DCS failing to load - crashes right after authorization

[***Waxer***]

Hi all,

Yesterday, I updated DCS to the current version, and had no problems at all running the sim. I flew for about 3 hours, in multiple sessions, both in flatscreen and VR.

This morning, however, DCS is failing to load. It crashes right after the authorization login. I haven't done anything with my PC since yesterday.

I've followed all the suggestions in the pinned comments in this thread. In particular, today I spent about 3 hours trying to fix things, including running SFC and DISM, doing a clean uninstall of nVidia using DDU, doing a clean install of the current nVidia driver, deleting the shader files, etc. etc. even turning off overclocking of my graphics card. I'm about to turn off OC of my CPU in BIOS as it's the last thing I can think of to attempt. I am going to stop short of doing a windows refresh (for now). I'm really hoping someone has a recommendation.

Attached is a zip file with my DCS log, dumpfiles and DXDIAG text.

It is so weird that it ran perfectly yesterday...and today, nothing.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Waxer

dcs.log-20240131221653.zip

Edited January 31, 2024 by ***Waxer***
Attach zipped log files

[Flappie]

Hi. Someone had a very similar symptom in 2020, but no solution was provided then:

 

Try this step 1 of this guide (Run the DISM and SFC scans)  : https://malwaretips.com/blogs/msctf-dll-what-it-is-how-to-fix-errors/

 

Edited February 1, 2024 by Flappie

[***Waxer***]

Thanks @Flappie for the quick reply. I ran DISM and SFC, and also ran the Windows memory test, and everything came up clean. I am still getting the same crash and the same log file output. I'm going to go back to a system restore point in December and see if that has any effect.

 

Waxer

[Flappie]

I searched for "CtfNotifyIME" on Google. I found some interesting lead:

Quote

- "That’s an unusual crash log… MSCTF is the Windows text input framework… used by things like handwriting reco, speech reco, and some input panels for east asian languages.

Do you have anything like that enabled?"
- "You are a hero! I had speech recognition software set to start on boot. Disabled that option and all is well. Thanks!!!"

Please check.

[***Waxer***]

@Flappie, you are a golden god. I am deeply impressed. Something to do with either speech recognition or speech-to-text was indeed the culprit. Though why the problem would trigger only after a reboot (i.e. overnight) is a mystery. Here's what I did, in case it helps someone else:

1. I checked Startup apps and all the running services. There was nothing obvious in either one that had anything to do with speech recognition, and after I shut all the non-Microsoft apps and services down, the problem still happened, so I turned them all back on again.

2. About 2 years ago I did do some speech recognition training in the speech recognition Windows app. I haven't revisited it in 2 years, but I found and deleted a speech recognition profile it had saved, and turned off every switch I could find in Windows Settings having to do with speech recognition or speech-to-text. There were at least 4 or 5 places where something pertaining to speech or speech-to-text was turned on.

3. About 2 years ago, I was also using SRS Radio and Viacom (though I haven't used either one recently), and the apps were still installed, so I uninstalled them.

Something in Step 2 or Step 3 above was the solution. DCS loaded normally. I'm now re-downloading my purchased modules, but I've tested in both flatscreen and VR in Instant Action and in a Mission and everything seems to be working smoothly.

Can't thank you enough for your help! I really thought this was going to be PC hell.

Cheers,

Waxer

[Flappie]

Great! I appreciate your detailed feedback. I'll add it to the "bank" of solutions.