Missing Master File

[Cheshirebard]

A while ago I tried starting up my Modded New Vegas, but at the opening screen I think NVSE wasn't loading I think because the vault boy head in the corner wasn't popping up and I couldn't click on anything on the main menu. There wasn't even any options to Continue, load, Start a new game.

 

When I forced quit the game a error pop up said that "Out of Memory." I looked into it and it was recomended that I install 4GB Fallout New Vegas updater. When I ran the software, the game started up but the same problem as before happened. The only thing different is that the error message says "Missing Master."

 

I have no idea how to fix that or what file I am missing. What am I missing?

[DoctorKaizeld]

you are missing a master file. do you have all the dlc?

[dubiousintent]

Be aware that one error may mask a number of other errors, which will not appear until those masking them have been resolved. Building a stable game consists of resolving each problem individually until none remain, and then realizing that every change you make thereafter (including updates to mods already installed) run the risk of introducing new problems. Be prepared to revert to a previous save if you do so.

All of the following may not apply to your specific situation, but are worth repeating anyway.

Are you using the 4GB Patcher? If not, please see the 'Maximizing use of memory' section of the wiki "FNV General Mod Use Advice" article.

If you are using the full 4GB of memory, most likely your CTD problem is the default "heap size" is too small. Please see the 'Solutions to "Crash To Desktop" (CTD) problems' section in the wiki "Fallout NV Mod Conflict Troubleshooting" guide.

Move any "inactive" plugins out of the game "Data" folder. They count against the "plugin cap" because they get loaded by the game engine if found, and can cause "Missing Master" problems. Please see the wiki "Missing Masters" article if you get that error message.

"Compatibility patches" to make one mod work with another need to be placed after (as in "physically lower, higher numbered") in the "load order" than both of the plugins they are designed to make compatible. ESMs should always be placed at the top (lowest numbered) positions in the "load order", followed by the related ESPs though they can be separated from their ESMs by other plugins. LOOT does a good job of determining those basic orders. Getting the "load order" incorrect will cause "Missing Master" errors as well.

Don't install compatibility patches for mods you do not have installed/active (e.g. get rid of any "TTW" patches if you aren't running TTW).

Don't install every optional file for a mod. Read the install instructions carefully. Optional files need to be selected on a "case by case" basis. For example: with any mod you usually only need one ESP (and possibly one ESM) "base" file depending upon whether you have all the DLCs active or not. Only if you don't have them all active do you need to install any specific DLC versions if there is an "Ultimate Edition/All/Merged DLC" version.

Do not use an "Auto-purge" mod for game play. (That was old advice from before we knew better.) They are designed for debugging by mod creator's only, according to the author of the JIP extensions to NVSE. See the 'Issue: CTD without warning, "Out of Memory error", or stops responding after the Main Menu', "Cause-2", "Solution-3" entry in the wiki "Fallout NV Mod Conflict Troubleshooting" guide for the game settings that do the same job.

-Dubious-