewT]

The output_log.txt is recreated every time you try to run the game. Delete it and see if it gets remade.