Max Crashing during export

#1 This is just a guess, have you added objects you aren't using to the NeverExport section of your cfg file?

AlwaysExport:
eye
cam

NeverExport:
Biped Handle
Cam 3rd
Cam eye

for example. It's possible that it's hitting an object that it doesn't know how to handle or something. (I'm just guessing)

#2 Is the program (Max) actually crashing or you are using the term "crash" because you do not know how to describe your problem?

The exporter does take a bit of time to export a mesh (depending on your system specs of course) so it might be that you are impatiently canceling the export process.

If the exporter utility is actually stopping or generated an halt message on you, I would go back and check the DTS Exporter Documentation to make certain that you have done everything correctly. Usually though the exporter utility will tell you why the export process was cancelled (and that can then help us figure out where the problem lies).

With any other information there is not much that we can tell you.

Logan

#3 As far as the config file goes I used the player.cfg. The only thing I changed in it was to include 2 additonal mount points. Here is the .cfg file:

AlwaysExport:
eye
cam
mount0
mount1
mount2
//jetnozzle0

NeverExport:
//Bip01
Bip01 L Finger*
Bip01 R Finger*
Dummy*
Bip01 L Toe*
Bip01 R Toe*
start01
mountpoint
DELETE*
//Ski0
//Ski1
Light0
Light1
//Mount1
//Mount2

+Error::AllowEmptySubtrees
+Error::AllowCrossedDetails
+Error::AllowUnusedMeshes
-Error::AllowOldSequences
-Error::RequireViconNode
-Param::CollapseTransforms

-Param::findMergeIndices
-Param::computeScreenError
-Params::T2AutoDetail 0

I know the difference between a crash and a wait but I also understand why you ask. Here is the error block I get right before Max shuts down. I have exported several static shapes and even an animated weapon. Outside of a few little problems everything has been fine. But now I am trying to export a character I am having trouble.
My Schematic view is Identical to the one in the exporter documentation. I used the "Box Method" as described by the Docs. If you wanna take a look at the file please write me and let me know where to send it.
mjones7947@comcast.net

Thanks

#4 I have tried to help others with this problem but I could not recreate the problem with the files people have sent me. If you email it to me I can take a look, but if the problem is similar to the other I have looked at before, it will probably work on my machine and this will not help you.

Check the version of the exporter you are using. Try getting a version from somewhere other than where you got the one you are using now.

How much RAM do you have? I know some have had problems with older machines or on machines with small amounts of RAM.

Try exporting without the .cfg file and see if that changes anything.

Joe

#5 Ya my computer is very capable I have ALIENWARE P4 1.5 with a gig of ram and all the bells and whistles. I shouldn't have a problem. I'll try to find a more current version of the exporter. I think the one I am using is on the downloads page with all the other pre-compiled tools.
Does the one that comes with SDK have everything in it? I noticed it was quete a bit smaller.
We'll see if all else fails I will send it out to you and we can saee if its me or the exporter.
Thanks
Matt

#6 Well it sounds like you and Joe are going to give the export a try, if you like send me a copy of the file too, I will see if I can replicate the problem on my end.

As for crashes, there are a few things that you can try to help make your system a bit more stable...
- Update all of your drivers to the latest version (this includes sound, video, motherboard chipset, etc).
- Try updating your BIOS if you are brave enough.
- Run RAM testing software on your machine to see if there are any problems with the RAM that you were sold (warning, the test will take some time to perform). If there is a problem with the RAM you should replace it.
- Do the usual hard drive and OS checks.
- Make sure that you are running the latest updates for your Max version.

This should help you keep your system pretty stable and happy when running Max and other applications on your system.

Logan

#7 OK I found the problem when crashing. Its in the config file the line that states:

=Params::T2AutoDetail 0

If I change it to anything other that 0 it crashes. I "//" nulled it out of the config file and I seem to get an export. So far I haven't been able to make the file show in game. Hence my next question?
The docs say under MultiRes and Detail Level

Quote:To use add the following fields to the user defined properties of the mesh.

Where exactly is this part in max?

Also how far do you have to take the MultiRes mesh down. I read through the forum and the docs but I think I am missing somthing.
Do you need the very lowest setting for the Multires mesh or do you make a meshes in conjuction with each detail level.

Last has anybody made a frontend utility for UnmessDTS?LOL the way the directory structure is you got to go along way down in the DOS panel to get to your files. Just wondering?

#8 To get to the user defined properties, select a shape, right click on it, and go to , a window wil appear. Click the second tab and enter the Multires info there. The adjust LODs macroscript helps with this process.

To set up a character mesh, make a snapshot of the skinned mesh, name it MultiRes:, link it to the skinned mesh, and put the Multires info in the user properties of the multires mesh.

Make sure you have your detail markers in the scene and setup correctly.

You do not need to make separate copies of the mesh.

The frontend utility for Unmess is to make a .bat file and make a shortcut to your taskbar. You can edit it by right clicking on the shortcut (changing the name of the file to whatever you need). Click the shortcut and it unmesses the file.

#9 That was quik.

Thanks alot

#10 AHHH success. I finally got him in game and following the default animtions. Not very well though but I can at least start working on that.

One thing I found is that for the model to show he needs a .CS file attached to it. I haven't heard anybody mention that but that was the only hang-up I came accross.

Cheesy Model