Horizons Can't play anymore

Mike Reacher · Apr 1, 2017

I submitted a ticket, but want to ask if other players have, or are having this problem.

Yesterday and today I could start the game, but then it would go for a minute ore so, then Unable to connect etc.

The last effort was I can't even log onto the game.

I'm in Australia and my game version is V.2014.11.26.51787
I thought, being an online game, everyone would have the same version.

Shadowdancer · Apr 1, 2017

Mike Reacher said:
I'm in Australia and my game version is V.2014.11.26.51787 [emphasis mine, SD]

I thought you Aussies were a few hours ahead, not two years and change in the past?

Anyway, go to https://www.elitedangerous.com/ and download the current launcher version (at the top right under "downloads", the first small one should suffice), it is apparently possible to get stuck with an old launcher which can cause issues.

(edit) Current version at the bottom of the launcher when selecting "Elite Dangerous Horizons (64bit)" should be "V 2017.01.05.131484 0.4.5912.0 (0.4.5499.0 server) FD"

Mike Reacher · Apr 2, 2017

Shadowdancer said:
I thought you Aussies were a few hours ahead, not two years and change in the past?

Anyway, go to https://www.elitedangerous.com/ and download the current launcher version (at the top right under "downloads", the first small one should suffice), it is apparently possible to get stuck with an old launcher which can cause issues.

(edit) Current version at the bottom of the launcher when selecting "Elite Dangerous Horizons (64bit)" should be "V 2017.01.05.131484 0.4.5912.0 (0.4.5499.0 server) FD"

Thanks for the help.
Since I have apparently done 2 threads, I will ask this here.
My old launcher is: C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\Steam\
then 2 files are in that last folder. They are SteamService.dll and SteamService
I click on SteamService and it wants to run the old launcher setup.

The new download wants to do something a little different: C:\Program Files(x86)\Frontier\EDLauncher

I feel I should completely remove the launcher stuff before I install the new one. Is this correct?

And another important question, why doesn't the launcher update automatically?

Perditrix · Apr 2, 2017

Mike Reacher said:
Thanks for the help.
Since I have apparently done 2 threads, I will ask this here.
My old launcher is: C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\Steam\
then 2 files are in that last folder. They are SteamService.dll and SteamService
I click on SteamService and it wants to run the old launcher setup.

The new download wants to do something a little different: C:\Program Files(x86)\Frontier\EDLauncher

I feel I should completely remove the launcher stuff before I install the new one. Is this correct?

And another important question, why doesn't the launcher update automatically?

Hi Mike, yes make sure all ED files are removed b4 u reinstall, https://support.frontier.co.uk/kb/faq.php?id=72&q=launcher Don't forget to save your key binds
gl

Mike Reacher · Apr 2, 2017

Thanks Perditrix. Support asked for NetLogs, so I'll wait till their end is cleared up.
I sent them the netlogs, and mentioned the launcher versions with my reply.
Like said about windows. Maybe it puts the files in the right place, but all my pathways are different to every pathway in the ED FAQs. (weird)[wacko]

Perditrix · Apr 2, 2017

Np, hope it gets sorted, where in ozz r u? i'm in adelaide

Mike Reacher · Apr 2, 2017

Dubbo, NSW.

In my Control Panel, I have Elite Dangerous. I don't have Elite Dangerous Launcher. I think that I will be deleting the whole game.
Do you have a suggestion for saving the saves?
In my Elite Dangerous saved games there are a list of journals. I don't think they are the saves.

What is the weather like, down there? We had hot summer on Thursday I think then from Friday we seem to have gone to a cold Autumn or a cool winter.

Edit: Do I need help to save keybinds?

Perditrix · Apr 2, 2017

Uninstall Ed, through Steam right click on ED in the library and choose Uninstall from the drop sown menu, otherwise uninstall from ur OS Control Panel > Programs. Save ur key binds, this is my path, C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Frontier Developments\Elite Dangerous\Options\Bindings make sure u have "Show hidden files selected" can be found in Appearance and Personalisation in Win 8.1. Open the "Custom 1.8" file and where it says PresetName="change the name here" then save it and copy or drag it to a new folder, after re installing Ed drop that file in the Binds folder, u should see it in the Controls drop down menu with what u named it. You don't have to worry about saved games, it's all on the server.
SAVE ur K/Binds b4 uninstalling.
The weather hasn't been too bad lately we had a hot day last week got to 37c since the its been mild, but warming up again this week
PS Notepad will open the binds file

Shadowdancer · Apr 2, 2017

The stuff in "Saved Games" is the commander journal JSON files, they aren't immediately necessary for the game itself, but they contain your history since 2.2 or so. Keybinds and other stuff are saved in %APPDATA%.

If you're running the game through Steam, I don't have the slightest idea how that handles the launcher itself.

Normally, the launcher would maintain the game installation inside "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Frontier_Developments", but you can move the installation by having a "Products" folder in the launcher installation (where EDLaunch.exe lives) like this (EDLaunch.exe is in Frontier\EDLaunch, and that would also be the setup location):

Mike Reacher · Apr 2, 2017

Shadowdancer, I don't have EDlauncher or the product folder on my PC.

I will probably have to go through Steam for this job.

I also have been looking at reinstalling dt net framework, but the internet tells me if it has an error it will message me, so I feel that is one thing that is cool.

One thing that Support has on a page is to not put the game in Progams or Programs(x86)

I'll keep my eye on your helpful hints after support gives a verdict.

Thanks all!

Shadowdancer · Apr 2, 2017

Search your system for a file called "EliteDangerous64.exe", that should take you to the products.

Installing things in Windows's "Programs" folders means it takes elevated privileges to update them (so the launcher would need admin rights to update the game), and it also gives those programs access to elevated privileges, both are not optimal for games.

Mike Reacher · Apr 3, 2017

Hi Shadowdancer,
I did the search as suggested. I have found
D:\Steam\steamapps\common\Elite Dangerous\Products\elite-dangerous-64\EliteDangerous.exe.watchdog

and
D:\Steam\steamapps\common\Elite Dangerous\Products
Where this products folder is I also have EDLaunch dated 15/11/2016 and EDLaunch.exe dated 15/12/2015

This products folder contains folders:
COMBAT_TUTORIAL_DEMO
elite-dangerous-64
FORC-FDEV-D-1010
Just thought I'd throw that info in in case it is different from yours. I don't know why search last night didn't find it.

I better ask now, before I lose anything, how do I protect my save?

And take a few reps.

I now have the same launcher version as you, Shadowdancer.

Shadowdancer · Apr 3, 2017

OK, so at least now we know where everything lives, but just to make sure of some things because, as I said, I'm not sure how Steam handles things (or if it is even relevant to your problem, but that version is really, really outdated!), could you please start the launcher, select the 64bit Horizons game version, and take a screenshot of the bottom part of the launcher window showing version information? You can't even play with a game version that old, so something's amiss.

Your data is fine, commanders are server-side anyway, all that's local are your client settings, visited systems, and journal which are stored in your Windows user profile. If you are using custom HUD colours, you know what you edited

The folders inside Products are:

COMBAT_TUTORIAL_DEMO: training missions
elite-dangerous-64: 64bit game (base and Horizons)
FORC-FDEV-D-1010: 32bit base game

and you normally only need one, but Steam downloads them all because value

If you are fine with running the game outside Steam, you can download the standalone launcher ("Downloads" at the top right of https://www.elitedangerous.com/en/), install it anywhere you like, and move or copy the game files you need to the new install location.

Mike Reacher · Apr 3, 2017

The launcher version is 2017.01.05.131484 0.4.5912.0 (0.4.5499.0) FD

I tried to play the game after installing this launcher, but still the game loads, wont frameshift and eventually says "can't connect to Transaction Server"

Maybe a complete uninstall of the game might help.

Support is looking at my Internet Report, but if I can load and fly around and log onto anything and everything I hardly see how it could be a connection problem.

Shadowdancer · Apr 3, 2017

Uh OK, so that version is fine, where'd you get the 2014 line from?

Looks more like a general network issue then.

The servers are generally located in Ireland, maybe your ISP has some issues routing to that Amazon region.

Mike Reacher · Apr 3, 2017

Shadowdancer said:
Uh OK, so that version is fine, where'd you get the 2014 line from?

Looks more like a general network issue then.

The servers are generally located in Ireland, maybe your ISP has some issues routing to that Amazon region.

Your first comment where you said Aussies are 2 years behind.
Today, I downloaded and installed the latest launcher.
I am waiting for a networking comment from Support.
I don't see how it could be a network issue as every other networking action I take is fine.
If they don't find anything, then I will have to do a complete uninstall of the whole game, launcher, files and any Elite junk.

And then install again. So far that seems to be the action that is getting closer and closer.

I don't think you can help me anymore, so thanks. I'll wait for support and then take it from there.
My game is through Steam. And people have said Saves are in a cloud, so I suppose I don't have to worry about that.
One thing more. I am going to load the game, NOT supercruise, and see if my ship goes on and on. Just occurred to me that if it does go on, then the adjudication server must be at fault.

Cheers and thanks.

Mike Reacher · Apr 3, 2017

Major update to this problem.

I started the game, ship is already in space, and I did not use wake. The ship has been flying fine for 40 minutes.

The problem is obviously the change from normal flight to cruise.

Everything is fine regarding the ship. Guns, sensors, all work okay. That damn server that pushes you into wake mode has to be the problem.

An hour and thirty minutes now. Time to press J and see what happens.
Low wake to outpost and landed, but actions were very slow. The ship took a long time to straighten. The fuel and repair sliders took a long time to get their act together.
Logged off to desktop. Took about 45 seconds.

Shadowdancer · Apr 3, 2017

Mike Reacher said:
Your first comment where you said Aussies are 2 years behind.

That was based on you writing this in your OP:

Mike Reacher said:
my game version is V.2014.11.26.51787

Where did you get that version from?

Mike Reacher · Apr 4, 2017

Shadowdancer said:
That was based on you writing this in your OP:

Where did you get that version from?

That old version was what I had been playing with, until you mentioned it was 2 years and change, old.
I updated to the new launcher with your advice.

Still can't play.

Para Handy · Apr 4, 2017

Mike Reacher said:
...................

My game is through Steam. And people have said Saves are in a cloud, ..................

You can start the launcher direct, bypassing Steam - just to give you something else to try really. Either search for EDLaunch.exe or navigate to your steam library / steamapps / common / Elite Dangerous directory and launch EDLaunch.exe from there.

We had issues recently with the Launcher being unresponsive but they seemed to have fixed that (server-side bug). There is a potential fix for network issues that F D gave us some 16 months ago, to do with MTU changes. It doesn't sound like your problem but again, you can give it a go if you like: https://support.frontier.co.uk/kb/faq.php?id=265

Game saves are held on Frontier's servers so no worries there mate if your PC ever busts a plug.

(Sorry for the poor attempt at Aussie, it's late and I should really have gone to bed.

)