PixInsight Forum (historical)
PixInsight => Bug Reports => Topic started by: Susan on 2019 January 01 20:47:20
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This is my first time posting to this forum... I recently upgraded from PixInsight 1.8.5 to PixInsight 1.8.6, but am having a problem with the new version. I uninstalled the old version of PixInsight and rebooted my computer. I then installed PixInsight 1.8.6 and successfully reactivated it. When I launch the program, the workspace window opens as normal, but when I move the cursor over the Process Explorer tab I get the following system error message, "The program can't start because api-ms-win-core-libraryloader-l1-2-0.dll is missing from computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem." The program then hangs up. I have enclosed a screen shot of the error message. I have tried uninstalling and then reinstalling PixInsight 1.8.6 multiple times, but the system error persists. So I am at a loss as to what to do. How do I rectify this problem? PixInsight 1.8.5 was working fine for me. So why do I have this problem with the installation of PixInsight 1.8.6? Assistance would be much appreciated.
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What version of Windows are you running?
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Hi Susan,
This problem has been reported in several occasions after the 1.8.6 release by Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. Please note that this is a machine-specific problem with your Windows installation, which lacks a required file pertaining to your operating system. PixInsight is not causing these issues.
The information given in this Microsoft support request (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-winapps/api-ms-win-core-libraryloader-l1-2-0dll-is-missing/68151f0b-cbb1-4b5c-934e-792a62be20ac) may help you. See also this Microsoft support article (https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/929833/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corrupted-system) about restoring missing or damaged system files. If nothing of this helps, I strongly recommend you perform a complete reinstall of your operating system, preferably upgrading to Windows 10.
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Hi Juan,
this is the same appearance that I encountered. I performed the check that you recommended, and in my case, Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
Please read the post of oldwexi:
https://pixinsight.com/forum/index.php?topic=13062.msg79482#msg79482
Taking his workaround (starting PI, starting a second instance of PI by typing "!!PixInsight -n" in the process console, then exiting the first instance), I can access Process Explorer with no error message and no black GUI.
Like oldwexi I don't think that the Windows 7 installation is corrupted. I installed all recommended Windows updates, and my system is running flawlessly for the rest.
My first impression was that only Intel Core i, "2nd generation" processors (Codename: Sandy Bridge) using the on-board graphics, HD Graphics 2000 or 3000, are affected. Intel has discontinued supporting these graphics on 24.06.2016 and does not support these graphics for Windows 10. According to Intel, HD Graphics 3000 supports Open GL 3.1. Please tell me whether Open GL 3.1 is sufficient for PI or not.
I wonder whether this issue is specific for certain processors and the usage of on-board graphics and want to encourage people who have this issue to report their processor, graphics and operating system (here: Intel i7-2600K, HD Grapics 3000, Windows 7 SP1).
Bernd
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Hi Bernd,
The workaround that you've found, that is, running a second instance of the PixInsight core executable, is really weird to say the least. Needless to say, I have absolutely no idea why this is happening. However, if that works for you and solves the issues you are experiencing, then I am glad to know and have nothing else to say. As I have said many times, problematic graphics drivers may cause really odd problems, which in occasions may appear like magic. This looks like one of these cases.
According to Intel, HD Graphics 3000 supports Open GL 3.1. Please tell me whether Open GL 3.1 is sufficient for PI or not.
OpenGL 3.1 should be sufficient for PixInsight 1.8.6 (although any decent graphics driver should be providing OpenGL 4.0 at the very least today). The problem is not with the OpenGL version supported, but with the OpenGL implementation. In the case of Intel HD graphics drivers on Windows, these implementations are often defective. This happens frequently on Windows 7—which we no longer support as one of our mainstream platforms—, and rarely on Windows 10 with the latest driver versions. Of course, none of these problems exist on Linux and macOS, where OpenGL implementations are correct and up-to-date in virtually all cases.
Unfortunately, PixInsight 1.8.6 requires a working, fully standards compliant and fully operative OpenGL implementation (in theory, OpenGL 2.1 should be enough, although version 3 or higher is recommended). The difference with respect to version 1.8.5 is that the new version depends on more OpenGL features and hence is more demanding in this regard. Unfortunately, some Windows 7 machines, especially laptops and tablet-like machines with integrated Intel graphics, do not provide valid graphics drivers. This explains all of these weird problems on Windows. I'm afraid there is nothing I can do, besides recommending running the application on different machines and/or upgrading to Windows 10 with the latest graphics driver versions installed.
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Thank you all for your replies...
Hi RickS... I am running Windows 7 Professional 64-bit on a ThinkPad T420 with 8.00 GB RAM, Intel(R) processor Core(TM) i7 2620M CPU @ 2.7 GHz and Intel HD Graphics 3000
Hi Jaun... As you suggested, I first ran the System File Checker tool which did not find any "integrity violations" (as ...
I did a search on-line and downloaded the api-ms-win-core-libraryloader-l1-2-0.dll files that were missing on my computer and successfully installed them in their respective system file folders. I am now able to open PixInsight 1.8.6 without getting the system error message, BUT (always a but :-) when I move the cursor over the Process Explorer tab, the window goes black (as described by Bernd and other PixInsight 1.8.6 users, see https://pixinsight.com/forum/index.php?topic=13062.msg79482#msg79482). The work around described by Bernd has also worked for me.... Thanks Bernd! :-)
Now I am looking to see if there are driver updates that may be required on my computer (like graphics drivers etc.)... My Windows Updates are all up to date.
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I discovered I do have the most up-to-date drivers for the HD Graphics 3000 card... Since Intel is no longer supporting the Intel HD Graphics 3000 card, and doesn't provide Windows 10 drivers either, then upgrading my Thinkpad T420 laptop to Windows 10 will not resolve the Process Explorer problem with PixInsight 1.8.6, will it?... Buying a new Windows 10 computer may be my only option if I want to use PixInsight 1.8.6?... Or use the "work-around" for now (or go back to using PixInsight 1.8.5)... But why does the work-around, i.e. running a second instance of the PixInsight core executable, resolve the Process Explorer problem. I am an engineer but not a computer engineer. I wish I was a computer engineering guru so I could figure out why (sigh)...
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Hi Guys... It's me again... I just tried, for the fun of it, the PixInsight - Reset Settings and guess what? The problem with Process Explorer is now resolved!... Of course all my customized settings are gone, but that's okay. As long as I can use PixInsight 1.8.6 without having to buy a whole new Windows 10 computer! The little bit of extra work will be worth it!
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Hi Susan,
I am glad to know it's working! So, there is something in your previous configuration that has been causing, or at least triggering, these issues. Interesting, and very odd indeed. Believe me that all of these reports with strange problems on Windows are painful for me, especially because there is basically nothing I can do to solve them. So any report of success is very welcome! :)
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Hi Susan,
according to your suggestion I tried the Reset PixInsight - and it worked for me as well. Of course this is even better than the workaround. Thank you for sharing your finding!
Hi Juan,
I appreciate that you took the time to answer. And I'm glad that I don't have to purchase a new computer - perhaps the old one is sufficient for me for some years. ;)
Bernd
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Of course now the question is will it happen again at some point?
Juan,
Is the PixInsight.ini in \AppData\Roaming\Pleiades\ the only file that changes when someone does a reset? Maybe someone who still has the problem could save that file for you to examine before they reset.
Mike
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Hi Mike,
with the reset, in C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Pleiades\ only the file "PixInsight.ini" is removed, and it is saved to C:\Users\{username}\ as "PixInsight-{date+time}.conf".
If this file is useful, I can upload it.
Bernd
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Bernd
I think that will be the file of interest but Juan needs to answer on that.
Mike
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Hello Guys... I'm back. Unfortunately the problem I was experiencing with PixInsight 1.8.6 Process Explorer is back again. It happened when I tried to access the Online Video Tutorials. When I clicked on "RESOURCES", then "Learning", then "Online Video Tutorials", the window immediately went black and Process Explorer problem re-manifested; if I move the cursor over the Process Explorer tab, the window goes black!
Juan, I have enclosed a .zip file containing 1) the "PixInsight-20190102205856.conf" file that was created when I used the Reset Settings yesterday and 2) the "PixInsight.ini" file that was created this morning after the Process Explorer problem re-manifested and I subsequently closed PixInsight 1.8.6. I hope the PixInsight Technical Support Team will be willing to have a look at these files and can figure out what the problem is with PixInsight 1.8.6. Let me know if you require any additional information from me. Your attention to this matter is much appreciate.... In the meantime, I am going to uninstall PixInsight 1.8.6 and go back to using 1.8.5.
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Susan,
as i found out and mentioned already on December 28th you dont have to
reinstall 1.8.5 again.
1.8.6 perfectly works on Win 7 Prof when starting a second instance of PixInsight. I tested this extensively.
(it costs only 2 mouseclicks...)
In my opinion its an issue with the graphic driver of my(your?) notebook,
because 1.8.6. worls perfect on my Windows 7 main PC which has a much better and newer graphic card.
Here again what i posted last year:
Have installed PI 1.8.6.1448 on PC with
Windows 7 Professional
When moving the mouse over the vertical "Process Explorer" bar, i get a black workspace window without tools.
Pressing STG + ALT + H (or R..) opens the HistoryExplorer AND gets all other parts of the screen ok back again.
So, blacking out the WS Screen in my installation is connected only with the Process Explorer Bar.
Found a solution for the screen blackening on my Win 7 installation.
Open a second instance of PI which works than perfectly, no blackening of WS when moving the mouse over
the Process Explorer Bar!!
Next Step, i close the first instance of PI and PI runs nicely on my Win 7 Installation.
This could be a hint for the user, before going back to 1.8.5 try starting PI as a second instance.
Maybe for the developer a hint for checking the Process Explorer Bar routines.
I am not a Win Guru - dont wont to become one anyhow - so i assume everything of Win 7 is installed properly but cant proof this.
Hope this helps - i can work with the latest version of PI under WIN 7 now without problems.
Gerald
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Hi Juan... I just realized that the two files enclosed with my last post may not be adequate for diagnosing the Process Explorer problem since I did not include an .ini file for the instance with Process Explorer was working correctly... So I went through the steps again and have enclosed a .zip file containing 1) the file, "1-WithProcessExplorerProblem_PixInsight.ini", for the instance with the Process Explorer problem, 2) the file, "2- RestSettings_PixInsight-20190103181355.conf", created when I used the Reset Settings, 3) the file, "3-ProcessExplorerNormal_PixInsight.ini", for the instance with Process Explorer working normally, and 4) the file, "4-ProcessExplorerProblemRecreated_PixInsight.ini", for the instance with the Process Explorer problem re-manifested (after clicking RESOURCES>Learning>Online Video Tutorials). Your attention to this matter is much appreciated.
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Hi Gerald... Thank you for your reply. I understand that work around and tried using it, but even if I start running a second instance of the PixInsight core executable and close the first instance, if I try to use the link to the "Online Video Tutorials", the Process Explorer "Black Window" problem resumes... So until the PI Tech Support can resolve this, I will go back to using PI 1.8.5....
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Hi Juan... I just installed the latest version of PinInsight, version 01.08.06.1457, and it continues to have the problems with Process Explorer. If I move the cursor over the Process Explorer tab, the window goes black! When I click on "RESOURCES", then "Learning", then "Online Video Tutorials", the window also goes black... The so-called "work around" don't work...Can anything be done about this... I would really appreciate your assistance in resolving this issue.
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Hi Susan!
You are right, also on my Win7 Prof Notebook (with propriatary grafikcard) the same happens.
In addition opening a second instance of PI does not help anymore in the new Version of PI -
BUT
there is still a possibility to very simply overcome this little issue.
Good image proprocessing can be done ONLY when the histogram is open all the time to keep control
how the histogram of your image develops during processing.
So, the FIRST step in image processing is to open "HistogramTransformation" from the top tool bar "PROCESS"!!!!
Now, whenever the screen gets partly black, i click over the Histogramm process window and everything is back again.
I never click the Process Explorer in the vertical tab as i prefer the PROCESS selection in the top Tools bar.
So this happens anyhow never when using PI 1.8.6
Concerning the Video tutoriasls - yes i have the same issue but they can be be opened in an extra Internet window.
I dont see this as a bug in PI, i see this as weakness of my grafik Card in the Notebook.
So, for me the go around is a very small issue and i dont have to miss the Advantages of Pi 1.8.6.
There is no reason for me to go back to 1.8.5
Gerald
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Hi Gerald,
My OS is Win10 and after struggling for hours with what seemed to be a corrupted PI I was about to give up and restore the previous version when I spotted your tip about leaving HT open. It also works for Win10. I will continue to try it but so far so good.
Many thanks,
Pete
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for uploading the .ini files. Unfortunately, there is nothing in them that can help to identify the problems you are experiencing. Both files, before and after the problem, are basically identical. The only differences are in some window positions and dimensions, which are completely irrelevant.
Susan, Gerald, Pete and the rest of users that are experiencing these weird problems on Windows,
I am very sorry to say this, but I am afraid these problems may have no viable solution. They are machine-specific issues that are being caused, with very high probability, by faulty graphics drivers. Previous versions of PixInsight managed to work with these drivers, but version 1.8.6 is much more demanding of a valid working environment, which exposes their failures. Unfortunately, there is probably no way to update these drivers because there is no longer active support for Windows 7 in many cases. Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 on January 2015, and will discontinue its support completely on January 2020.
So there is basically nothing I can do to solve these problems. I cannot reproduce them on any of our machines running Windows 10, where the latest version 1.8.6.1457 of PixInsight works perfectly (modulo pending bugs). As I have said many times, if I cannot reproduce a nontrivial problem, I cannot understand it and hence cannot solve it.
Finally, please realize that these problems are very, very strange. PixInsight does not do anything remotely similar to what you are describing on any platform under normal working conditions, including Windows. These are the kind of weird issues caused by misbehaving graphics drivers or hardware. Please don't take this as an offense—nothing farther from what I'm trying to say—, but the workarounds you are describing sound esoteric. If they work, that's probably just because they are 'moving' the problem to a different 'place', but, heck, if they work, go ahead!
Those who know me also know well what I personally think about Windows. I don't want to start an operating system war here, so I'll better stop elaborating more on this subject. I just would like you to realize that Windows is intrinsically a problematic operating system, especially for a complex multiplatform application like PixInsight, and even much more problematic on relatively old or outdated hardware. Installing the latest Windows updates is important to guarantee system stability, but unfortunately some Windows updates contain bugs and generate conflicts that lead to the opposite result. Some applications may replace system components with invalid or outdated versions. Some virus protection applications may interfere with the normal operation of applications, or even modify components of installed applications. The proliferation of bloatware and malware is another cause of endless problems. And I could continue with the enumeration until boring you...
The current version of PixInsight works remarkably well on a clean Windows 10 installation. Irrespective of my personal preferences, I try to do my job the best I can, and producing a stable Windows version of PixInsight is undoubtedly a crucial part of it.
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Hello Gerald and Juan,
Gerald, thank you very much for your suggestion. I reinstalled 1.8.6, opened HT from the top tool bar "Process" and can now work in PixInsight, manageably, by leaving the HT window open, as long as I can keep the cursor away from the Process Explorer Icon on the left hand Explorer Windows tool bar ;). I wish there was some way to close Process Explorer, from outside the Process Explorer window. Then it wouldn't show up in the Explorer Windows tool bar on the left.
Juan, thank you very much for your feedback, clarification, and all the hard work you put into fixing PixInsight for us "lowly" users. I didn't realize Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 support completely on January 2020! YIKES! THAT'S ONLY A YEAR AWAY!... SO, I have a better understanding of the situation... I guess I am just going to have to bite the bullet and replace my circa 2014 Windows 7 based HAND-ME-DOWN Thinkpad laptop for a Windows 10 "latest and greatest"... (sigh)... My husband is NOT going to be happy with me, but OH WELL!
At least, for, the time being I can use PixInsight 1.8.6 as is (thanks to Gerald's suggestion). :)
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Hi Juan!
Thanks for your explanations. For me this is not a PI issue.
I do have a main PC with Windows 7 Prof and an extra high resolution and 2 large displays supporting grafik card.
The latest Version of PI is running on it without any malfunction as always!!!!
So from my experience, as my notebook is a massproduct which usually gets cheap and not full functioning grafik card, it
is an issue of the hardware which misses profund grafik support internally.
On better HW-equipment everything runs smooth and easy.
I did not complain, i see it as my mistake when i bought a somehow cheap prebuilt notebook.
And i only wanted to help Susan.
Your fully with PI satisfied
Gerald
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Hello Juan and fellow PixInsight users...
I wanted to give an update on the issues that I was having with PI 1.8.6... The problem I was having with the Process Explorer tab has been resolved!... I went ahead and upgraded from Windows 7 Pro 64bit (on my ThinkPad T420 with 8.00 GB RAM, Intel(R) processor Core(TM) i7 2620M CPU @ 2.7 GHz and Intel HD Graphics 3000) to Window 10 Pro 64 bit (by doing a clean install) and PI 1.8.6 now operates perfectly. And I didn't have to go out and buy a new computer! :D The problem was the operating system. Juan is right. PI 1.8.6 is optimized for Windows 10.
If any of you have been experiencing the same problems as I was, I recommend that you bite the bullet and upgrade your operating system to Win10. I was dreading having to do this myself, but discovered, from some online resources, actually how easy it was to go through the process and not have to pay a penny for the upgrade... I upgraded a laptop and my Observatory PC from Win7 to Win10, both clean installs, in one day. I was quite proud of myself... ;)
Regards,
Susan
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Hi Susan,
I am glad to know PixInsight is now working on your reinstalled machine. Please don't hesitate to report other problems if they arise.
Thank you so much for reporting your success experience. Knowing the things that don't work is absolutely necessary for us to improve, but knowing when they work is great ;)
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Yup - just hit me with installing PI-windows-x64-01.08.06.1473-20190514-c on my laptop which runs my scope.
Seeing the disdain for customers from the developer is unfortunate. 'Windows stinks, we only support a clean install of the latest Windows 10...'
Nearly half of Windows users still use Win 7. You are writing off half of that user base. Think long and hard about your customers.
Not everyone can have the latest toys. I guess now I can't even have the toys I paid for.