Hi all,
I've got a problem loading the activities in the StLNA. When I load any of the default activities supplied with the route, all I get is the opening screen but no activity description box, and a stalled cursor. I've looked at the activities in Conbuilder and the only equipment showing completely is the loco and tender. the rest of the consist is shown as a description only. And yet the rolling stock shows up in the list with no errors given. I have run this route successfully before straight out the box, the only thing different is I updated to MSTS BIN 1.7.1022. Has any one got a solution?
Alaskan 02

Hello alaskan02:

I am making an assumption that you are the same customer that emailed me today concerning this? If so, I would like to address your issue here so I can (hopefully) receive additional input by those with more computer knowledge than I posses.

You said you "reloaded" the StLNA onto your laptop. What operating system does the laptop use? Is it 32 or 64 bit technology?

This sounds like an incomplete installation. However, the StLNA exe installer has successfully installed the StLNA many, many times on computers all over the world. How did the StLNA get onto your laptop? (i.e. cut/paste from your other computer, reused your StLNA CD, download, etc?)

We'll start with these questions and go from there. I've got a feeling we'll get you going again, if not by me, then hopefully other VSC customers that stop in for a visit.

Any input from some of you others? Questions to ask?

Hi Andre,
My laptop has Vista Home Edition 32 bit. I installed StLNA off my CD. I ran it on this machine last year.

I have no problems like this with any route that is in my main MSTS folder. I do have a similar problem with my PRR mini route install, manifest by having consists that are missing cars, but the cars are not actually missing. To overcome this I have to either remake the consist in Conbuilder, or use the TS editors to do the same.

The problem is caused by the way Vista treats programs and folders. The fact that you ran it last year does not really mean anything. Microsoft keeps moving the goalposts with Vista and Win7 which causes them to do things differently.

Taking full control of the MSTS folders is one step in the right direction, thereby reducing the operating systems hold on your files.

Hi,
I attempted to rebuild the loose consists in the activities but Conbuilder won't save the changes, and AE won't save the name or the display name. The name box is blank and the display name box has "loose consist" in it. This problem only seemes to affect the loose consists.
Regards,
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Just to continue this string; I've just purchased West Colton from 3DTrainstuff/DieselsWest SP Pack 1&2, and I'm having the same problem running activities. Is anyone else experiencing this problem?
Regards,
Gerry Wayman

Hello

I don't have the route in question or Vista, I'm still happily plugging along with XP Pro.

I have seen quite a few "Vista problems" threads in the Train-Sim forums, perhaps you could browse through them to see if you see an answer that will solve your problem. Now that you see a similar problem in multiple routes, I do suspect an Operating System problem rather than Vista.

You could try uninstalling MSTSbin as it does sound like that started this problem. To uninstall, look in the "Train Simulator" directory for the MSTSbin uninstaller. Do NOT run a Microsoft uninstaller as that will definitely mess up MSTS and leave you without a train.exe program among other problems.

If removing MSTSbin does solve the problems then look for info about how others successfully install MSTSbin.

You do have a system and/or a MSTS backup I hope. Sometimes a restore can be helpful.

GaryG

Thanks to all for input in this thread.

Alaskan:

Just happened to remember...

How many consists are in your "CONSISTS" folder? There is a limit. When that limit is reached, MSTS starts experiencing many types of errors.

With Vista, unless the program is a true windows app, all exe files that interface with another program must be run as administrator. In this case we have the AE and Conbuilder both making changes that do not take. If you are using Launcher, open the Properties window and under the Compatibility tab, set it to run as Administrator, same for the Conbuilder exe. While you are at it, do the same for train.exe.

Hi Andre,
Thanks for the tip. The upside of this was I got the activities to run in West Colton, which I was having the same problem with. The downside is I still have the problem with StLNA. I'm going to make sure I am running all the applications as administrator as per comment by "copperpen".
Regards,
Alaskan 02
Thanks to all for input in this thread.

Alaskan:

Just happened to remember...

How many consists are in your "CONSISTS" folder? There is a limit. When that limit is reached, MSTS starts experiencing many types of errors.
[/quote]

To all in this string,
Have finally cracked it. I think it was too much demand on the graphics/ram memory. I've backed up all my consists, rolling stock and trainsets and took them off my hard drive. I was already running all applications as administrator but as lots of people have said before, MSTS does'nt like Vista. Thanks to everybody for your help.
Alaskan02
Hi Andre,
Thanks for the tip. The upside of this was I got the activities to run in West Colton, which I was having the same problem with. The downside is I still have the problem with StLNA. I'm going to make sure I am running all the applications as administrator as per comment by "copperpen".
Regards,
Alaskan 02
Thanks to all for input in this thread.

Alaskan:

Just happened to remember...

How many consists are in your "CONSISTS" folder? There is a limit. When that limit is reached, MSTS starts experiencing many types of errors.
[/quote]