Persistent Exterior CTDs are defeating me.

[ChaoticMarin]

So here's my issue. I start a new game, play through until it's time for me to travel from Riverwood to Whiterun, attempt to walk to Whiterun, and as I'm approaching down the hill towards the Honeymead place... I get a CTD.

I've spent almost an entire week trying to fix this on my own, trying at least half a dozen fixes I was pretty happy about. I updated all my mods, researched and troubleshooted for hours at a time, got SSME running, updated my ugrid, tried enabling papyrus logging to catch a hint of the mod being a problem, disabled several mods, used the ENBoost, cleaned my mods, investigated the possibility of my mods using up too much memory... I can't even remember all the fixes I've tried off the top of my head to be honest. Here's some of the interesting information I picked up while troubleshooting.

• Using coc Whiterun to teleport directly there completely avoids the ctd
• using fast travel to the honeymead place does not avoid the ctd. If I use coc Whiterun to get there without a crash I can walk right over to the honeymead place and enter it without a problem, but if I then exit it the game ctds. Using coc whiterun from inside the honeymead place works fine. A CTD happens if I try to move past the honeymead place however.
• The CTD appears to happen in specific spots regardless of my ugrid settings.
• I got a similar CTD traveling from Riverwood back to Helgen after briefly beginning to wander into Helgen's ruins.
• I got another CTD whilst traveling between two campsites in the upper leftmost portion of skyrim's map.
• Skyrim Performance Monitor revealed I am only using roughly 1 GB of RAM at the time of the crash.
• I have 16 GB of RAM, an AMD Radeon HD 7970m and a core i7 for specs using 64 bit Windows
• I believe I have around 175 mods total. They're organized with LOOT, I've created a bash patch with Wyre Bash and LOOT does not display any errors. (It displays several warnings, most of them for TES5edit cleaning.)
• I was able to complete the Bleak Falls Barrow Golden Claw questline without issues before any hints of crashing started.
• My Papyrus logs frequently have my Warzones mod as the last thing before the crash. Disabling it however did nothing and another mod simply took it's place. In addition to this I noticed that the "VM is frozen" line is not at the bottom of my log, but rather it cuts off abruptly. It does appear higher up however. Here is the last instance of it in my latest log:

 

[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] [_de_skyuiconfigpanelscript <_DE_SkyUIConfigPanel2 (7104413C)>]: Registered Frostfall at MCM.
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] [WB_MCMQuest_Script <WB_SkyUI_Quest (7F04013A)>]: Registered Apocalypse Spells at MCM.
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] [_wetskyuiconfig <_WetSKConfigQuest (9301BCA8)>]: Registered $Wet and Cold at MCM.
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] [sKI_ConfigMenu <SKI_ConfigMenuInstance (7C000820)>]: Registered SKY UI at MCM.

[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] [Ecks_IAConfigMenu <IAAdminQuest (58014836)>] INITIALIZED
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] VM is freezing...
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] VM is frozen
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:38PM] Reverting game...
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Unable to bind script PF__01018802 to (71018802) because their base types do not match
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Unable to bind script PF__01022031 to (71022031) because their base types do not match
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Unable to bind script AnvilDencheckjusticar to alias Justicar on quest AnvilDenQuest (0D01ED3C) because their base types do not match
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Property CoTRain15 on script GetShelterTBScript attached to (4D023C4E) cannot be bound because <NULL form> (01044836) is not the right type
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Property CoTRain09 on script GetShelterTBScript attached to (4D023C4E) cannot be bound because <NULL form> (0106497D) is not the right type
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Property CoTRain11 on script GetShelterTBScript attached to (4D023C4E) cannot be bound because <NULL form> (01044832) is not the right type
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Property CoTSnow09 on script GetShelterTBScript attached to (4D023C4E) cannot be bound because <NULL form> (01047E31) is not the right type
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Property CoTRain12 on script GetShelterTBScript attached to (4D023C4E) cannot be bound because <NULL form> (01044833) is not the right type


//It goes on with COT and Real Shelter related stuff for a while... and then...


[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] ERROR: Property MoveContainer on script BYOHHouseInteriorSwapTrigger attached to (4D003295) cannot be bound because <NULL form> (4D00309E) is not the right type
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] Warning: Property CWSiegeObj on script WZONESCWStatusScript attached to (1900BCC2) cannot be initialized because the script no longer contains that property
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] Warning: Property Alias_BanditF on script QF_dunNilheimQST_0001BAEC attached to dunNilheimQST (0001BAEC) cannot be initialized because the script no longer contains that property
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] Warning: Property HighElfRaceVampire on script companionshousekeepingscript attached to C00 (0004B2D9) cannot be initialized because the script no longer contains that property
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] Warning: Property KhajiitRace on script companionshousekeepingscript attached to C00 (0004B2D9) cannot be initialized because the script no longer contains that property
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] Warning: Property RedguardRaceVampire on script companionshousekeepingscript attached to C00 (0004B2D9) cannot be initialized because the script no longer contains that property
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] Warning: Property ArgonianRace on script companionshousekeepingscript attached to C00 (0004B2D9) cannot be initialized because the script no longer contains that property
[07/14/2014 - 10:28:39PM] Warning: Property KhajiitRaceVampire on script companionshousekeepingscript attached to C00 (0004B2D9) cannot be initialized because the script no longer contains that property

//And here's the very end of it...



[07/14/2014 - 10:29:20PM] ERROR: File "rcrnShaders.esp" does not exist or is not currently loaded.
stack:
<unknown self>.Game.GetFormFromFile() - "<native>" Line ?
[ (4D002E4C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerEnter() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 371
[07/14/2014 - 10:29:21PM] ERROR: File "rcrnShaders.esp" does not exist or is not currently loaded.
stack:
<unknown self>.Game.GetFormFromFile() - "<native>" Line ?
[ (4D002E4C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerEnter() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 378
[07/14/2014 - 10:31:50PM] [skyBirds]Updated 1302 factions.
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:14PM] ERROR: Cannot call SetValue() on a None object, aborting function call
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTrigger() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 393
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:14PM] ERROR: Cannot call SetValue() on a None object, aborting function call
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerEnter() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 87
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:14PM] ERROR: Cannot call SetValue() on a None object, aborting function call
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTrigger() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 393
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:14PM] ERROR: File "rcrnShaders.esp" does not exist or is not currently loaded.
stack:
<unknown self>.Game.GetFormFromFile() - "<native>" Line ?
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerEnter() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 371
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:14PM] ERROR: File "rcrnShaders.esp" does not exist or is not currently loaded.
stack:
<unknown self>.Game.GetFormFromFile() - "<native>" Line ?
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerEnter() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 378
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:15PM] ERROR: Cannot call GetValue() on a None object, aborting function call
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerLeave() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 401
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:15PM] Warning: Assigning None to a non-object variable named "::temp18"
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerLeave() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 401
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:15PM] ERROR: Cannot call SetValue() on a None object, aborting function call
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerLeave() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 402
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:15PM] ERROR: Cannot call GetValue() on a None object, aborting function call
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerLeave() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 405
[07/14/2014 - 10:32:15PM] Warning: Assigning None to a non-object variable named "::temp18"
stack:
[ (4D002E8C)].GetShelterTBScript.OnTriggerLeave() - "GetShelterTBScript.psc" Line 405
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:03PM] ERROR: Cannot check if the reference has a named node because it has no 3D
stack:
[ (FF001A5B)].ObjectReference.HasNode() - "<native>" Line ?
[ (FF0014C0)].critterMoth.GoToNewPlant() - "CritterMoth.psc" Line 289
[ (FF0014C0)].critterMoth.OnUpdate() - "CritterMoth.psc" Line 130
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:14PM] WZMSG : DISABLED by GARRISON Property [GlobalVariable <WZonesSelectWhiterun (19010420)>]
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:14PM] WZMSG : If you see this immediately before or after GARRISON ENABLE messages, remember some WZs have multiple possible battles but only one BattleSelect command
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:14PM] ERROR: Cannot call SetValue() on a None object, aborting function call
stack:
[ (190186E0)].WZONESCWGetStatusNoSpawnOMeter.OnCellAttach() - "WZONESCWGetStatusNoSpawnOMeter.psc" Line 113
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:14PM] WZMSG : DISABLED by GARRISON Property [GlobalVariable <WZonesSelectWhiterun (19010420)>]
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:14PM] WZMSG : If you see this immediately before or after GARRISON ENABLE messages, remember some WZs have multiple possible battles but only one BattleSelect command
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:30PM] Warning: (00106C22): Ref is in an unloaded cell, so it cannot cast spells..
stack:
[ (1A0B9329)].SPELL.Cast() - "<native>" Line ?
[iS_NpcControlQuest (1A07C704)].IS_NpcControlQuestScript.OnInit() - "IS_NpcControlQuestScript.psc" Line 26
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:30PM] WZMSG : PLAYER has ENTERED a RANDOM ENCOUNTER Area... roll 'dem bones
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:30PM] WZMSG : RandomEnc : RandomDICEroll = 24
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:30PM] WZMSG : RandomEnc : EncounterOdds-Generated by Script = 10
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:30PM] Warning: (00106C22): Ref is in an unloaded cell, so it cannot cast spells..
stack:
[ (1A0B9328)].SPELL.Cast() - "<native>" Line ?
[iS_NpcControlQuest (1A07C704)].IS_NpcControlQuestScript.OnInit() - "IS_NpcControlQuestScript.psc" Line 29
[07/14/2014 - 10:33:30PM] WZMSG : RandomEnc : noSpawn bad dice

I'm kind of banging my head against the table because I've already gotten attached to this character and I resent the idea of starting over. I love fixing problems on my own, but this one is just repeatedly defeating me. I don't suppose I could get a hand in rescuing my game? I'll be willing to answer any questions and will recognize any solutions I've already tried if you ask me about them. (I've tried somewhere around 10 and 12 potential fixes, I think.)

[AaronOfMpls]

Try staying away from that area long enough for the cell to reset (usually 10 in-game days for outdoor cells). I had the same problem near Ustengrav and Windstad Manor in one game, and that fixed it for me.

[ChaoticMarin]

Try staying away from that area long enough for the cell to reset (usually 10 in-game days for outdoor cells). I had the same problem near Ustengrav and Windstad Manor in one game, and that fixed it for me.

Aaah, I gave that a try and now I'm crashing even earlier along the path, followed by my latest save CTDing upon loading. It's odd that it changed behavior, though.

[dennis20014]

Yeah you could try COCing to QAsmoke and just waiting 10 days (or I wait 31 sometimes) and hard saving, loading. Usually fixes stuff right up.

 

I've had seemingly random crashes like that in places too and it's helped

[Lord Garon]

In my experience, CTD's like this usually fall into one (or more) of three categories. In order of frequency:

 

1. The heap allocation bug. (A normal cell change will prompt this one.) Usually random, but can occur in a particular place while loading lots of stuff. Check the SSME.log in your Skyrim directory and make sure it says it is patching the memory blocks. If you changed the SSME.ini block allocations, put it back to default values.

 

2. Missing/bad object references in a cell. (A normal cell load will also prompt this one.) Mods changing stuff in the cell improperly, or conflicting with another mod that is also changing similar stuff in that cell. Obviously localized to a particular place. TES5edit can help find these, but its difficult. Make sure you have all the patches for your mods and that your mods are the latest versions. Re-check mod compatibility notes. I wish I knew an easier way to find these, but TES5edit or selectively removing mods are the only sure ways I know of.

 

3. Spawn/script conflicts. EDIT: Make sure your bashed patch is current. With Warzones, I would suspect this one in your case. It is an old mod and known to have some issues. Unfortunately, it is also a script heavy mod and difficult to uninstall (the author says you shouldn't even try) and keep playing; simply disabling it for testing does not affect the scripts baked into your savegame. I would try this:

 

A. Disable/uninstall Warzones and any Warzone dependent mods/patches. Leave your other mods alone. Fire up Skyrim. At the MAIN Skyrim load screen, don't CONTINUE or LOAD a game. Open the console (~ key) and type in coc riverwood , hit Enter. This will start up a game (its BROKEN, don't keep playing it) and place a default character outside of Riverwood. You can make a named save via the console, something like, save TestGameOnly , if you like. Run on down to Whiterun and see if it crashes in the same spot. This is not a perfect test (quests and character level can affect script issues), but the basic scenario might tell you if a particular mod is compatible with the rest of your mods or not. You can disable other mods if it still crashes, load the TestGameOnly, or do another coc riverwood, and recheck till you find the problem. Your original game is "safe"; simply reinstall/enable all your mods, LOOT or BOSS, and Load a previous save of your current playthrough.

 

I hope you get it working. If Warzones is the problem, you may be looking at starting over without it, or going through all your mods to see if one or more of them is interacting badly with Warzones. However, Warzones itself is not the most stable of mods.

 

You might also search through the POSTS over on the Warzones mod page. They are old, like the mod, but you may find some better advice than mine.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Lord Garon

[ChaoticMarin]

@Lord Garon: Oh my gosh, my hero! ...When I was originally troubleshooting the prospect of a problematic mod, I failed to realize how little disabling warzones would do for troubleshooting purposes. I had a good feeling in my belly about your suggestion so I gave it a try first; lo and behold I was able to get to Whiterun and have some fone without any problem.

 

It really, really bums me out that I'll need to restart my save but I suppose not enough to make me give up trying to have fun with the game. Thanks for helping me out, I don't think I would've figured it out on my own.

[Lord Garon]

Wait a sec... all we did was show that EITHER Warzones is the problem, or another mod is conflicting with it. Personally, I would believe its Warzones, but you don't have to give up quite yet.

 

You didn't list any other mods. If you have any other mods which affect spawns (civil war mods, Immersive Patrols, things like that) you can try the same procedure with those mods out and Warzones in. You may find that Warzones works without some other mod installed. IF the conflicting mod has a safe uninstall procedure, you may be able to remove it and carry on with Warzones. If it doesn't have a safe uninstall, you could always remove it anyways and try a save game script cleaner and see if you can keep going with Warzones.

 

I must add that you may experience some game-breaking issues later on with Warzones installed when the Civil War battles start. It all depends on how much you want to try and save your Warzones game.

Edited July 16, 2014 by Lord Garon

[dennis20014]

Yeah I agree. You may still be able to use Warzones but without a mod list we can't really give more help/information.

[ChaoticMarin]

I have no idea how to compile a list of all the mods I use without manually typing out nearly 200 names. Is there an easy solution I'm missing here? I had admittedly already started reworking my mods for a new save (Found some new stuff I realized I'd like.)

[Lord Garon]

LOOT isn't quite as friendly as BOSS in generating a mod list for online use (that I've found). If you right-click on the LOOT report DETAILS window, you can Select All, then Copy and Paste that into some Spoiler tags.

 

I must reconsider my advice, though. I know that Warzones has some bugs. They don't ALWAYS show up, but they are there. In good conscience, I can't recommend playing Skyrim with something I know may cause issues later on.

 

I have to recommend not playing with it. There are several other more modern mods which do much the same thing; please consider using one of them in lieu of Warzones. Sorry if I generated any false hope; its just not worth it, IMHO, and I don't want to mislead others who may read this thread.