DCS Crash-Freeze at 10% on Initial Load Screen

[GeoS72]

Yesterday, I encountered a very unusual error that is persistent. When I attempt to run DCS from the launcher, it crashes or freezes at the 10% mark. I ran my DCS log through the Log Analyzer (on Discord) and it said there is an error on Line 77 in the image_search_path.lua file. The analyzer claims there is a nil value on line 77.

If I rename my Saved Games/DCS folder to DCS.old then allow a new one to be built, then DCS will run again. I can also get it to run ONCE after I delete this new saved games folder and revert to my old Saved Games DCS folder.

This mess began when I exited a multiplayer server; the game became unresponsive and displayed a black screen. I had to end the task via Windows Task Manager. When I then reloaded DCS, I got a login error indicating my profile did not load properly and that any paid module was inaccessible. It is also key to note that my default wallpaper reverted to the default Caucasus screen. It was previously set to the Apache wallpaper.

Additionally, I compared an earlier version of the image_search_path.lua file to the current version. They match! So the big question remains: What is the fix for this issue?

FWIW: the affected code of the image_search_path.lua file is as follows:
function addTexturesInMap(a_path)
    for file in lfs.dir(a_path) do
        local b = lfs.attributes(a_path .. '/' .. file)
        if (b.mode == 'file') then    <---This is the offending line according to the DCS Log analyzer.
            mapTextures[file] = 1
        end
    end
end

dcs.log

This is the error that is reported from the DCS Log Analyzer:
Error attempt to index local 'b' (a nil value)
Line 77
Script ./Scripts/image_search_path.lua
If the above errors point to DCS internal files, please conduct a !repair. Otherwise remove the respective unofficial mod.

[GeoS72]

Quick update:

I changed the name of my Saved Games\DCS folder to DCS.old. Then I ran DCS, it built a new Saved Games\DCS folder. I was able to get into the main DCS menu.

Next, I exited the game. I then changed the name of this newly constructed folder to Saved Games\DCS.temp and reverted the folder Saved Games\DCS.old back to Saved Games\DCS.

I then ran DCS and I was able to get back into main menu with all of my settings intact. The screenshots represent what I see when the error happens, create a new saved games folder, and then revert to the original folder.

I also want to point out that I get the same result (crashing at 10%) even after a repair to DCS.

[domin88]

That sounds really frustrating! The issue with your Saved Games folder getting corrupted after the crash seems likely. Renaming it to rebuild helps, but it’s just a temporary fix. Since the image_search_path.lua file is unchanged, it might be corrupted profile data or cache causing the problem. Try verifying game files or reinstalling DCS. Also, check out this link for support tips and user reviews https://2k-support.pissedconsumer.com/review.html. Running the game as admin or updating drivers might help too. Hopefully, you’ll get it fixed soon

Edited May 25 by domin88

[GeoS72]

Here's a quick update: the problem appears to have resolved itself. Don't know how or why. I'd like to leave this open in case anyone else has a similar occurrence or wishes to share their experience/insight.

[GeoS72]

This god-damned game frustrates me to no end! I just want it to work consistently!

The dreaded crash at 10% loading screen came back after updating to the current version of DCS. I had my VPN enabled previously and I was able to log in to DCS. When I attempted to join a multiplayer game, it loaded but then booted me after 30 seconds. That's a separate issue with NordVPN. Please check my NordVPN thread about that boon-doggle.

After disabling NordVPN, I restarted DCS. Aaaaaand it's gone! DCS crashes! I ran the DCS log analyzer and this is what it said in the errors section: Attempt to index local 'b' (a nil value) on Line 77 in ./Scripts/image_search_path.lua

So why is this happening?

dcs.log

[rob10]

Start by removing your mods.  There are errors related to B2 at a minimum.

6 minutes ago, GeoS72 said:

This god-damned game frustrates me to no end! I just want it to work consistently!

The dreaded crash at 10% loading screen came back after updating to the current version of DCS. I had my VPN enabled previously and I was able to log in to DCS. When I attempted to join a multiplayer game, it loaded but then booted me after 30 seconds. That's a separate issue with NordVPN. Please check my NordVPN thread about that boon-doggle.

After disabling NordVPN, I restarted DCS. Aaaaaand it's gone! DCS crashes! I ran the DCS log analyzer and this is what it said in the errors section: Attempt to index local 'b' (a nil value) on Line 77 in ./Scripts/image_search_path.lua

So why is this happening?

dcs.log 60.53 kB · 0 downloads

 

[GeoS72]

Rob,

Thanks for the recommendation. Removed the B-2 mod and still had the same issue. I had to create a new DCS Saved Games profile, start DCS, then exit DCS, change the new DCS Save Games folder and finally restore my original DCS Save Games folder. Then I was able to get past the 10% choke point.