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Chris Djali edited this page Jan 7, 2020 · 39 revisions

This page is an attempt to dive deeper into some common issues and solutions.

Before assuming this is a problem with MO2 please make sure to:

  • Test running things outside Mo2.
  • Testing on a new empty profile (select DefaultGameSettings when creating it)
  • Making sure you don't have leftover mods in your actual game folder and data folder that could cause crashes.
  • Have correct version of script extender for the correct version of the game, as well as all the script extender mods being up to date as well.
  • Disabling Antivirus.
  • Completing Windows Updates.
  • Rebooting PC (using the actual "Restart" option, not shutdown, or it will not help).
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List of possible issues

Form 43 warning

  • Upgrade your plugin files using the Creation Kit

  • Failed to start process (the parameter is incorrect [87])

  • Check the options for the executable
  • Disable anti-malware and anti-virus programs

  • My mods don't show up in the game / LOOT / Wrye Bash / xEdit!

  • Make sure you are running the game/tool using MO2
  • Restart your PC
  • Disable anti-malware and anti-virus programs
  • Do not clear the Windows system log
  • Check the Windows Event Log service
  • Check for pending Windows updates

  • Switching profiles causes MO2 to crash!

  • Disable anti-malware and anti-virus programs

  • I have an Alienware/Dell computer and MO2 crashes!

  • Update or uninstall Alienware/Dell software

  • Bodyslide failed to load setup.xrc / BodySlide.xrc file!

  • Disable anti-malware and anti-virus programs

  • Skyrim SE or SKSE64 crashes when launched through MO2!

  • Block Skyrim SE in your firewall

  • List of possible solutions

    Form 43 warning

    The form 43 warning typically involves Skyrim LE plugins that were ported to a Skyrim SE install. The latest version of plugin files that was released on LE was 43, while SE has a newer version 44. Sometimes, the game is able to load older records and so this may not be an issue, however, it is typically ideal to upgrade the plugin files to the latest version.

    To do so, you will need to install the Skyrim SE Creation Kit. Instructions are here. This will need to be added to Mod Organizer 2 as an executable. It can typically be auto-detected, to restarting MO2 may be all that you need to do.

    Launch the CK via MO2. Once the GUI has finished loading, you will need to use the 'Open' dialog to select the plugin that you wish to upgrade. Right click the plugin and select it as the 'primary' plugin and make sure the box has an X. Once this is done, hit OK to load the plugin into the CK. This process can take quite some time, and there may be a lot of warnings. You can usually just ignore these.

    The CK will generally automatically upgrade the form version simply by resaving the plugin, however you often need trigger the CK to flag the plugin as being changed first. The easiest way to do this is to find a record stored in the plugin file, typically marked by an asterisk (*). You can add a letter to a record name, change it back, and it will then be marked as having a change. Simple save the plugin and the form should now be updated to version 44.


    Disable anti-malware and anti-virus programs

    USVFS hooks into the programs you run through MO2. To many anti-malware programs, this can look like a nefarious action. Many of these program will interfere with MO2 or USVFS with absolutely no indication to the user. Adding exclusions or exceptions to the entire MO2 installation folder, not just the executable, may allow MO2 and USVFS to work correctly. Some particularly stubborn programs seem to not respect exclusions and may need to be completely uninstalled.

    Note: Not all users will be affected by this in the same way.

    Note: This list is non-exhaustive. This only includes programs we've seen interfere.

    Acronis

    Some versions of Acronis backup software include anti-ransomware protection. Adding an exclusion for ModOrganizer.exe should work. Last reported: 2018-08-03.

    Avast

    No details available.

    Bitdefender

    Adding exclusions for the entire MO2 installation folder works for some users. Other users have had to completely uninstall Bitdefender. Last reported: 2018-08-01.

    Malwarebytes

    No details available.

    VIPRE Advanced Security

    Adding exclusions for the entire MO2 installation folder works for some users. Other users have had to manually specify exclusions for each executable in the MO2 installation folder. Last reported: 2018-12-29.

    Windows Defender

    No details available.


    Check the options for the executable

    In the Modify Executables dialog, double-check the "start in" and "arguments" fields for the executable having problems. The possible problems are too numerous to list here. If you're not sure what they should be, maybe ask in the Discord channel.


    Check the Windows Event Log service

    For currently unknown reasons, the Windows Event Log service can be critical to properly hooking some programs like LOOT, Wrye Bash, and xEdit. As of version 2.1.4, MO2 will warn the user of a busted event log service when running an executable.

    To check the state of the service, open the Windows start menu and type "Services". Find the "Windows Event Log" service in the list. The status should be "running" and the startup type should be "automatic". If they are not in this state, double-click the service to bring up the properties. Change the startup type in the drop-down menu, hit apply, and then hit the start button.

    If the service refuses to start, something could be wrong with Windows logs. Fixing this is out of the scope of this wiki. One user has reported success by deleting the logs located somewhere in the C:\Windows folder.


    Do not clear the Windows system log

    For currently unknown reasons, the Windows system log can cause problems if it has been cleared. This can happen if it's done manually with the Windows Event Viewer or if it's done automatically with a tool like CCleaner. Any time the system log is cleared, your PC must be restarted for MO2 to work properly.

    In the case of CCleaner, this should be able to be avoided by disabling the "Advanced > Windows Event Logs" option.


    Update or uninstall Alienware/Dell software

    A crash in this manner is usually caused by a program that creates overlay icons on files. This is an incompatibility between these programs and Qt, the GUI framework used by MO2.

    A known offender of this is software for Alienware or Dell computers that may be called Alien Respawn or Dell Backup and Recovery. This comes stock on many of their computers. Installing the most recent version of this software should resolve the issue. Alternatively, uninstalling the software should also fix the issue.

    Hopefully useful information: https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln297423/dell-backup-and-recovery-18-overview-and-install?lang=en


    Block Skyrim SE in your firewall

    Skyrim SE has an annoying bug where it can crash when able to connect to the internet. For some reason, launching the game through MO2 can cause this issue to occur, even if it doesn't occur when the game is launched outside of MO2. To confirm this is an issue, I suggest you disable your entire internet connection and try again. Pull the Ethernet cable. Disable your WiFi antenna.

    If the game launches successfully in that state, block anything remotely related to the game from the internet. That includes the game itself (SkyrimSE.exe), the Creation Kit (CreationKit.exe), and even SKSE64 (skse64_loader.exe). You can do this with Windows Firewall. On Windows 10, you'll want to use the app "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security."


    Check for pending Windows updates

    Another one where we're not quite sure why it matters. May be related to the Windows event logging stuff. Install any updates you have pending.