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The Diaspora => NetPlay Community => : abitofBaileys December 30, 2007, 12:40:13 PM

When's Melty on Steam?
ahaha that's no--wait, what?
: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys December 30, 2007, 12:40:13 PM
Hi there.

This is not a problem regarding me, but a friend. Whenever he tries to use mbcaster and selects debug (9), then the game won't start. It doesn't say something like "caster and MB not in the same folder" or something similar. It says nothing and freezes until he closes caster.
Furthermore, the CPU usage rises up to more than 90% for mbacPC.exe in this situation.

I gave him hours of advices what he can do, but with no success. We checked the config_caster and everything. We even replaced them with new files. He even reinstalled Melty Blood. The other thought was that some kind of malware forces the cmd up to such a high CPU usage, but this didn't happen. I gave him my pre-configured mbcaster with the INI files but this didn't work either. I even gave him the mbacPC.exe, the cfg.cfg and the app.cfg, but this didn't work, too.

We disabled the Firewall. Even by deselecting it and everything that is not nessesary in the msconfig. We cleaned the registry from auto starts and dubious programs. This didn't help, too.


So. There he is, he can play Melty Blood regulary, but not via mbcaster. Does anyone have an idea what may cause this problem?

Thanks.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Draku December 30, 2007, 02:08:12 PM
Are the contents of the exe folder taken out and put into the main folder instead of just leaving them in the folder?
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys December 30, 2007, 02:14:20 PM
Of course. The files are in the MBAC directory.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mrpinoy December 30, 2007, 02:37:31 PM
did you try yelling at it...


or reinstalling
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys December 30, 2007, 03:10:51 PM
did you try yelling at it...


or reinstalling

He even reinstalled Melty Blood.

The yelling didn't work.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Draku December 30, 2007, 03:22:48 PM
Of course. The files are in the MBAC directory.
I mean, as in... all of the exe folder contents are moved to the main MBAC directory. Not just the exe folder itself moved there.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys December 30, 2007, 03:38:06 PM
Yes, they are. If it were not, it would spit out the message that mbcaster and mbac are not in the same folder.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve December 30, 2007, 04:53:40 PM
Sounds highly likely that you have not properly patched MBAC to 1.03A. MBCaster doesn't do any tests about the current version of the game... Though it should.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys December 30, 2007, 06:24:09 PM
He patched it to 1.03A. That's propably the most weird point about it. =/
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve December 30, 2007, 07:38:48 PM
Don't have the foggiest idea what might be causing it then. As long as MBAC is not running at the time, it is patched up to 1.03a, and there is nothing running in the background that could prevent Caster from doing its magic (gameguard-type things or overzealous system protection software), it should be working fine. MBAC itself shooting up to 90% CPU usage is also baffling, since that shouldn't be able to happen in most of the loops.

Some system information would be helpful in resolving this here.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Ken_Deep December 31, 2007, 05:30:06 AM
Melty Blood and BigBang Beat are the only games that are installed on my PC.(Yeah, I'm  the "friend" :P)

CPU System:
AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor
3000+
1.81 GHz, 512 MB RAM

The weird thing is, that it worked a month ago. And the only thing I changed  was my screen.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: motoh December 31, 2007, 05:38:31 AM
You've run it in singleplayer since, yes?  also, when you run the MBCaster, does the MBACPC window open, or does it just list the process?

~M
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Ken_Deep December 31, 2007, 06:34:25 AM
You've run it in singleplayer since, yes?  also, when you run the MBCaster, does the MBACPC window open, or does it just list the process?

~M
I've run it in singleplayer, yes. And it works. Only mbcaster doesn't work.
It's just listing the process.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve December 31, 2007, 07:52:33 AM
I was hoping for something more along the lines of OS information.

Anyhow, try this build. (http://mauve.sandwich.net/misc/MBCaster-debug.zip) It's no different from my other builds except that it has extra debugging information printed out. If you can tell me where it hangs/explodes, that would be a big help.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Ken_Deep January 01, 2008, 02:09:59 PM
When I'm using DebugMode on your client, this is written:
debug: WaitForIni<>

And that's it. That happens.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve January 01, 2008, 09:13:16 PM
Seriously? That's pretty messed up. Like, along the lines of, "Your system is directly getting in the way of Caster working."

I haven't a clue what's doing that but if it bombs THAT early then the debugging hooks it uses didn't properly take hold and/or messed up the program, which should not be possible if you are running MBAC v1.03A. Therefore something is interfering with it. What it might be, I really don't know, and I can't think of anything at the moment to more directly track it down.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Evenshade February 13, 2008, 04:55:43 PM
He's not the only one suffering from this problem at the moment *grumbles*
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Deer February 13, 2008, 09:19:27 PM
He's not the only one suffering from this problem at the moment *grumbles*
Exact same problem?

What are your Computer/OS specifications?
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: anam February 20, 2008, 06:47:17 AM
Actually I've been having similar problems although I get it to work. The problem (for me) is that once MBAC has been started by caster that process is never terminated. Even though the game itself has shutdown the process is still present in the process list of the task manager. Trying to start MBAC again using caster results in a new process being spawned. I'm guessing that the standard MBAC behavior in that case is not to start so the new process is left hanging alongside the old one. My workaround is to restart caster, this kills all processes started via caster. The problem Ken is having might be connected to this, dunno.

I'm personally running Win X64 and I've been toying with the idea that this might be causing the problem but I'm not that familiar with the differences between XP and X64 to take it further than that. I'm guessing caster "attaches" itself to the MB process and reads/feeds it input, it could be the "detachment" that's not working as intended that keeps the process up. Just random rambling from my part though ;)
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Ken_Deep March 08, 2008, 01:27:54 PM
Hello. Long time no see.

Finally, after so many months, I found some hope. I found some hope to get some beatings from my friend here again.

The hope is, what you may find paradox, an error message. Why? Because it never said something like that.

There's only one problem...
http://npshare.de/files/36/8237/lol.PNG
WHATTHEHELL does it say? XD

I would be glad if you could help.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys March 08, 2008, 03:38:13 PM
As I explained you in the PN, you have to put the CD in first.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Ken_Deep March 08, 2008, 03:44:41 PM
As I explained you in the PN, you have to put the CD in first.
Wops. Seems like I forgot to put it in. Damn.
Since I put the CD in, it's the same as before. damnit.

However, I tried the debug-build again and something strange happened. He came with massive "FATAL ERROR: Access violation at 0x050A712F"-message-spam.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: anam March 10, 2008, 02:41:52 AM
Access violation? I've never seen that with mbcaster though I've never tried the debug version. That means that someplace in the program an attempt to write to invalid memory is done. To help Mauve debug this you could post the whole message and any debug messages printed before it crashes.

(Assuming it is mbcaster that crashes since you mention debug mode, if it's MB then there's something that ain't right at all...)
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 10, 2008, 01:55:11 PM
I updated the debug build to have additional information printed. That's all there is to it.

That being said, I haven't a clue. The access violation line says it explodes in a DLL somewhere - which does indeed say to me that it is something regarding stuff installed in Vista. But, unfortunately, that doesn't tell me what, and I'm not sure how to find the information on that. But if it is taking place in a DLL, it doesn't really make any sense to me that Caster would interfere with it, since pretty much none of the hooks override or interfere with any of the DLL things. At best it might be getting confused at configuration values.

So I don't know for the time being. Vista sucks.


: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Ken_Deep March 11, 2008, 09:19:07 AM
Well, I actually only have downloaded the Vista Style Preview for WindowsXP. And I can clearely remember that I wasn't able to play online since I installed the style. Maybe that's the reason? I couldn't think of something better. Then there is only one problem: I don't know how to uninstall the style, and as far as I remember, it said it would overwrite certain datas.

I am also missing my windows-install CD, so reinstall windows won't work.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys March 11, 2008, 09:24:15 AM
The thing is, I have this visual style, too and it's working here. But there might be uncommon interferences in his computer. I once bought a nVIDIA GPU and it simply didn't work with my mainboard. It's a mistery (not pictured).
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 20, 2008, 06:34:23 AM
Seems Vista SP1 is causing hell on Caster.

Thanks, Microsoft.

I'll be looking into that today, blargh.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 20, 2008, 01:51:55 PM
Problem is only for IaMP Caster. Has nothing to do with MBAC's Caster problems.

Well, if someone's got problems with MBAC's Caster, contact me on IRC, I'm idling away on EFNet.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Karavision March 25, 2008, 07:05:05 PM
Hey, I am having a problem like this as well. I am running Vista, but have not updated sevice packs. Melty runs without a hitch single payer but when I try and start the Caster program; It runs, I choose debug and Melty starts up. It gets no further than creating a tab at the bottom task bar before windows gives me an error message stating that the program has stopped running. Then it gives me the option to shut it down. No Idea why it does this.

 Any Ideas? I know that it is patched to 1.03.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 26, 2008, 03:12:12 PM
Do any of you go to IRC somewhere? This is something I'd rather deal with in a more direct manner than over forums, as this has been getting me absolutely nowhere.

I probably have an MBCaster build on the way soon anyhow as a rather critical port bug was pointed out to me the other day, but if I can get this fixed at the same time that would be good shit.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Karavision March 26, 2008, 05:22:36 PM

I have IRC. Just tell me where to go.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 26, 2008, 10:53:02 PM
Hop by irc.mizuumi.net #seriousbusiness sometime and PM me or say my name or something to get my attention. I'm available most of the time up until about 2am or thereabouts, if I don't respond then wait awhile.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Karavision March 27, 2008, 06:20:16 PM
Sorry to be a dork, but which server to I connect to initially to get to that room? I am using MIRC and have never used it before.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 27, 2008, 10:44:32 PM
irc.mizuumi.net , it won't be in the default listings, so you'll have to add it yourself. Or, when you get to the server window, you can just enter: /server irc.mizuumi.net
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 29, 2008, 12:08:39 PM
Any day now, guys.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 29, 2008, 08:55:59 PM
Having finally dealt with some people with issues on Vista now... It seems that the 1.03A patcher has problems with some installs there.

Please run the game normally and check the version number on the top of the setup window that pops up first. It should be 1.03A. Don't trust the patcher itself. Additionally, mbacPC.exe should be 842,448 bytes.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: abitofBaileys March 30, 2008, 10:57:50 AM
Hm, I have no problems but my mbacPC.exe is 872,488 bytes large. Mistype at your place or is my MB weird? =0
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve March 30, 2008, 11:21:50 AM
Er.. Yeah, 872488. Brainfart.

If that still isn't the problem I'm still saying get your butts on IRC and contact me so I can fix it.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Sexy Mallard March 30, 2008, 10:24:11 PM
hey, im having a problem too, I got a new computer recently (custom built) and I know that the patch is installed before i installed netplay, however, Im having the same problem as anyone in the thread, game works flawlessly but I cant seem to play online  :mystery:, here is my pic.

Im running Windows XP on a 2.14Ghz Dual Core Processor with 2 gigs of ram and a nvidia 3856135631 card (forgot but its really nice but not 9800 or anythin)

thanks in advance.

(http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6293/43252040oz3.jpg)
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: mauve April 03, 2008, 01:14:45 AM
Well someone FINALLY came onto IRC to help debug this. No one who's posted here, of course. Thanks for the help, guys. This is why it never gets anything fixed. Hell, maybe I should just link to the webchat (http://chat.mizuumi.net/irc.cgi) to get the point across.

Anyway. I spent a couple hours on it but couldn't find the source of the problem itself, because it's not Caster. I can remove everything Caster does except for the most basic, trivial of debugging hooks, and MBAC still explodes. That means that running the program in a debugger period causes this problem. So, as I suspected, something in the system itself is getting in the way of Caster working. But I still don't have a clue what, and I don't have a clue how to fix this problem at this time. Perhaps someone feels like braving the horrors of OllyDbg and seeing what they can turn up through it.

I'll do more research some other time, it's getting much too late now...

Edit: Idea came to me late at night. Try this build. This is completely untested, it might blow up, you're warned. Didn't work, never mind.
: Re: mbcaster doesn't run mbacPC~
: Sexy Mallard April 08, 2008, 08:15:19 PM
Well someone FINALLY came onto IRC to help debug this. No one who's posted here, of course. Thanks for the help, guys. This is why it never gets anything fixed. Hell, maybe I should just link to the webchat (http://chat.mizuumi.net/irc.cgi) to get the point across.

Anyway. I spent a couple hours on it but couldn't find the source of the problem itself, because it's not Caster. I can remove everything Caster does except for the most basic, trivial of debugging hooks, and MBAC still explodes. That means that running the program in a debugger period causes this problem. So, as I suspected, something in the system itself is getting in the way of Caster working. But I still don't have a clue what, and I don't have a clue how to fix this problem at this time. Perhaps someone feels like braving the horrors of OllyDbg and seeing what they can turn up through it.

I'll do more research some other time, it's getting much too late now...

Edit: Idea came to me late at night. Try this build. This is completely untested, it might blow up, you're warned. Didn't work, never mind.

is this for the problem I posted? if so, thanks for trying.