Layout crashes when loading objects

[PhilCarpenter]

I recently upgraded LightWave on my Mac from 8 to 9. I was shocked to discover that almost everytime I try to load an object, any object, into Layout, it crashes. Modeler seems to work fine, but Layout can't take object loading. I can load a few things, but they're simple primitives. I have no idea what Layout thinks is the difference between good objects and bad ones. Objects straight out of Modeler, or from Content folder, makes no difference. Hub also gets screwed up. Whether Layout crashes or closes normally, Hub refuses to shut down, claiming LightWave processes still running and I have to Force Quit. I have made repeated calls and emails to tech support and have got no results. All we've done is confirm that my system meets all the stated requirements. OS 10.3.9, GeForce4 graphics, 1.25 gig RAM, no viral software. I've tried 9.2 and 9.3.1, no difference. Is there some weird bug Newtek won't tell me about, or some simple tweak, or UFO's, or what???? I've used 9 on PC's and Intel Macs and never saw this. Someone please tell me I'm not crazy.

[OOZZEE]

try deleting your config files ( make back up first ) and then re-try to load the objects. you may have messed them up somehow.... deleting them will be like a fresh start for layout.

1 - make sure they are both closed.
2 - delete the configs ( make a back up first )
3 - start layout
4 - test the object


the only thing is you will not have any installed plugins anymore and may have to re-install them.

[RTSchramm]

If you open the hypervoxel window, does layout also crash? Have you recently installed a new program, or updated the display driver?

I had a similar problem with LW64 on XP Pro 64 where any window I opened inside of Layout would cause a crash. The cause of the crash was a program that I recently installed over wrote a DLL used by various Window programs. The solution was to reinstall the display driver and then reboot the computer. I also deleted ALL lightwave cfg files before rebooting.

Rich

[PhilCarpenter]

Sorry, clearing out config files was no help. I also rebooted the Mac before trying again. I'm really baffled.

No problem with Hypervoxels window, or any window for that matter. Of course, with no objects loaded, there's not much to look at, but opening windows doesn't affect Layout at all.

[PhilCarpenter]

:bangwall: I haven't heard from anybody in a while, and I really need this problem fixed. I've started the project for the client, and have to have some 3D capability. I still have version 8 on my Mac, but it lost all its plugins when I installed 9, and it's not functioning much better than 9. Yes, I deleted all the config files, restarted the machine, and no change whatever. Is there anyone out there who somehow managed to make LightWave work on your machine? If so, tell me your secret.

[Surrealist.]

Try changing the open GL setting for Shading Method. Since you are getting a crash with objects this could be a display issue.

[OOZZEE]

Hi Phil, both versions are still installed ? and you are saying 8 worked before but not after installing 9 ?

how did you delete the config files.... did you delete for 8 and for 9.... were both programs off when you deleted.

can you show a screen shot of the crash if possible.

[PhilCarpenter]

Thanks for the prompt replies. I've already tried setting the OpenGL shading, but only one shading type is available (Multi texture shading).

Correct, I have both 8 and 9 installed. Version 8 was working fine until I installed 9, when I tried using 8 again, many plugins were not available. Many Modeler tools gone, only Targas can loaded or rendered, etc.

I went to Home / Library / Preferences and deleted the half dozen Prefs files - LightWave Layout 9 Prefs, LightWave Extension Prefs, etc. I also cleared up all the makepoly.cfg and such cluttering up a lot of folders. I've never been too clear on where exactly all the config files are, let me know if there are others.

Yes, both programs were off when I deleted files.

Well, it's a bit hard to show a snapshot of the crash, since Layout simply vanishes. The Mac just shows me the generic message that Layout unexpected ended.

[Surrealist.]

Well that might be a problem if you have for some reason gotten those crossed up. I would be sure you know where the configs are going. I know how to check this on windows but not on a mac. But you can check where it is loading the configs from.

I can see from what you have said there about what happened to 8 after 9 that there is a good chance these things got crossed up somehow.

Leave 8 alone for now and don't open it.

Make sure 9 is installed and the configs are all installed in a fresh folder with no other configs. Reinstall if you have to. You want to make sure the cofig from one version is not overwritten by another. And you want to make sure that 9 is not trying to open up the 8 config.

If you can at least confirm that then you have a fresh place to start even if it does not fix it.

Not sure about the GL choices on a mac. On windows there are 2.

[PhilCarpenter]

Unfortunately, I just started on a project for a client, so I have to use 8. The job will last for another week or two. Hopefully, after that I can concentrate on getting 9 working. I've already reinstalled 9 a couple of times, and it crashes every time.

Frankly, I'm not happy that I paid for software which doesn't work and Newtek can't give me a reason why. I'm giving serious thought to switching to Cinema 4D. If I get the money, I'll get a PC and switch to XSI.

[Surrealist.]

Well, I would put things in perspective. You may have a very unique situation. Or you may have overlooked something very obvious. It happens.

When you get through with the job and can afford to spend some time, let's see if we can get it sorted out for you.

[jburford]

Unfortunately, I just started on a project for a client, so I have to use 8. The job will last for another week or two. Hopefully, after that I can concentrate on getting 9 working. I've already reinstalled 9 a couple of times, and it crashes every time.

Frankly, I'm not happy that I paid for software which doesn't work and Newtek can't give me a reason why. I'm giving serious thought to switching to Cinema 4D. If I get the money, I'll get a PC and switch to XSI.


You should not be seeing this at all. Did you go through the proper setup after installing? ie. Scan Plug-ins (using proper/new directory), then alt-F10 and alt-F9 changes to go through, restart and do same for modeler?

Have you contacted Newtek Support? If you own it then they support it will work with you on it. But just posting in her alone is not the way to go. Contact Support let them help you. If you have, try to reach other Mac users of LW 9 here to get any insights to what might help.

Cheers and lots of luck.

[jburford]

Did you wipe the entire install and do a re-install?