Paradox launcher shows black window

[AndrewT]

I don't think I've ever seen that launcher problem not be fixed by a clean reinstall with the updated version. You should now have the updated installer files from the steps in post #11 in the Stellaris Steam folder, so can we try the clean reinstall from post #2 again please?

 

[Maximus_Nukeage]

I uninstalled, deleted the folders, ran as admin, and opened Stellaris... black window again.

What are we missing? What could be causing this?

 

[AndrewT]

Could you please do the following? It will generate a debug log that the launcher team can use to "deep dive" into what actually happens with the launcher.


- uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present.

Delete the following folders if still present:

- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Roaming/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

1. Open Run (Windows key + R)
2. Type CMD
3. Enter this: msiexec /i "<PATH TO MSI FILE>" /L*v "<PATH TO LOG FILE.TXT>"


You need to replace the following:

<PATH TO MSI FILE> - This is the location of the .msi file, basically your installation directory
<PATH TO LOG FILE.TXT> - This is where the log file will be placed

So, for example, this is what the above command looks on my computer:
msiexec /i "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\stellaris\launcher-installer-windows.msi" /L*v "C:\log.txt"

After you've run this command, please attach here that log.txt file, thanks.

 

[Maximus_Nukeage]

Could you please do the following? It will generate a debug log that the launcher team can use to "deep dive" into what actually happens with the launcher.


- uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present.

Delete the following folders if still present:

- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Roaming/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

1. Open Run (Windows key + R)
2. Type CMD
3. Enter this: msiexec /i "<PATH TO MSI FILE>" /L*v "<PATH TO LOG FILE.TXT>"


You need to replace the following:

<PATH TO MSI FILE> - This is the location of the .msi file, basically your installation directory
<PATH TO LOG FILE.TXT> - This is where the log file will be placed

So, for example, this is what the above command looks on my computer:
msiexec /i "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\stellaris\launcher-installer-windows.msi" /L*v "C:\log.txt"

After you've run this command, please attach here that log.txt file, thanks.

Log.txt attached

 

[AndrewT]

Thank you very much for that! I've now logged a bug report to the launcher developer on this issue, and attach that log for them.

I can't see what the problem is in that file myself, I'm afraid. It may be the problem doesn't show in there, if it occurs during the launcher running rather than installing, but we'll see. My guess is that this is specific to Windows 7 in some way.

I wouldn't expect a quick response on this due to the annual summer break.

Sorry for that problem!

 

[AndrewT]

A new launcher 2020.10 came out. Please download the installer package for Windows: https://forumcontent.paradoxplaza.com/emailsignatures/2020.10-win-prod.zip


Unpack the file you just downloaded and place the three files in the Steam folder for the game you're having issues with. If asked if you want to replace already existing files click "yes" - that's a sign you are in the right place!

Then:

- exit the Steam app entirely
- uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present.

Delete the following folders if still present:

- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Roaming/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

- run steam.exe as the Windows Admin user

- run the game from the PLAY button in Steam



IF that doesn't help, we need yet another log file try this: In your Steam Library right-click on this game and choose Properties. Click on Set Launch Options, and paste this in there:

--pdxlDebug launch option

Now I'm not 100% sure what file that creates where, but I'm pretty sure it will be in the same place as the other logs C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/ - please send in all log files from that folder.