SH4 won't start after recent Win10 update

[billkunert]

I've been successfully running SH4 on a Dell Inspiron 15-5501 with a 10th gen I 7 and 12 gig of ram and 64 bit Win 10. Microsoft recently updated Win 10 and since then SH4 won't start. I've removed and reinstalled it with no success. I found a supposed cure on YouTube about changing thr resolution and that did nothing. I'm wondering if anybody else started having problems after a Win 10 update within the past week. Mine is a download version from Amazon and has the German campaign.

[KaleunMarco]

I've been successfully running SH4 on a Dell Inspiron 15-5501 with a 10th gen I 7 and 12 gig of ram and 64 bit Win 10. Microsoft recently updated Win 10 and since then SH4 won't start. I've removed and reinstalled it with no success. I found a supposed cure on YouTube about changing thr resolution and that did nothing. I'm wondering if anybody else started having problems after a Win 10 update within the past week. Mine is a download version from Amazon and has the German campaign.

best advice: re-install SH4 in a non-Program Files folder.
Win10 is markedly different than Win7 and if you install SH4 in the default Windows folder it will not run properly.
try a folder like C:\UbiSoft\Silent Hunter 4\
any folder name will work as long as it is not the default Program Files.
good luck.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[propbeanie]

Win10 has been messing with me also lately. When using MultiSH4, the folder created for the Saved games don't always end up in the Documents folder, and are sometimes found in the root of the C drive. A few days later, OneDrive syncs, and presto-change-oh, there the folder is, in the Documents folder. Very strange, but only since I've gotten the "new" Windows... Messed with all of my web sessions also, change my program associations (again), and deleted stuff that I apparently didn't need anymore... extremely rude behavior.

But anyway, what I've been finding is that I have had to change the settings of the SH4.exe properties page more lately. I used to get by with none, or maybe one of the boxes ticked, depending upon the computer. Now I have to tick all of these on the one:

https://i.imgur.com/bP46VIS.jpg

I never had to do the "Compatibility" before, but the new desktop machine I have now requires that, set to Windows 7. The laptop doesn't. Then there is the "Disable full-screen optimizations", which I now have to use on two of three computers, both of which have relatively new nVidia cards - but nothing fancy. The "Run this program as an administrator" is only needed on the laptop for whatever reason, and it does increase the UAC (User Access Control) interruptions much more frequently, but you do what you gotta do. Last, but certainly not least, I have had to click on the "Change high DPI settings" button on the same two desktops, and then click "Overide high DPI scaling behavior. Scaling performed by: Application". Three computers, all three set differently now than before, and no two alike, all three intel...

It is easiest to get SH4 running if you set Windows to use the "native" resolution of your monitor, which windows will show as "Recommended". Then in the game, set it to the same resolution. The main fix for my newer computer is the "Disable full-screen optimizations", because Windows otherwise tries to makes things "prettier" and "in-focus"... which the game does that itself. But you'll have to experiment with them all. If all else fails, you could try to open the Data/ Cfg / Main.cfg file in a text editor, and set the resolution in there to match your computer:
[VIDEO]
Resolution=1920,1080,60,22
DynamicShadows=No
FullScreen=Yes
Synchronized=Yes
TextureResolutionHigh=Yes
Or even try setting the FullScreen=No

Still do what KaleunMarco suggests though...

[Captain Dave]

The latest Win10 service pack changed all my font and colors. It also deleted all my restore points.

[billkunert]

best advice: re-install SH4 in a non-Program Files folder.
Win10 is markedly different than Win7 and if you install SH4 in the default Windows folder it will not run properly.
try a folder like C:\UbiSoft\Silent Hunter 4\
any folder name will work as long as it is not the default Program Files.
good luck.

:Kaleun_Salute:
SH4 is in C:\UbiSoft\Silent Hunter 4. I changed the resolution in Cfg to match my computer, fiddled with the SH4.exe property settings(compatibility, etc. Still doesn't even try to start. Every thing worked fine until Microsoft installed a second March cumulative update KB5001649 on the 23rd.. I guess I could try removing that update and see what happens. I can't believe I'm the only person having this problem.


I removed KB5001649 - still doesn't work.


Went into config and set resolution 10 1024X768 and it starts. Set to 1920X1080 in game options and I'm up and running.

[KaleunMarco]

Win10 has been messing with me also lately. When using MultiSH4, the folder created for the Saved games don't always end up in the Documents folder, and are sometimes found in the root of the C drive. A few days later, OneDrive syncs, and presto-change-oh, there the folder is, in the Documents folder. Very strange, but only since I've gotten the "new" Windows... Messed with all of my web sessions also, change my program associations (again), and deleted stuff that I apparently didn't need anymore... extremely rude behavior.



Still do what KaleunMarco suggests though...

PB, you have GOT to get off OneDrive. It is a moral and security imperative.

[propbeanie]

I am not on OneDrive. It is not installed on my computers. However, that is what Microsoft uses for the backup images it creates when doing Windows Updates now. They apparently retain said images also. Everybody that has Windows 10 now appears to be tied to OneDrive, whether they like it or not. You may or may not have a OneDrive folder on one of your own hard drives that is visible, but MS does use the "cloud" to back-up your files to, while it Updates your machine. If there is a problem with the Update completing, Windows will restore from the "cloud", and if they have a problem with that, they ask the User to verify which restore point they want to use, and if you have multiple computers on a home network, you better make certain which computer you are pulling their restore point for... This can really "trash" a person's computer, and MS will disavow any and all knowledge of their Impossible Mission team's existence... :roll:

Look at the recent spate of people "losing" their Save folders... I did a fresh install of SH4 the other day for testing what we hope is the final mix of FotRSU, and did a new MultiSH4 Save folder. That folder was NOT in My Documents, or anything even close to that folder initially - of which, I used Windows File Manager to point to a My Documents folder on the E: drive (a clue! a clue!!). The SH4 Save folder was hanging on the root of the C: drive... It took me a while to find it, because here I am trying to "test" the mod, and after a few tests, I wanted to clear the Save folder again to pull in fresh data... It took me ~forever~ to find it. Several days later, there is was in E:\Users \UserName \Documents, where it should have been to begin with. How? is what I want to know. Did Windows "sync" itself with my computer?? But with a different install, that Save folder has not moved to Documents yet... ??? But it sure looks like Windows 10 Update is using the "cloud". Maybe someone with more MS "top-secret" knowledge can enlighten us... ?? :salute:

[Moonlight]

Perhaps you should have a bit less paranoia Mr beanie and consider changing your account settings instead, that's enough piss taking for now. :haha:

Have a read of the link below and decide if you want a local account or a Microsoft one, from what I can remember of all this account and update nonsense it's that Win 10 Home editions and Win 10 pro editions are slightly different, that's up to the user to look into if you go down this path. :yep:

The Difference Between Local and Microsoft Accounts in Windows
https://www.lifewire.com/local-vs-microsoft-accounts-in-windows-3507003

[propbeanie]

I signed-up (having been a MS "Insider" at the time) for the Windows 10 previews, prior to the Release Candidates and "beta" versions. I really enjoyed their initial releases. I did the same thing for Windows 2000 and XP back in the day, but did not have enough time during either Windows 7 nor 8 to do the same. So I have an MS account, which automatically links all of my various copies of Windows 10 (two desktops, 1 laptop of mine, plus the 2 boys' computers), which is why I am basically stuck with that sign-in. My boys do not have the issue, since they use Local accounts. Such is life. I do still have a "Preview" version on the one computer, and I do still enjoy the "bleeding edge" of the OS game, though I can no longer afford the latest/greatest new hardware that I used to stay up with back in the 486 DX2-66 to Pentium days... :har: - I do not "bad-mouth" Windows as much as I do Apple or even Linux anymore... :arrgh!: - That is a good link there, and there are even several good articles and threads on some of the MS sites, of which I don't have any links to at this time... but you do have to wade through some of the pages of "automatic" replies there anyway... A person with multiple Win10 installs with MS account sign-ins, does have to be careful when it comes to the Updates, especially on a Home install. :salute:

[3catcircus]

The latest Win10 service pack changed all my font and colors. It also deleted all my restore points.

I purchased a copy of Macrium just in case. I do a full backup monthly, a differential weekly, and an incremental every night.

Once I buy a new PC, I'm considering playing with my old one and installing Mint or Ubuntu instead of Windows - I understand that both SH3 and SH4 are able to run on Linux.

[c6owboy]

I wish I could get a picture of the error message I bought a new laptop a few days ago SH4 won't run on it now. If I try to run it as administrator it says this application has been blocked from for your protection by an administrator contact the administrator . Microsoft messed with the application and browser protection smartscreen. Even if you turn the setting off it still blocks it from running.

[3catcircus]

I wish I could get a picture of the error message I bought a new laptop a few days ago SH4 won't run on it now. If I try to run it as administrator it says this application has been blocked from for your protection by an administrator contact the administrator . Microsoft messed with the application and browser protection smartscreen. Even if you turn the setting off it still blocks it from running.

Are you logged in as an admin?

[propbeanie]

You most likely have to change the SH4.exe Properties, as illustrated above.

[Aktungbby]

c6owboy!:Kaleun_Salute: after a long silent run!:up:

[Sosondowah]

I am in the same situation, trying to launch the game normally nothing happens, and I receive this when I try to do it as an administrator.


https://ibb.co/XVsrdLP


It' doesn't work even with these two options off, so I guess I am no longer the master of my domain. I mean my desktop.


https://ibb.co/0GSBYdB


Maybe Microsoft has decided SH4 is a menace to society and it should be banned. And also, since most likely I am not able to take care of myself, they will take care of me and my cyber security against my will.

Honestly, I have been thinking for some time to become a Linux (Ubuntu) user, maybe it's a good time to make this step.

[3catcircus]

Other things to check, especially if UAC is blocking things - check that you have admin rights in your profile. There have been instances where Win10 updates take away admin rights - and if you only have the one account, you'll have to boot into safe mode, go into the recovery environment, enable the built in admin account, and then give your own account privileges again.

Two things all users starting of with Win10 should do is establish a local account with admin privileges (or better, install using only a local account to begin with) and then install software that prevents windows from automatically updating itself.

[wade88]

I signed-up (having been a MS "Insider" at the time) for the Windows 10 previews, prior to the Release Candidates and "beta" versions. I really enjoyed their initial releases. I did the same thing for Windows 2000 and XP back in the day, but did not have enough time during either Windows 7 nor 8 to do the same. So I have an MS account, which automatically links all of my various copies of Windows 10 (two desktops, 1 laptop of mine, plus the 2 boys' computers), which is why I am basically stuck with that sign-in. My boys do not have the issue, since they use Local accounts. Such is life. I do still have a "Preview" version on the one computer, and I do still enjoy the "bleeding edge" of the OS game, though I can no longer afford the latest/greatest new hardware that I used to stay up with back in the 486 DX2-66 to Pentium days... :har: - I do not "bad-mouth" Windows as much as I do Apple or even Linux anymore... :arrgh!: - That is a good link there, and there are even several good articles and threads on some of the MS sites, of which I don't have any links to at this time... but you do have to wade through some of the pages of "automatic" replies there anyway... A person with multiple Win10 installs with MS account sign-ins, does have to be careful when it comes to the Updates, especially on a Home install. :salute:

Does that system take Computer Names into account? I name all my NETBIOS or whatever different things to make home backups easier, does M$FT include these in the filenames?

[1Patriotofmany]

Win10 has been messing with me also lately. When using MultiSH4, the folder created for the Saved games don't always end up in the Documents folder, and are sometimes found in the root of the C drive. A few days later, OneDrive syncs, and presto-change-oh, there the folder is, in the Documents folder. Very strange, but only since I've gotten the "new" Windows... Messed with all of my web sessions also, change my program associations (again), and deleted stuff that I apparently didn't need anymore... extremely rude behavior.

But anyway, what I've been finding is that I have had to change the settings of the SH4.exe properties page more lately. I used to get by with none, or maybe one of the boxes ticked, depending upon the computer. Now I have to tick all of these on the one:

https://i.imgur.com/bP46VIS.jpg

I never had to do the "Compatibility" before, but the new desktop machine I have now requires that, set to Windows 7. The laptop doesn't. Then there is the "Disable full-screen optimizations", which I now have to use on two of three computers, both of which have relatively new nVidia cards - but nothing fancy. The "Run this program as an administrator" is only needed on the laptop for whatever reason, and it does increase the UAC (User Access Control) interruptions much more frequently, but you do what you gotta do. Last, but certainly not least, I have had to click on the "Change high DPI settings" button on the same two desktops, and then click "Overide high DPI scaling behavior. Scaling performed by: Application". Three computers, all three set differently now than before, and no two alike, all three intel...

It is easiest to get SH4 running if you set Windows to use the "native" resolution of your monitor, which windows will show as "Recommended". Then in the game, set it to the same resolution. The main fix for my newer computer is the "Disable full-screen optimizations", because Windows otherwise tries to makes things "prettier" and "in-focus"... which the game does that itself. But you'll have to experiment with them all. If all else fails, you could try to open the Data/ Cfg / Main.cfg file in a text editor, and set the resolution in there to match your computer:[VIDEO]
Resolution=1920,1080,60,22
DynamicShadows=No
FullScreen=Yes
Synchronized=Yes
TextureResolutionHigh=YesOr even try setting the FullScreen=No

Still do what KaleunMarco suggests though... I rarely use win10 because I hate it, I tried running SH4, I get the nothing, no error ect. When I right click on the icon or the sh4.exe I don't get the properties screen like that with the compatibility tab! Suggestions? I used to have the compatibility tab. but its not there now. How do I make sure I'm the administrator? I'm guessing at this point I must not be, i don't understand why i wouldn't be cause I'm the only one on that POS 10 machine.


EDIT EDIT: I figured out I am the administrator and for some reason i had to left click on the .exe before i right clicked on it, then I got the proper tab! Man I hate 10. Now to try this all out.


EDIT again, no joy for me. Of course i have it installed in the default folder, guess I'll try uninstalling and putting it in another folder as always suggested.

[KaleunMarco]

I rarely use win10 because I hate it, I tried running SH4, I get the nothing, no error ect. When I right click on the icon or the sh4.exe I don't get the properties screen like that with the compatibility tab! Suggestions? I used to have the compatibility tab. but its not there now. How do I make sure I'm the administrator? I'm guessing at this point I must not be, i don't understand why i wouldn't be cause I'm the only one on that POS 10 machine.


EDIT EDIT: I figured out I am the administrator and for some reason i had to left click on the .exe before i right clicked on it, then I got the proper tab! Man I hate 10. Now to try this all out.


EDIT again, no joy for me. Of course i have it installed in the default folder, guess I'll try uninstalling and putting it in another folder as always suggested.

you're on the right track.
after re-installing in a non-default folder, change the SH4.exe property to not-read-only (uncheck the read-only box).
then, run LAA and enable SH4 under LAA.

[1Patriotofmany]

Thanks KaleunMarco (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=236544) I will give it a shot. Just before I pull out a M590A1 and take a shot at the win10 machine......

[Mechac]

Weird. Defender protested redbannery against launching the game, but applying LAA seems to worked it out.
Oh Microsoft....

[NZSharkbait]

Having just treated myself to a new PC (see below), I downloaded and attempted to install the SH 4 1.4 patch: blowed if I didn't encounter that same confounded "Administrator Blocked" nonsense. (Typical Windows, making life harder for ordinary users by adding extra garbage)

I went through the steps outlined on this page (https://ugetfix.com/ask/how-to-fix-an-administrator-has-blocked-you-from-running-this-app-error-on-windows-10/): using the "Run the app/file via Hidden Administrator Account", I was able to install the file and, having installed SH 4 from the disc, right now there are no problems starting/running the game through the shortcut on my desktop.

Still, to make doubly sure that Microsoft don't screw up the game in future, I'm going to uninstall and reinstall SH 4 & patch 1.4 into a discrete folder on a different partition.

[propbeanie]

Which version of Silent Hunter 4 are you starting with? If you have the most common older disk version, that would v1.3, the 'original' was like v1.0.1 or similar, while the 'modern' version is of course, v1.5 - do not attempt to apply the SH4 1.4 patch on top of v1.5, of course. The others, it's fine. Just checking though... :salute:

[1Patriotofmany]

This about sums it up. https://imgur.com/5WEqYoLhttps://imgur.com/5WEqYoLhttps://i.imgur.com/5WEqYoL.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/5WEqYoL.jpg

[propbeanie]

:up: Oh my... you left two here - I think I'll copy one of those for my wall hanging here... lol - That is exactly what happens when you have a Win10 machine that is not "qualified" for Windows 11, but tries to "update" to it anyway... not once, but three times now... at least it now shows in red text on the Update page "This computer does NOT qualify for Windows 11 at this time." :yeah:

[babjones]

same issue, I reinstalled windows. then steam allowed the DL to go through without errors. now I can play again.

[gandyrail]

I was having the administrator issue ran the "large program aware" program again and it went away.
Also the permissions in propertys I dissabled the inheritance.

[l02turner]

c6owboy!:Kaleun_Salute: after a long silent run!:up:

I'm sure you have a relevant comment but that "Lime" text color makes it impossible for me to read. It may be that I am color blind to Red/Green, but that Lime text blends into my white backrground making it look like a green smear.

Down Periscope ---
:Kaleun_Salute:

[Aktungbby]

I'm so sorry! i apologise profusely. I'm totally blind since birth and have surgically implanted digital retinashttps://image.shutterstock.com/image-photo/composite-image-eye-retina-biometric-260nw-2129011556.jpg that react better to green than the slightly grayish white lettering against a :subsim: 'smartdark' background as opposed to 'white-white' which I prefer but, unfortunately, it gives me migraines...the same as those Goddamn blue headlights at night that ended my 17 year patrol career!! https://abc3340.com/resources/media/84a89ca4-1f17-45e1-9460-c69ba34b2ad0-large16x9_kutvgephardtledheadlightinvestigation051 6192.PNG?1558195131947:Kaleun_Salute: https://www.gaddisherd.com/blog/2021/march/this-is-why-blue-headlights-are-dangerous/

[l02turner]

SH4 is in C:\UbiSoft\Silent Hunter 4. I changed the resolution in Cfg to match my computer, fiddled with the SH4.exe property settings(compatibility, etc. Still doesn't even try to start. Every thing worked fine until Microsoft installed a second March cumulative update KB5001649 on the 23rd.. I guess I could try removing that update and see what happens. I can't believe I'm the only person having this problem.


I removed KB5001649 - still doesn't work.


Went into config and set resolution 10 1024X768 and it starts. Set to 1920X1080 in game options and I'm up and running.


1st, you are not the only one having this problem! There are at least 2 of us and likely more. I am getting the old Red Box that says, "User Acct Control
This App has been blocked for your protection by another Administrator.

Check with yiour Administrator."

It then lists the location of my game files which is in C:\WOTP.

I'm still looking for a fix - when I search for this error I get pages and pages of links which I am still going through.

Good luck with your issue! It's guaranteed someone on this list will share the answer - don't give up!

:subsim:

[l02turner]

I am getting the same irritating Red Window message (Admin is Blocked by Admin - Contact the Admin) but I have gotten this msg after recent MS (Major) Updates before. I am using Win10 Home, with SH4 installed in a non sysem folder and have worked through fhe suggestions but this time nothing is working. For now, I am ashore until I find the problem.

Ahoy Mates -

[l02turner]

Other things to check, especially if UAC is blocking things - check that you have admin rights in your profile. There have been instances where Win10 updates take away admin rights - and if you only have the one account, you'll have to boot into safe mode, go into the recovery environment, enable the built in admin account, and then give your own account privileges again.

Two things all users starting of with Win10 should do is establish a local account with admin privileges (or better, install using only a local account to begin with) and then install software that prevents windows from automatically updating itself.

I agree that letting MS update itself whenever it wants is a bad idea, but how do we know if a Update is actually to help the User with Security or it's just MS doing housecleaning? I fear they hide all kinds of MS stuff behind the Security Comment and it has become more difficult (at least for me) to know when it's a valid threat. I don't know for the others but reading through all the boilerplate searching for the changes puts me to sleep! Then, when I wake up, I must recsll where I stopped!

Thanks for the suggestions -

[Brightstar6]

Put your sh4 in a separate hard drive..I placed mine in G: along with the JSGME install your mods and play the sin from the G: drive..:D:up:

[BadBat]

I just tried to get my SH4 installed again, and update 1.4 failed with the big red Windows message "this app has been blocked for your protection".

To get this to work, I ran "terminal" (command prompt with additional admin rights) and ran it from there.
Instructions to elevate Command Prompt to Terminal: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/command-prompt-and-windows-powershell-for-windows-11-6453ce98-da91-476f-8651-5c14d5777c20

I am going to use my setup here, which uses the T drive for storing the patch. Yours will be different !

1. Copy the info on the location of your 1.4 patch: In file explorer, view the location of the patch. Right click on it and choose "copy as path"

2. Right click on the Windows button on the taskbar, select Terminal(Admin)

3. press CTRL+V
It will show: PS C:\Users\[yourusername]> "[whatever your directory is]\silent_hunter_4_1.4.exe"
In my case: PS C:\Users\BadBat> "T:\Win 10 installed\SH4 original DVD\silent_hunter_4_1.4.exe"

4.
i. BACKSPACE and remove "silent_hunter_4_1.4.exe"
ii. type another " in on the end
iii. use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the start of the line
iv. type "cd " - it should now read: PS C:\Users\[yourusername]> cd "[whatever your directory is]"
PS C:\Users\BadBat> cd "T:\Win 10 installed\SH4 original DVD"
v. press enter, and it should change to: PS [whatever your directory is]>
PS T:\Win 10 installed\SH4 original DVD\
vi. Now type in:.\silent_hunter_4_1.4.exe
vii. press enter, and the patch installer should start

[Aktungbby]

BadBat!:Kaleun_Salute: