SonicStage CP 4.3 freezes on splash screen

[herbaklez]

I had a number of problems relating to instability of the computer, especially including that audio CDs would frequently force a re-boot of the computer. On checking the hardware, I found that one stick of RAM was not properly installed and there was lots of dust on the CPU cooling fins.

Many times when the computer restarted, Sonicstage was operating.

Also, my daughter (only 13 y.o.) followed some instructions which appeared onscreen purporting to fix some problem with Sonicscreen. I can't provide any more details on this procedure, but it did involve a few successive windows which required mouse clicks in order to proceed.

Now that the hardware issues have been addressed, the only outstanding problem is that Sonicstage freezes on the Sonicstage splash screen and crashes the computer. Windows task manager will not open and the only option is to use the restart button.

Can anyone help? I don't want to lose the database in the process.

[Avrin]

Looks like there is a serious problem. SonicStage can be glitchy, but actually crashing the computer is a bit too much.

For a start, you need to make sure that everything is OK with the database. Do you have Microsoft Access installed? If yes, try using it to repair the database, which is located in the "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sony Corporation\SonicStage\Packages" folder and is called MtData.mdb. If you don't have Microsoft Access, you may try running the Omg1to2.exe file located in the "C:\Program Files\Sony\SonicStage" folder. The file is actually designed to convert the database from previous versions, but it recreates it even if the version is already current.

In either case, backup the original database manually before doing anything to it.

Edited November 9, 2009 by Avrin

[Stuge]

Welcome to Sonyinsider !

Which OS are you using ?

[herbaklez]

Thanks for your help so far. You are definitely onto something.

Apart from the problem with SonicStage (it locks up while the splash screen says "loading UI components), the computer was also freezing when left idle for some time. I disabled all screensavers and changed power management options to "never" for all windows User profiles. That has improved the stability, though clearly, something is wrong somewhere.

When I attempted to copy the MtData.mdb file the computer also locked-up. After re-booting I was successful in copying that file.

When I first attempted to open the MDB file with MS-Access, a warning about running scripts came up and I thought to check the file with AVG and SuperAntiSpyware. SuperAntiSpyware locked up trying to check the file. The next attempt to open the file with Access resulted in a freeze. On re-boot another error message came up;

IE script error

Line: 65

Char: 1

Error: suih is undefined

File: C:/Documents and Settings/Lionel/Application Data/Microsoft/internet Explorer/Desktop.ttt

From now on, most re-boots result in the "Active Desktop Recovery" button requiring a click.

On using Access to open the MDB file, I found that the t_containment and the t_property components are accessible. The t_property component frequently locks up Access when scrolling down through the data. On the one occasion I was able to scroll to the end of the table, I saw that the 2nd-last and 3rd-last rows contain cells which display only #ERROR. These cells/rows cannot be deleted or over-written.

I have not yet attempted to run Omg1to2.exe application.

The OS is XPHome

[Avrin]

File: C:/Documents and Settings/Lionel/Application Data/Microsoft/internet Explorer/Desktop.ttt

Is it Desktop.ttt or Desktop.htt? The latter is a Windows file, while the former shouldn't be there and smells like a virus.

In any case, the faulty memory has probably led to some OS files and settings becoming damaged and/or invalid. So, even now, when the memory is OK, the system won't work properly. The best way is to do a complete reinstall. But I'm still not sure what to do with the SonicStagee database. A complete re-rip from original CDs on a properly working machine may be a good solution.

[herbaklez]

Hi Avrin,

Thanks for your time and attention.

Prior to writing to the forum I had scanned with AVG, SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-malware. No threats (aside from the expected adware cookies) were detected. I may have written the name of the desktop file incorrectly.

SAS and MBAM (plus a range of other tools) were used to remove multiple trojans and other infections many months ago. Further information on that process is available at:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic199461.html

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic201229.html

The computer was declared "clean" at the end, and I have maintained a high level of protection since, however this computer is shared between 2 adults and 2 kids and there's no knowing what may have occurred... recently the older child installed i-tunes without my permission, so anything is possible.

I just ran a search for desktop.*tt (including hidden and system files) and NO results were found.

The CDs on SonicStage aren't a big deal, but I had recorded rehearsals and performances of my band on minidisc, some of which hadn't been converted to WAVs. I re-use the minidiscs so I don't have the original recordings anymore. Otchen plokho!

Re-installing the OS is always possible, though I'd hate to have to re-install all the software

Is there any value in running the Omg2to1.exe file? Is there any way of repairing the database so that if the OS and software is re-installed, I can still access my SonicStage library?

[Avrin]

So, the problem now is how to fix SS in its current state (since some of your files may still have copy protection and can't be moved to another installation).

Running Omg2to1.exe probably won't do any harm. But before doing that, check system MDAC components using Microsoft Component Checker: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=8f0a8df6-4a21-4b43-bf53-14332ef092c9

Edited November 17, 2009 by Avrin

[herbaklez]

Thanks for understanding the issues here.

There are three MDAC options available for download on the Microsoft site. I haven't found any information explaining which version to use. I'd be grateful if you can advise me which is suitable.

I'm running XP home SP3, and Office 2007.

[sfbp]

Hmmmm, Home XP SP3 might be a problem (like running a ferrari on 2-stroke if you take the metaphor). Sony always says you have to run SS in administrator ("power user") mode. And I think the SP3 changes might have had some effect on that, as they did for Vista SP1. The default properties of your everyday user might just have changed.

[Avrin]

You need to download cc_x86.msi (the smallest file of the three).

[herbaklez]

OK, I downloaded the component checker and ran it. Two items came up as being different to the expected versions:

MSADCE.DLL

msxml3.dll

All other items were as expected

Sony always says you have to run SS in administrator ("power user") mode.

Each user on this computer was already configured as "Computer Administrator". That may not always have been the case.

[Avrin]

OK, I downloaded the component checker and ran it. Two items came up as being different to the expected versions:

MSADCE.DLL

msxml3.dll

This is actually normal. I have the same situation on my XP SP3 machine.

It looks like a reinstall is inevitable.

[sfbp]

OK, I downloaded the component checker and ran it. Two items came up as being different to the expected versions:

MSADCE.DLL

msxml3.dll

All other items were as expected

Each user on this computer was already configured as "Computer Administrator". That may not always have been the case.

Just as a prank (hehe, it might actually fix it), try deleting the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\SonicStage\EMD\HomeURL

Since you are *this* close to pulling the plug on 'er, I figure this is chicken soup (ie it cannot hurt!)

Stephen

[Avrin]

Do you have any Windows skins? SonicStage won't work normally when these are used.

[herbaklez]

Do you have any Windows skins? SonicStage won't work normally when these are used.

Two of the users have chosen to "personalize" the appearance of windows using standard themes available on XP display options. I don't believe that we've downloaded other skins. Should these be set to default?

[sfbp]

He's referring to the skins for Sonic Stage.

Go ahead and delete that URL key thingy. Honest, it can't hurt. You can save it first if it makes you feel better. It's the links to the now defunct connect store but you can put anything in there. When you do, SS starts acting very oddly sometimes, including crashing.

[Avrin]

He's referring to the skins for Sonic Stage.

Not quite so. I was referring to non-standard Windows OS skins installed in addition to the themes supplied with the OS itself. The original themes shouldn't affect SonicStage, although setting Windows to the default theme is worth trying.

[herbaklez]

Thanks to both of you for these tips. I can't try them for a couple of days. I'll let you know how it goes.