Infinite Loading Screen on start for no discernible reason -- worked last time and I changed nothing!

[lawfish88]

First off, I love this community and am grateful for all the mod authors for their exceptional work.

 

So I started a new playthrough after countless hours of modding and everything was working well. I decided I didn't like Agony so I uninstalled and started a new game--that's how dedicated I am to keeping things clean.

And I got the infinite loading screen.

 

OK, no biggie, I'll add the mod back. Perhaps there was some dependency on it I'd forgotten about. I even placed it at precisely the same spot in my load order, Still didn't work. I tried both ways several times and got the infinite loading screen every single time.

There's no rational reason why this should be happening. It worked fine and now it doesn't, and nothing has changed. Normally I'd remove mods until I figured out the culprit and reinstall. However, I spent so long getting my load order right that I'm extremely reluctant to screw it up by doing this, particularly considering I have no freaking idea what could be causing the problem.

Speaking of load order, brace yourself. I have 252 plugins and over 400 mods total:

# This file is used by the game to keep track of your downloaded content.

# Please do not modify this file.

01 v------- SHARED RESOURCES -------v.esm

*HUDFramework.esm

*Homemaker.esm

*FFO.esm

*TrueStormsFO4.esm

*CROSS_CosmeticFramework.esm

*ArmorKeywords.esm

02 v------- SETTLEMENT BUILDING ESMs -------v.esm

*SimSettlements.esm

*WorkshopFramework.esm

*FCOM.esm

*Robot Home Defence.esm

03 v------- ALL OTHER ESMs -------v.esm

*Servitron.esm

*JonsMod.esm

Snap'n Build.esm

*Darlene.esm

*Armorsmith Extended.esp

OVT.esp

04 v------- BUG FIXES -------v.esp

*Fixed Alpha Map.esp

05 v------- SETTLEMENT BUILDING MODS -------v.esp

*LureEnemies.esp

*Search and Destroy.esp

*Follower Revive System.esp

*DarkerNightsDetection.esp

*No Aggro Impact Landing.esp

*W.A.T.Minutemen.esp

*brotherhood of steel overhaul.esp

*WorkshopPlus.esp

*LongerPowerLines3x.esp

*VaultTecEngineering.esp

*MYLadyKillerBed.esp

*Pack3 - Vault-Tec - BetterBeds.esp

*SpiritofSteel.esp

*TurretStands.esp

*SettleObjExpandPack.esp

*GruffyddsSignsAndPosters.esp

*Stackable Brick Wall Foundations.esp

*AdvSettleTurretSet-Real.esp

*Grounded.esp

*CROSS_GoreCrits.esp

*CROSS_GoreCrits_FarHarborPatch.esp

06 v------- SETTLEMENT BUILDING MOD PATCHES -------v.esp

07 v------- SCRAPPING MODS -------v.esp

08 v------- GAMEPLAY TWEAKS -------v.esp

*NoAffinityCooldown.esp

*Live Dismemberment - Regular.esp

*SalvageBeacons.esp

*SPTFIRE.esp

*NoNegativeAffinityNof*#@s.esp

*BE_Enhanced Grenades.esp

*Splinterz.esp

*Better Explosives.esp

*Better Explosives - Perks redone - No Trajectory.esp

*Better Explosives - Grenade Frequency 30.esp

*Swinging Meat Bags.esp

*UNnaked Power Armor.esp

*PilesofCorpses.esp

*NoNegativeAffinityNof*#@sSeason.esp

*Immersive_Molotovs_Flamer_Ruddy88ExtendedESP.esp

*Weapons of Fate.esp

*dD-Realistic Ragdoll Force.esp

*Sneaky Kills.esp

*Realistic_conversations.esp

*CompanionStatus.esp

*console.esp

*Give Me That Bottle.esp

*free_downgrades.esp

*Immersive Fallout (DLC).esp

*Quick Save.esp

09 v------- FOLLOWER TWEAKS -------v.esp

*ellen.esp

*NWS_Barbara.esp

*CompVictoria.esp

*CompanionJasmineWITHQUEST.esp

*CompanionLauraWITHQUEST.esp

*Synth Overhaul.esp

*Synth Overhaul - No level requirements Patch.esp

*FO4 NPCs Travel.esp

*RecruitableSettlers.esp

*DiamondCitySWAT.esp

*SuperMutantRedux.esp

*Unique NPCs - Creatures and Monsters.esp

*D.E.C.A.Y.esp

*Unique NPCs - Creatures and Monsters_SMR_AE.esp

*Unique NPCs - Creatures and Monsters - NonLore.esp

*EFF.esp

*Raider Children.esp

*More Smarter Companions Mod.esp

*llamaCompanionHeather.esp

*Killable Children.esp

*DiverseChildren.esp

*Orphans.esp

*3DNPC_FO4Settler.esp

*Fashionable Valentine.esp

*Edit_Hancock.esp

*Live Action Handy - PW - With GlowMap.esp

*Curie Replace_2.esp

*companion_Cait_HFSM.esp

*Reverb and Ambiance Overhaul.esp

*RenRadioMod.esp

*OWR_OWT.esp

*OWR.esp

*OWR_AOC.esp

*RAO - OWR patch.esp

*OWR2.esp

*PAMS.esp

*Project Reality Footsteps FO4.esp

*RadiantBirdsv05.esp

10 v------- AESTHETIC TWEAKS -------v.esp

*BostonFPSFixAIO.esp

*Vivid Fallout - All in One - Best Choice.esp

*FogOut - Interiors - All DLC.esp

*Radiant Clouds and Fogs.esp

*Clean Water - Tropical - Rads.esp

*NMC Bundle HIGH.esp

*Boston Natural Surroundings.esp

*Realistic Roads 2.0 Black.esp

*dD-Enhanced Blood.esp

*Glowing Eyes.esp

*The Eyes Of Beauty.esp

*AzarPonytailHairstyles.esp

*TrueStormsFO4-GlowingSeaExtraRads.esp

*TrueStormsFO4-FarHarborExtraRads.esp

*TrueStormsFO4-EarlierSunsets.esp

*TrueStormsFO4-FarHarbor.esp

*TrueStormsFO4-EarlierSunsetsFH.esp

*TrueStormsFO4-NukaWorld-FH-Compat.esp

*DarkerNights.esp

*EnhancedLightsandFX.esp

11 v------- SETTLEMENT TWEAKS -------v.esp

*UncappedSettlementSurplus.esp

*155mm Howitzer M1.esp

*Better Cooking Stations.esp

*Homemaker - Streetlights Use Passive Power.esp

12 v------- ITEM SORTING -------v.esp

*DoYourDamnJobCodsworth.esp

*BrightStartlight.esp

*DWUK_LexingtonInteriors.esp

*TrainBar.esp

*ConcordEXPANDED.esp

*AtomCatGarage.esp

*Institute Clean.esp

*Improved Boston Airport.esp

*CrimeTown.esp

*The_Prydwen_Overhaul.esp

*InstituteSky.esp

*SOTS.esp

*MREs.esp

*Minuteman Watchtowers.esp

*Eli_MarlboroughHouse.esp

*Stm_DiamondCityExpansion.esp

*BasementLiving.esp

*AlootHomePlate.esp

*RRTV_GoodneighborCondo.esp

*Eli_Chestnut Lodge DLC.esp

*RRTV_HomesAndBunkers_Coastal.esp

*Cyber-Light Apartments.esp

*The Sanctuary Bridge.esp

*Cotozic's Bunker Ravine.esp

*WilkesEstate.esp

13 v------- BODY REPLACERS -------v.esp

*The Lost Vault.esp

*RansackedRelay.esp

*BOUNTIESFORYOU.esp

*Moon Exploration.esp

*Journey.esp

*3DNPC_FO4.esp

*Atomguard.esp

*BoSStory.esp

*AR_DLC01.esp

*The Train.esp

*AA FusionCityRising.esp

*AA FusionCityRising - HotC.esp

*OutcastsAndRemnants.esp

*ProjectValkyrie.esp

*APC_Mobile_Base_v1.3.esp

*Immersive HUD.esp

14 v------- WEAPONS -------v.esp

*WestTekTacticalOptics.esp

*CROSS_BreakActionLaser.esp

*CROSS_RugerMkV.esp

*Classic Wattz 2000 Laser Rifle.esp

*Factor.esp

*NIArms_HK416.esp

*SPTFIRE-NUKA.esp

*CROSS_FireworksCannon.esp

*RemoteExplosives.esp

*Seiryuu Beam Katana.esp

*CROSS_CryoLance.esp

*Wastelanders XM2076 by giggity12345.esp

*m82a.esp

*FatManRadiation.esp

*Crossbow.esp

*TacticalMods.esp

*DOOMMerged.esp

*WattzLaserGun.esp

*ClassicSniper.esp

*McMillanCS5.esp

*Chainsaw.esp

*LAER.esp

*fn five-seven v3.0.esp

*CROSS_Blades.esp

*win1897.esp

*Moddable Plasma Caster.esp

*MikeMooresMCAM.esp

15 v------- ARMOR & CLOTHING -------v.esp

*Mercenary.esp

*FFO.esp

*Brotherhood of Steel Kit.esp

*Eli_Armour_Compendium.esp

*Synths Revamped.esp

*Wasteland Sniper by Hothtrooper44.esp

*CROSS_Recall.esp

*ChineseStealthSuit.esp

*CROSS_InstituteExpeditionarySuit.esp

*CROSS_CourserStrigidae.esp

*CROSS_BrotherhoodRecon.esp

*AnS Wearable Backpacks and Pouches.esp

*AnS Wearable Backpacks and Pouches - No Crafting Perks.esp

*FV20_RSS.esp

*CROSS_Uni_Headset.esp

*CROSS_Halo.esp

*Female Tactical Armor.esp

*CROSS_MojaveManhunter.esp

*Scavvers of the Commonwealth.esp

*SkyrimInspiredPowerArmor.esp

*Dogmeat and Strong Armor - Tumba Munky.esp

*MK_CanteensofCommonwealth.esp

*FV20_DreadHG.esp

*DX_Black_Widow.esp

*CROSS_Cybernetics.esp

*Jetpacks Unlimited Master.esp

*JU Original (V-Wing).esp

*SSentinel.esp

*HN66-SiriusArmor.esp

*K9TacticalHarness.esp

*TheKite_MilitiaWoman.esp

*BoS Medic Battle Suit.esp

*Crimsomrider's Institute Assassin.esp

*Liberty_PA.esp

*Hellfirenew.esp

*EnclaveX02.esp

*Heavy BoS.esp

*CROSS_Jetpack.esp

16 v------- CRAFTING -------v.esp

*Campsite.esp

*CraftableAmmo.esp

*CraftableAmmo_plus.esp

17 v------- WEAPON MODDING -------v.esp

*Pip-Boy Flashlight.esp

*Extended weapon mods.esp

*PAMAP.esp

*More Power Armour Mods - Automatron.esp

*More Power Armour Mods.esp

18 v------- ARMOR & CLOTHING MODDING -------v.esp

*ImmersiveScrapping_SeasonPass.esp

19 v------- STUFF THAT NEEDS TO LOAD AT THE BOTTOM -------v.esp

OWR_CraftableDecor.esp

OWR_CraftableDecor_CW.esp

OWR2_CraftableDecor.esp

OWR2_CraftableDecor_CW.esp

*Institute Patch for PRC.esp

nvvault1080.esp

*PRC Patch for Enbs.esp

Live Dismemberment - Mental.esp

Live Dismemberment - Mind-Blowing.esp

Live Dismemberment - POSTAL.esp

Live Dismemberment - Brutal.esp

Live Dismemberment - Insane-o.esp

Live Dismemberment - Liebermode.esp

*llamaCompanionHeather-AE Patch.esp

*SuperMutantRedux_ArmorSmithExtended.esp

*SOTS_AWKCR_AS_Patch.esp

*Scrap Everything - Ultimate Edition.esp

*StartMeUp.esp

DeadlierDeathclaws.esp

SettleObjExpandPack-AllLightShadowEnabler.esp

MilitarizedMinutemen.esp

[AeonsLegend]

Tried without mods?

[lawfish88]

Tried without mods?

No, but I'm certain it would work. This has happened countless time in the past, and was always resolved via resorting load order or removing conflicting mods.

 

Like I said, I'm hesitant to start uninstalling mods because I'd have to resort my load order again and those two processes would take God knows how long.

[AeonsLegend]

Well you have 400 mods. That is also your choice. It's one of the mods probably. Easiest start though is to do a repair of your installation. And if that doesn't work reinstall all your mods.

[aufisch]

Do you use a bashed patch or a mator patch that might need updating after removing Agony?

 

The least painful way to find the conflicting culprit is by starting from the bottom. In Wrye Bash, untick your mods from the bottom. I usually do this in packets of around 20 (and all the depended mods are unticked by Wrye Bash automatically anyway). That way you dont have to uninstall anything and your mod order shouldn't be affected.

[lawfish88]

Do you use a bashed patch or a mator patch that might need updating after removing Agony?

 

The least painful way to find the conflicting culprit is by starting from the bottom. In Wrye Bash, untick your mods from the bottom. I usually do this in packets of around 20 (and all the depended mods are unticked by Wrye Bash automatically anyway). That way you dont have to uninstall anything and your mod order shouldn't be affected.

I use NMM and to untick a mod is to uninstall. Unfortunately I don't think there's a way for me to find the culprit without process of elimination and having to redo my load order afterward.

 

Again though, there shouldn't BE a culprit, because I reinstalled Agony and put its .esp right back in the same spot in the load order and it had the same problem. It's like the game is just randomly giving me s#*! just to troll me.

[lawfish88]

The NMM is broken. I install things and the plugins arent installed. I uninstall things and the plugin is still installed AND activated, or alternatively still installed but at least inactivated. Wish I'd never downloaded this shitty software.

[lawfish88]

I HAVE PROOF NMM IS TROLLING ME. Everything was working fine. I install mod, it doesn't work. I uninstall mod, STILL DOESN'T WORK. I ensure mod is actually uninstalled and files are removed from data folder.

[AeonsLegend]

Could be you were just lucky before that it was working. Order of uninstall/install may matter with conflicting mods, but I'm sure you're aware of that. If the mod you uninstalled has parts of another mod, than the reïnstallation of that other mod may fix the issue. Might be worth investigating.

 

Also check your data folder and see if the esp file of the mod you uninstalled is actually deleted. In some rare cases NMM cannot remove the esp file.

Edited December 16, 2018 by AeonsLegend

[aufisch]

Have you tried re-installing Agony manually?