Fallout 4 CTD need help!

[BrandonJaake]

Hey guys, my fallout 4 keeps crashing to desktop on load and I'm not too sure why. it originally started as random CTD that i couldn't replicate but after some load order rearranging and removing a few mods, i decided to start a fresh save. Disabled everything except for Sim Settlement/Conquerer and requirements so that they could initialise properly. all was fine then i re-enabled the remaining mods and about half way through setting up mods with their respective pop up windows I CTD. As far as i can tell everything should be working, loot shows no errors (not sorting with loot but with vortex).

I originally followed this guide - https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/23556 and then installed extra mods afterwards.

 

Here is my load order. Thanks.

 

Fallout4.esm
DLCRobot.esm
DLCworkshop01.esm
DLCCoast.esm
DLCworkshop02.esm
DLCworkshop03.esm
DLCNukaWorld.esm
Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch.esp
ArmorKeywords.esm
Wasteland Illumination DLC.esl
TrueStormsFO4.esm
HUDFramework.esm
Garage.esm
Wasteland Illumination Far Harbor ESL.esl
DamnApocalypse_CORE.esm
XDI.esm
Settler Sandbox Overhaul.esl
PANPC.esm
Loot Detector.esl
VendorCaps.esl
PowerArmorDisplayStations-PADisplayCategory.esl
DiamondCityAmbience.esl
SimSettlements.esm
WorkshopFramework.esm
SimSettlements_IDEKsLogisticsStation.esl
GCM_DLC_Automatron.esl
GCM_DLC_Far_Harbor.esl
SimSettlements_Patch_Nukaworld.esl
Lots More Facial Hair.esp
Lots More Male Hairstyles.esp
SettlementMenuManager.esp
PlayerComments.esp
Immersive HUD.esp
UltraInteriorLighting.esp
VIS-G Item Sorting.esp
AllSetsExtended.esp
PiperCaitCurieDialogueOverhaul.esp
WorkshopRearranged.esp
Unique NPCs.esp
Unique NPCs - Creatures and Monsters.esp
SOTS.esp
Armorsmith Extended.esp
Merged Audio.esp
BostonFPSFixAIO.esp
DiamondNewVendors.esp
Better Locational Damage.esp
EquilibriumWeapons.esp
Immersive Fallout (DLC).esp
BTInteriors_Project.esp
WorkshopRearranged_BTInteriors+DEFUI_Patch.esp
Cannibal.esp
Stm_DiamondCityExpansion.esp
ConcordEXPANDED.esp
OutcastsAndRemnants.esp
GoodneighborExpanded.esp
AGNISNikaCola01.esp
BLD - Leveled Lists - DLC.esp
Unique NPCs - BLD.esp
Merged Appearance.esp
Merged Fixes.esp
WET.esp
RAW INPUT.esp
CBBE.esp
LooksMenu Customization Compendium.esp
DeadlierDeathclaws.esp
ImmersiveDrumlinDiner.esp
PIRAD.esp
Better Explosives Redux.esp
VisibleWeapons.esp
VisibleCompanionAffinity.esp
Flashy_StealthyTakedowns.esp
Insignificant Object Remover.esp
AA Better Companions - No Conflicts - Accuracy Beta.esp
PhysicalUnlocksAlt.esp
g2m_Workshop_Nexus.esp
PhysicalUnlocksAddonsAlt.esp
SlowTime.esp
The Eyes Of Beauty.esp
KSHairdos.esp
MiscHairstyle.esp
MoreBeards.esp
MoreHairstyles4Female4.1.esp
MoreHairstyles4Male3.1.esp
AzarPonytailHairstyles.esp
BrighterSettlementLights.esp
SpotlightFix-150-Shadow.esp
AdjustedEncounterZones.esp
RealisticAccuracy.esp
MoreRobotVoices.esp
PowerLinePhysics.esp
Integration.esp
dD-Realistic Ragdoll Force.esp
CompanionStatus.esp
Adjustable UI Volume Sliders.esp
KillTips_by_tooun.esp
Locksmith.esp
spacefiddle_Follower-Stealth-Distance-Fixes.esp
Flicker Fixer.esp
CMRQL.esp
Lockpicking 101.esp
Hacking 101.esp
Perks76.esp
Perks76 hotfix.esp
PowerArmorImpactEffects.esp
Swinging Meat Bags.esp
You Talk Too Much.esp
Realistic_conversations.esp
PD_LowerWeapon.esp
Binoculars.esp
Friffy_Holstered Weapons.esp
K9TacticalHarness.esp
VaultGearDoor.esp
InsElevator.esp
Workshop_Planters.esp
Crimsomrider's Unique Furniture.esp
GR123 West Tek Tactical Gloves.esp
Power Conduits and Pylons Overhaul.esp
SettleObjExpandPack.esp
DD_Perk_Reset_WIZURD_HAIRRYY.esp
GrafsSecurityFences.esp
BAM-BetterArmoryMod.esp
XnjguyFilledMods_AIO.esp
GruffyddsSignsAndPosters.esp
GCM.esp
AdvSettleTurretSet-Real.esp
cartman1975_concrete-glass.esp
SanctuaryParts.esp
WeaponDisplays.esp
CREAtiveGardens.esp
LongerPowerLinesInf.esp
SelectMarkMacTurret.esp
EvilViking13_WastelandWalls.esp
Weapons of Fate.esp
M2216.esp
WDP-PC.esp
Passthrough.esp
OCDispenser.esp
RPP.esp
TommyStickMag.esp
KURO.esp
AES_Renovated Furniture.esp
woodysWastelandStuff.esp
VltCageElevatorDLCRed.esp
SWG.esp
cartman1975_warehouse.esp
NukaWorldRifleClassicStock.esp
dinomore.esp
JaL.esp
Thematic and Practical.esp
Thematic and Practical - DLC.esp
Tactical Flashlights.esp
SimSettlements_XPAC_Conqueror.esp
SimSettlements_MegaPack_YearTwo.esp
Backpacks of the Commonwealth.esp
More Smarter Companions Mod.esp
UniqueUniques.esp
Mercenary.esp
Better Locational Damage - DLC_Automatron.esp
CraftingFramework.esp
Better Locational Damage - DLC_Far_Harbor.esp
Better Locational Damage - DLC_Nuka_World.esp
ConcordMusuemRestoration.esp
QuickTrade.esp
Move (Get Out the Way).esp
ABundleofTape.esp
Floaters.esp
DOOMMerged.esp
Snappy_HouseK.esp
LimaOutpost.esp
3dscopes-replacer.esp
RussianAssaultPack.esp
SS_AddOn_CbC_AIO.esp
LString_Bow.esp
Tomacuzi9.esp
F4NVServiceRifleRedux.esp
YouAreSPECIAL.esp
WorkshopPlus.esp
QuickReflexes.esp
AdvancedNeeds2.esp
Unique NPCs FarHarbor.esp
D.E.C.A.Y.esp
Famished.esp
Respawnable Legendary Bosses.esp
WattzLaserGun.esp
mk14.esp
G11.esp
Hard Legendary Giant Creatures.esp
CommonwealthCritters - Both DLC.esp
MK_Agony.esp
BLD_Agony_Patch.esp
DeathclawVariety.esp
FO4 NPCs Travel.esp
Better Perks.esp
Better VATS - No Reduction.esp
Better Cooking.esp
Better Locational Damage - Ghoul Edition.esp
Better Chems.esp
WestTekTacticalOptics.esp
CROSS_CourserStrigidae.esp
ZebrinasWorkshopDevices.esp
Sandbag Fortifications - Version 2C.esp
SimSettlements_MegaPack_YearOne.esp
JP_GuardTowers.esp
RegsPrefabs.esp
OCDecorator.esp
CWSS Redux.esp
WWP - PC.esp
Altairp's Animal Farm.esp
Better Cooking Stations.esp
Weapon Rack Extended.esp
SkibsWeapons-REDUX.esp
Ground_Vanilla.esp
Buildable_PAFrames.esp
SCAR-L.esp
LeeEnfieldNo4MkI.esp
RU556.esp
FO3VaultSuit.esp
DiamondCityAutoClose.esp
LR_Motorcycle.esp
LR_LoneWandererFarHarbour.esp
LR_LoneWandererNukaWorld.esp
USP .45_by_tooun.esp
JustDebris.esp
SalvageBeacons.esp
DamnApocalypse_Loot.esp
VIS-G Item Sorting Vanilla Weight Patch.esp
ASEFarHarbor.esp
BTInt_Optimization.esp
DamnApocalypse_PowerArmor.esp
LOST Sim Settlements Patch.esp
BTInt_Menus.esp
LOST Equilibrium Patch.esp
Nuka World Bottle Fix.esp
ASE_PerfPatch.esp
LOST Unique Creatures Patch.esp
WorkshopRearranged_DEFUI+VIS_Patch.esp
LOST Damn Apocalypse Patch.esp
RadiantBirdsv05.esp
Dynamic Music Overhaul.esp
LOST Workshop Framework + Plus Patch.esp
LOST WestTek Optics Patch.esp
LOST Wattz Laser Patch.esp
LOST Visible Weapons Patch.esp
LOST Visible Companion Affinity Patch.esp
LOST Tomacuzi Patch.esp
LOST Tactical Flashlights Patch.esp
LOST South of the Sea Patch.esp
LOST Snappy House Patch.esp
LOST Settlement Menu Manager Patch.esp
LOST Service Rifle Patch.esp
LOST SS Conqueror Patch.esp
LOST SCDO Patch.esp
LOST Russian Assault Pack Patch.esp
LOST PreWar Binoculars Patch.esp
LOST Outcasts and Remnants Patch.esp
LOST NPC Travel Patch.esp
LOST Mega Year 2 Patch.esp
LOST Mega Year 1 Patch.esp
LOST Machine and Her Patch.esp
LOST MK14 EBR Patch.esp
LOST Lima Detachment Patch.esp
LOST LString Bow Patch.esp
LOST KURO Patch.esp
LOST K9 Harness Patch.esp
LOST Immersive HUD Patch.esp
LOST Holstered Weapons Patch.esp
LOST HK G11 K2 Patch.esp
LOST Floaters Patch.esp
LOST Famished Patch.esp
LOST Diamond City Expansion Patch.esp
LOST Deadlier Deathclaws Patch.esp
LOST DOOM Merged Patch.esp
LOST DECAY Patch.esp
LOST Courser Strigidae Patch.esp
LOST Cannibal Concord Patch.esp
LOST Bundle of Tape Patch.esp
LOST Backpacks Commonwealth Patch.esp
Schnips - mk14 - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - g2m_Workshop_Nexus - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - Stm_DiamondCityExpansion - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - SOTS - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - PlayerComments - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - OutcastsAndRemnants - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - NPC Travel - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - LR_Motorcycle - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - ImmersiveDrumlinDiner - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - DiamondNewVendors - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - DeadlierDeathclaws - VIS-G Patch.esp
Schnips - D.E.C.A.Y - VIS-G Patch.esp
DamnApocalypse_PIRAD.esp
LOST Unique NPCs Patch.esp
TrueStormsFO4-FarHarbor.esp
TrueStormsFO4-NukaWorld-FH-Compat.esp
PIRAD_TrueStorms.esp
LOST True Storms Patch.esp
LOST PANPC Patch.esp
LOST Mercenary Pack Patch.esp
LOST Explosives Redux Patch.esp
LOST Better Cooking Stations Patch.esp
Schnips - Mercenary - VIS-G Patch.esp
DamnApocalypse_PANPC.esp
DamnApocalypse_DOOMMerged.esp
LOST Salvage Becons Patch.esp
LOST RU556 Patch.esp
LOST LeeEnfield Patch.esp
DamnApocalypse_DOOMMerged_VIS.esp
DamnApocalypse_Agony.esp
WorkshopRearranged_SanctuaryParts_Patch.esp
WorkshopRearranged_RenovatedFurniture_Patch.esp
WorkshopRearranged_DinoDecor_Patch.esp
DamnApocalypse_VIS.esp
PlayerComments_PiperCaitCurieDialogueOverhaul_Patch.esp
LOST Beantown Interiors Patch.esp
OCDecoratorDLC.esp
MPY2 Windmill Shack Patch.esp
LooksMenuCustomizationCompendium-UniqueNPCs_Patch.esp
Tactical Flashlights - Settings.esp
PlayerCommentsCWSSPatch.esp
Kinggath_GameplayAdjustments_AICount.esp
Quieter Settlements - Recommended Settings.esp
PlayerComments_UFO4P_Patch.esp
Better Cooking Stations - Far Harbor + Nuka World patch.esp
WorkshopRearranged_JustDebris_Patch.esp
no can activation sound.esp
SettleObjExpandPack-AllLightShadowEnabler.esp
DeathclawVariety - WW.esp
DeathclawVariety - Even More Variety.esp
DeathclawVariety - Even More Variety - WW.esp
TrueStormsFO4-EarlierSunsetsFH.esp
TrueStormsFO4-EarlierSunsets.esp
SOTS_AWKCR_AS_Patch.esp
Better Cooking Stations Immersive Patch.esp
USP .45 Flashy_StealthyTakedowns Patch.esp
Better Locational Damage - DLC_WWorkshop.esp
AdvancedNeeds2_Patch_CWSS.esp
AdvancedNeeds2_Expansion_05_Gasmasks.esp
AdvancedNeeds2_Patch_DLC.esp
AdvancedNeeds2_Expansion_02_Spoilage.esp
Fixed Trading Prices.esp
ImmersiveScrapping_SeasonPass.esp
Scrap Everything - Ultimate Edition.esp
DamnApocalypse_ScrapEverything.esp

 

[StormWolf01]

Hi Brandon!

1) Don't use Vortex.

2) You have 342 plugins listed in your load order, which is waaaay past the 255 plugin limit.

Granted, about 10 of those are ESL files, and don't count in regards to the 255 limit. But you're still way over.

Need to lighten that load a lot.

 

Here lies the danger of that tho. There's mods that you can't just remove, in the middle of a playthrough. So you need to be careful of which ones you take out.

Also, if your game is or has been crashing mid game, it's possible that your saves have not been written correctly and could be corrupted.

[BrandonJaake]

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah I'm starting to realise Mod Organiser had much greater control and seriously considering jumping back and restarting.

 

But also, while yes i have 342 plugins and only 10 are ESL files, at least 90 are ESP's flagged as ESL's either by the mod author or converted by me (Mostly patch files and added items.)

I was under the impression that flagged ESP's also don't count towards your limit? as vortex is displaying 239 Active and 104 Light. granted I have put my faith in vortex with its 'could be light' feature, which i probably should not have.

Save files are not an issue as I only got like 1 hour into playing before I experienced my first crash and have ended up scrapping all save and just keep starting over.

 

I would consider myself a semi-pro with modding, I have a working Skyrim setup with 400 mods and decent experience with external programs such as Dyndolod, X/ZEdit, Wyrebash ect.

Still I am apparently doing something wrong, could it be script load limit?

[StormWolf01]

Heyas Brandon :)

No problem, always wanna try to help out :)

Ok, so that does change some things.

Now this, is where I'm not too sure. I'm of the understanding (misunderstanding, very possible) that esl flagged esps do get handled by the same container limitation that regular esl files do, but do not count against the 254 plugin limit. However, you should be good in that department as I do believe the container limit got upgraded to something like 5k in version .162 However, crashing at load is one indication of too many esl files. Either that, or it will tell you to delete some mods before you can add any new ones.

 

But if you're able to get into the game and play for a while before it crashes... then that suggests either a broken mod, mod incompatibility, or scripting problems.

 

The first thing that pops into my mind, since you are using Vortex, is to through and verify that you have ALL the required mods for the list. Verify that you have all patches required.

I would also make sure that every one of them has been deployed.

If you're not already using this, then this is something else that you need. https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/42497 (requires f4se) to make sure that your game is actually running all the active plugins and not skipping any of them due to incompatible version numbers.

 

Also, while I'm not trying to doubt your credibility at all, or in the least.... Please don't fall into that trap of "I modded bethesda game X for years..."

While there is a LOT of similarities with modding Skyrim, it's not the same monster, and there's some differences. Some of them are minor but still matter.

Like I said, I'm really NOT trying to say anything less about how much you know. You will clearly know more about modding skyrim than I do. I haven't played any of that line since Morrowind, LOL. But yeah. Some of the stuff just isn't entirely the same.

[BrandonJaake]

Yeah that's what i thought, I'm running .163 so all should be good there. There have been no warnings or pop ups about too many mods so far.

but as i mentioned before I was actually playing before having manually sorted the load order and removing 2 mods due to deleted nav meshes within those that i thought may have been causing issues, but now my games worse off even on new saves.

 

I'm pretty sure i should have all patches etc needed, I figured if I had missed something loot would tell me. I have also made sure to manually deploy before loading my game.

I was not using this I will definitely be adding it. thank you!

 

That's entirely reasonable! I do have some experience with modding fallout just usually smaller mod lists and before ESL were a thing, I was just trying to portray that i can understand more in-depth modding terms.

I've also just realised that my load order doesn't show my F4SE plugins, which I had quite a few of.

 

I've decided to start over with the same mods but in MO2 and to pay closer attention to installation order and what's conflicting/overwriting what. Thank you for your feedback and help! I will update you with how I end up :)

[StormWolf01]

Heyas Jake. Yeah, that's the one downside of the f4se mods. They don't show up in the LO. Which reminds me, I think I need to start asking people for screenshots of that f4se folder so that we can tell what's in there too. Thanks for that reminder :)

 

Yeah, this whole load order lists thing that people have started doing is kind of a new thing for me too. I can honestly say that I don't pay too much attention to them. But that's just me.

 

Yeah, definitely try out that version checker bypass and see if that clears up your troubles.

 

Good deal. Yeah, I'm sorry if that came across the wrong way. Back in the day, I used to do a lot in the Dragon Age forums. We'd have TONS of people coming in saying "I've been modding X for five years, I know how to mod!"

And DAO modded Nothing like the Bethesda games do. Prime example being load order meant nothing in DAO, it automatically sorted all mods alphabetically.

 

I hope redoing the order in the different organizer sorts it out. I'm kinda running out of ideas :(

But if you do, make sure to remove all the files from the Vortex folder in your AppData folder, so that the vortex backups don't keep affecting your game.

[BrandonJaake]

I got it all working!

For those in the future that come past this page, my issue from what I can tell is that vortex made an absolute mess of my game folder and there must have been old loose files in there that were getting loaded and conflicting.

I took the advice from this post - https://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/3606550-crash-to-desktop-ctd-cure-all/ with a bit of a tweak considering I believe it's outdated:

 

1. UNINSTALL all mods to attempt to make a clean data folder.

2. Delete every FOLDER in your data folder except for SCRIPTS and VIDEOS (Leave all the base game archives there.)

3. Open Steam and go to Fallout 4, click the Manage button(cog), go to Local Files and click Verify Integrity Of Game Files - Very Important!

Once the process has finished and re-downloaded any missing/corrupted files everything should be fixed. You will need to re-clean any DLC files that you may have cleaned before.

 

From this experience I highly recommend NOT using vortex, it still needs work. Either that or I was using it incorrectly.

I would also highly recommend that while doing step 2 you also delete all ENB, F4SE and INI files as well and then start from scratch. Hope my experience can be of help :)

[StormWolf01]

Heyas Brandon!

Well, I'm glad that you found out what was causing it. Sorry to hear that it was because of housekeeping in the data folder though :(

 

One thing I will definitely add to what you posted tho. Do NOT delete stuff out of the data folder if you are running an older version of the game, do not have a backup copy of your install folder, and think you can get that version back from Steam. You cannot get older, working versions from steam any more.

Doing the file verification will update your game version to the latest build.

 

So yeah, pay VERY CLOSE attention to

 

2. Delete every FOLDER in your data folder except for SCRIPTS and VIDEOS (Leave all the base game archives there.)

When deleting files/folders out of the data folder.

 

Brandon- If you are clearing that stuff out. There is a folder for Vortex located in the AppData folder; C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local > Vortex that will need to be cleaned out as well.

But definitely glad you're up and running again. Kudos for posting what fixed it for you :)