Will not start; says program already running

[theriverstone]

I upgraded to Windows 7, but discovered that my old 1.2 was not compatible with 7. Downloaded 1.3 beta onto the computer, leaving the old 1.2 copy in a separate directory. After I was sure the 1.2 files would convert and run on the 1.3 app, I shut down the 1.3 and uninstalled the 1.2. When I tried to start 1.3 again, it would not start, telling me that the app was already open. It wasn't. I restarted and got same result. I then uninstalled 1.3, and reinstalled it. Still cannot get the program to start because it still tells me there is a version running somewhere on the computer.

Upon troubleshooting this in the Windows troubleshooter, I get the result: "incompatible program."

Theriverstone

[steve]

First thing: try rebooting and see if that makes any difference.

If that makes no difference, check that you uninstalled 1.2.x and not 1.3.x (look in "Program Files" and see which version has been deleted).

Assuming that you uninstalled 1.2.6, see here for running Audacity in compatibility mode: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Windo ... own_Issues

[theriverstone]

Thanks for the help.

First of all, I have rebooted, uninstalled and reinstalled both products countless times. I have followed your instructions to change the compatibility settings on the audacity.exe. I changed it from the default XP to Vista SP 2 to no avail. (I assume you were not telling me to change this setting on the audacity installation .exe)

As for the wiki instruction on how to unhang the program, it doesn't really hang. It doesn't ever launch, so I can't "force quit." I simply see Audacity listed under the processes in the Task Manager. Ending the process in the Task Manager does not allow the program to launch, it simply reappears in the TM processes when relaunch is attempted.

As for the "VST" issue: You may be onto something, however, I hae searched the directories for VST files and removed all. When that didn't work I removed Steinberg Cubase. Still no luck. I do not understand what I am supposed to do to the registry, nor do I understand how to even get into the registry. This is pretty unfamiliar territory for me.

I have also uninstalled/reinstalled the 1.3 beta numerous times, using different compatibilities. No luck. Each time I start the app for the first time, it c ompletes about a half a scan and the scan window closes. Thereafter I get the message that the program is already open, but it isn't. When I look in the Task Manager, I see it listed among the processes. I end the process, but nothing changes. Subsequent attempts to launch all end the same way.

BTW: This is a 64-bit computer. Also, I am using a Shure X2u USB and an AT 3035 mic -- if, indeed, any of that is helpful.

[steve]

Forget about Audacity 1.2.6, just uninstall it and leave it uninstalled.

In case the problem is due to an incompatible VST effect it will be worth disabling VST support and see if that allows Audacity to start.
Ensure that Audacity is not running at all when you do this - if necessary end the process using the Task Manager.

First you will need to find the Audacity configuration file (this is the file where the Audacity user preferences are stored).
The file is called "audacity.cfg" and by default it is located in:
Users<user name>AppDataRoamingAudacity
You will probably need to include "hidden files" when you search for it.

When you have found audacity.cfg, open it in Notepad.
Delete everything in that file except for the line:
NewPrefsInitialized=1

and then add these lines below it:

[VST]
Enable=0
GUI=0
Rescan=0

Then save it (overwriting the original audacity.cfg file).

Set audacity.exe to run in XP compatibility mode, and try running it.

[theriverstone]

Well, that appears to have done it. Thanks, Steve!

Just one other question: If I download another rev. of Audacity, will I need to follow your protocol again?

Appreciate all your help.

[steve]

If I download another rev. of Audacity, will I need to follow your protocol again?

That should not be necessary.

Something that I'd like you to try before you disappear.
If possible, I'd like to leave you with Audacity having VST support enabled, but if this is not possible, then I think we'll just have to leave VST support disabled.

Could you open Audacity and go to "Edit menu > Preferences > Effects"
Enable all effect types (including "VST" and the "Graphical" option.
Enable "Rescan VST plug-ins".
Then click OK to get back out of Preferences.
Then restart Audacity.

You should notice that Audacity starts up more slowly, and there may be a "progress bar", but hopefully it will start up (give it a minute to start up before you panic )

If it does (eventually) start up. Close Audacity, and then restart it. This time it should restart without a long delay. Does this work?

If Audacity does not restart after a minute or two, shut it down (if necessary) from the Task manager.
Then open "audacity.cfg" in Notepad, and change the VST options (again) to:

[VST]
Enable=0
GUI=0
Rescan=0