VS 2018 Multiple Issues driving me nuts

[jowauk]

I have been a VS user since X3. Most recently used X10 Pro Ultimate and last week bit the bullet and upgraded to VS2018 Ultimate.

Before applying the upgrade I EXPORTED LIBRARY from my X10 so that it could be IMPORTED upon upgrade.

Did the upgrade which on FACE VALUE appeared to go OK. I did NOT deinstall X10 just in case I had the need to go back to it

Over about a week now I have started to see LOTS of problems that are driving me mad.

I am running on an Acer Quad Processor (screenshot attached) with 4GB RAM (small I know but this has never been a problem before)

MY PC SPEC

My VS 2018 version is the very latest 21.2.0.113.

Once VS 2018 was installed I kicked off a new project (target 20-30mins final clip) - everything seemed OK and navigation changes soon understood.

Over some days, the following issues have STARTED happening - and most were NOT apparent when I started using VS 2018.

A) for some reason I am being prevented from altering any Project Settings (e.g. work file directory change) and I get the error

"Cannot write to the specified disc, Disc space may not be enough, disc may be write protected or the file or path name is too long"
- and I get THIS same message when whether I try to amend the GENERAL tab, the EDIT tab, indeed ANY of the tabs under preferences.

B) I can no longer select and MOVE clips withing the LIBRARY panel. Last week I could - this week I cannot. Once I upload clips into the clip Library, my general approach is to top and tail each clip BEFORE dropping the clip set to the timeline, and whilst doing this I often re-position the SEQUENCE of some clips for a better logical flow. Once this first pass is completed I usually then drop the set of clips to the timeline where I may perform further edits and FX etc. For sure last week with VS 2018 I had no probs doing this - this week it will NO LONGER let me select and shift clips around withing the Library ??

C) When I am happy with a project, I will always proceed to create an MP4 clip of the full set of clips, adorned with music, images etc. THIS WORKS OK and totally as expected. BUT when I subsequently try to use that MP4 to BURN a DVD, the burn process fails completely, so I cannot get a DVD out of VS 2018 as it stands at the moment. Starting as normal from the SHARE option, and selecting DVD from the next screen, USUALLY the next step drags the MP4 clip(s) into the DVD timeline - BUT it doesn't - the timeline is BLANK. After several abortive attempts trying to work out what might be happening, I tried to CHEAT my usual workflow by MANUALLY adding the MP4 into the timeline of the DVD burn step, but that doesn't work either and the process cannot be made to go to the next step where the DVD is usually then burned. SO I cannot get a DVD burned with VS 2018.

Be aware I generally have Smart Proxy set to ON for all projects - it seems to save both editing time and rendering time. (Except that I have been unable to amend proxy parameters because of the issue at A).

FINAL question - should I give up and go back to try to install VS 2018 AGAIN - and if so should I de-install VS 2018 before starting a fresh install. (I will of course do a Library Export before proceeding so as not to lose work) - and should VS X10 have been de-installed before VS 2018 was installed ?

ANY comments welcome - I was not expecting this to be such a trial and I feel as tho I have been found guilty of something somewhere

Cheers - John Walsh

[lata]

Hi John
Sorry you are experiencing issues with the new program, a lot going on here

A )
Don’t understand that and do not think it has been reported before, maybe others on the forum could comment
I have not had problems setting F6 Preferences?
B )
Unfortunately is a known issue, Corel are aware that library clips cannot be moved.
Quite a few posts regarding this
Hopefully they will fix this soon.
C )
There have been 2 other posters complaining about burning and rendering fails.
I do not understand the comments regarding the Blank Timeline?
If you are intending to burn a DVD then you should convert / render the project to Mpeg2
Then use that file to burn the disc.
Start a new project to empty the timeline, share Disc DVD opens burner module, top left add Media Add Video choosing the Mpeg2 file.
Using a Mpeg 2 will avoid additional rendering in the burner module and should allow you to burn the disc, I would advise you create a Disc Image Iso before burning the disc.
Saves on making those coasters.

Finally

Yes you did correct in leaving X10 installed, at least you can revert back to use that.
If you do an Export library choose a different folder from the one used for X10, just in case you corrupt that one?

Your first issue A seems very strange, I would suggest you re-install the program
You can use the Cleanup tool to uninstall, may be the best option
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59847#p329686

First try resetting the program by renaming the 21 folder
To 21.0_old
C:\Users\User Name\AppData\Roaming\Ulead Systems\Corel VideoStudio Pro (x64)\21.0

Wow

[jowauk]

Many thanks Trevor - at least I am happy I am not going mad !

Your response to B) above - as I said in my post I always create a single MP4 clip which I then use to burn the DVD. In the first step of create DVD, VS brings the project clip(s) (in my case just one) into a timeline view, the bit where you can add chapter points. The project clip is usually visible IN the lower left "timeline view" prior to the NEXT step which would look for the burner and a blank DVD. So I am already doing what you suggest, apart from you suggesting I should create MPEG-2 ? What is the reason for that - why would I not use an MP4 - especially since as well as providing the project on DVD, I also usually want to create a supporting USB file for the client. Have you mentioned MPEG-2 for a reason ?

Also in your response you mention the FOLDER 21 and renaming it to _old. I do understand why this might prove useful but the foldername you have provided is not where mine seem to be located. In my system the folder address is
C:\Users\John Walsh\Documents\Corel VideoStudio Pro\21.0
so I don't understand why the one you mention would be \AppData\Roaming\Ulead etc - might that be part of my core problem as well ?

Again Trevor THANKS for your time and for your experienced input.

Regards

John

[jowauk]

I just wanted to add a couple of screenshots that show the issue I discuss in my post

Project Properties cannot be changed

Cannot amend Project Properties

Cannot burn DVD - MP4 not being taken into first step of DVD create process

Cannot BURN DVD - does not load MP4 clip

[jowauk]

Suddenly this issue gets a lot worse.

I have posted here that VS 2018 will not let me burn a DVD from a single MP4 clip.

So I have returned to old faithful VS X10 which I use routinely twice a week at least. NOW with VS X10 I also cannot burn a DVD - it is behaving exactly the same way as I have described above for VS 2018. In VS X10, when SHARE to DVD is selected, the project clip (a single MP4 duration 1 hour) is NOT appearing in the first step of the DVD burn process.

So now I have NO FALLBACK and as well as having wasted probably 2 days in outright confusion so far, I cannot now complete a very simple 1 hour duration project to DVD stage and I am not a happy man.

Do Corel share access to this board or do I have to start a fight with them direct now. I expect the odd niggle with any new version of any new software - but my experience this week has left me gasping. And I keep getting popups from Corel asking for review/feedback !!!

John

[lata]

Hi John
Things could not get worse

Have you picked up a virus on your pc?
Very strange that both X10 and 2018 are experiencing the same problems.
There was a recent windows update, I think, in the past have affected Corels programs, but you are the only person to raise this, which takes me back to your pc?

As for Mpeg2, all DVD discs will use mpeg2, your MP4 video files will be converted to Mpeg2 prior to burning the disc, Convert title, although that is least of your worries.

I am totally confused as to why this is happening, I would suggest re-installing both programs, not convinced that will help?
I’ll ask one of our Corels contacts to have a read of these posts.

[jowauk]

I don't suspect virus Trevor - I have Bitdefender and it gets updated DEF files daily and runs almost daily.

I have no idea whether Windows updates might have impacted - but I am seeing several issues and the common denominator is a new version of VS.

I suspect that VS has buggered itself somehow and most likely with folders/directories and the like being inconsistent across the old and new releases.

I mentioned above my issues with Project Preferences - that message I am getting (screenshot above) occurs whether you select ANY of the tabs (General, Edit, Performance, Layout etc) and this aspect alone makes the VS2018 almost unusable for me.

Why on earth I cannot get thru the SHARE to DVD I have absolutely no idea - but again this is crippling.

Maybe there is something going wrong with the Library EXPORT and IMPORT feature - my clip libraries are quite large with especially Audio tracks and usually TWO projects on the go at any time - no change here as I have ALWAYS used VS in this way, without any serious problems in the last 2 years or so.

Thanks for your valuable views Trevor - Regards John

[lata]

Hi John

Is it possible that you have a corrupt download installation file?

If you run the Web Installer again, the 10Mb file.
You can choose a different save location / folder, Deselect do not download installed files, I think its called,
Select the Main file, the top option that will download the program to the Ultimate folder
Compare the size of that folder with your original download.

choose Download Only.

You could re-install the main program only without the contents and bonus files

[glus]

Hi John,

You're in good hands with Trevor, but I'd also like to get a support case opened for you. I raised your case to an agent, and he had some tips, but I think it's more appropriate to arrange a remote session to perform the changes he suggested. I have sent you a PM.

EDIT: I can't get my PM in the Outbox to send. Will you please PM me with your email address? Thanks!

[sclgwhite2]

jowauk: This may not be a factor in your problems, but it is something that every operator should keep in mind. Windows has a file path character limit of 260, which seems like a lot, but I have a tendency to make elaborate descriptive folder and file names, which occasionally earns one of the failure messages you supplied ("file or path name is too long"). Starting with the drive letter, C or whatever, Windows counts every character. For example, my hurried count of the folder location string you cited yields 56 characters. If you were to add a folder with a long name inside "21.0", then put a folder with a long name inside it, then put a file with a long name inside it, my experience has proven that the 260 character limit can be smashed against quite easily. It was a happy day for me when I finally grasped the concept, so that I could simply go back and shorten descriptions to solve my problem. I have even had the infuriating problem of not being able to delete a folder, or directory, because somewhere inside was a file whose description broke the rule - I never knew how it sneaked in, but Windows would not give it up because the path character count was too long.

Another time I experienced that popup was when I tried to change a piece of data that was open somewhere else. That was too long ago for me to remember the details, but I do remember the hair-pulling.

Forgive me if all this is elementary to you, hopefully it will help some reader.

[sclgwhite2]

To Trevor: In the "misery loves company" category, I was relieved by your statement that not being able to move samples in the library is a known issue. I came onto the board looking for a solution to not being able to RE-move samples from the library - because when I install the latest version of VS I remove all samples except one of each type (that allows right-clicking on the one and going to the complete folder to look for what I want) so that the snapshots, freeze-frames, custom video clips and audio files that I generate are not overwhelmed and hidden by all the Corel-supplied samples. So far I have only laughed at the magic of their reappearance after I deleted them - twice. Hopefully a patch will remedy this soon. Perhaps I shall lodge a formal request with Corel. They have never ignored me, but too often their idea of a solution is to uninstall and reinstall. I can't speak harshly of them, because I personally am dumb as a rock.

[lata]

Nick
PM's remain in the outbox till john opens his messages, then the PM is delivered.

[lata]

Hi sclgwhite
Thanks for your comments here…

With earlier versions of video studio it was possible to delete the content of the Samples library and indeed they remained deleted
Now the samples mysteriously reappear to the dismay of many users.
There have been posts regarding this issue and again Corel should be aware.
So what is the correct procedure? I do not know if this issue is by mistake or intentional, “so yes lodge a formal request with Corel” although it has been like this for a few versions, -- maybe Glus could comment?

I had replied to some posts and recommended creating our own library page + ADD
Using those and VS would open to the latest library page used, effectively never seeing the Samples page.

[jowauk]

BIG thanks to Trevor for bringing Glus from Corel into play, I have now had a solution to "MOST" of my reported problems.

There is apparently a phenomenon which Corel have called "version collisions" - so it IS something they know about - shame their knowledge has not found it's way into UPGRADE processes that users should follow to get a clean start for new versions.

Below please see my EMAIL to Corel support (to Austin who has provided the explanation) which I hope provides some help to others that might experience what I was getting.

This can occur when prior versions of Corel VS exist on your system, and the "CLEANUP" tools provided to me now by by Corel HAVE to be run in order to get rid of residual files that mess up the new install. Now I could argue that this is an INSTALL FAULT and that Corel should provide a fuller procedure for upgrades which would avoid this issue being experienced. But that's for another day - for now I can USE my VS2018 and that's what matters most. The whole experience has probably lost me 3-4 days over the last week or so. But HEH HO as we say in blighty.

HERE IS MY EMAIL TO COREL

Hi Austin

I have done everything you suggested, it took many hours to complete.

Once the prior versions had been removed, I executed all the CLEANUP tools you directed me to and I ran EACH THREE times (you suggested at least TWICE).

I reinstalled VS2018 and imported my library (which I had exported prior to starting the process).

During the uninstall sequence I noticed several other related programs that you did not mention, but I went ahead and uninstalled them as well. The programs concerned were

Corel MyDVD
VideoStudio 3D Title Editor
Newblue Film Effects for Windows
Boris Graffiti (there were 4 versions (v6 for X7, v7 for X9 etc)

Finally I re-booted my system and SO FAR my VS2018 looks more healthy and MOST of the CORE issues have been resolved.

I am LEFT with just ONE issue - namely that clips within the Library cannot be MOVED around within the library folder - THIS has always been possible with VS and is the way I ORGANISE the clip sequence prior to dropping the clips to the timeline.

You may already be aware of this issue since I noted it was mentioned by others on the community forum.

If you do already know about this and maybe know when it might get fixed it would be useful to know.

Meanwhile my disastrous situation has improved, and I strongly suggest you (Corel) need to add some comments onto the Corel VS forum so others are made aware of the "version collisions" potential for causing such problems. AND I would underline the importance of a reboot once cleanup tools have been executed.

THANK YOU for your help in getting back to an almost fully working system.

TREVOR thanks once again for your interventions and restoring my sanity.

Regards

John

[lata]

Thanks John for that info regarding “version collisions”

We are aware that the program installs additional features, MYDVD, 3DTE, Boris etc. and that they remain after uninstalling the program, not sure that these have any bearing on your problems, although a corrupt X9/10 may affect 2018 given that some files common / shared files are used.
Difficult of course to identify any corrupt files and a complete clean install is the best option.
Whether we need to install several versions is debatable, but clearly could cause issues.
I have versions from X5 installed for testing purposes, and yes have in the past done a complete re-install, removing every Corel program.
All seem to work ok including 2018. Generally uninstalling VS 2018 I will also uninstall those extras MYDVD etc.

Anyway good news that you have things working ok, yes there are known issues, too many really, moving library clips being one, hopefully that will be fixed.