ZBrushCentral

Lock up on OBJ import?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I currently have 3.1 and 3.5r2 working on this system (though I do not run them at the same time).

Tonight, after having had no prior issues, neither one will import an OBJ. When I switch to the “blank star ZTool” to import an OBJ, then click Import, ZB 3.5r2 shows an hourglass - then freezes.

In 3.1, when I choose “Import an OBJ” from the opening dialogue box, it hangs, as well.

I have tried rebooting several times, no avail. No other program seems to be affected. I don’t see any prefs in the “Appdata” folder to remove to see if they were corrupt, and both programs suddenly stopping like that (and no, NOTHING was installed or removed prior to this issue), is really beginning to irritate me.

Something SOMEWHERE is freaking ZBrush out. Is there any way to find out what?

UPDATE: While creating this thread, I was trying again. Using a right-click on the taskbar to close it, then minimizing other windows, the input dialogue box became visible - but completely empty, and unselectable.

#2

Huh. I’ll assume you’ve tried to import different OBJs , to rule out the possibility of corruption in the OBJ file in question?

Try deleting the files in the Zstartup>Configuration Files in the 3.5r2 folder, and restart the program. (always make a backup first).

Also, when you rebooted, did you power down all the way first, then restart, or simply restart? I used to have a GPU that would get hung up on something every so often , and it wouldn’t correct itself until it was completely powered down. I doubt this is your issue, just offering ideas.

If that doesnt help, I’ve no idea…obviously you have a serious issue. You should make a support ticket and provide Pixo with the advanced system data they might need to look at the issue.

#3

I didn’t even get a chance to try ANY obj, it wouldn’t even open the dialogue box itself.

And I honestly kinda doubt it’s ZB itself doing this, it wouldn’t simultaneously affect both versions if it’s corrupted prefs or the like. I’m just rather irritated at whatever is doing it, because the only program it seems to be affecting IS Zbrush, so I didn’t know where else to turn.

#4

What OS are you running? If Vista, are both programs set to "run as administrator?

Does going to Preferences>Initialize before trying to import do anything?

[edit] Also, can you load anything into the program? have you tried loading some Ztls?

Could it be some sort of Data Execution Prevention issue? Right click on “My computer”>Properties>Advanced System Settings> Performance settings> Data Execution Prevention, and add the Zbrush .exe’s to the exception list.

Sorry I can’t be of more help…I’ve never come across this issue. I’d go ahead and try deleting the config file even if it doesnt seem likely…that’s Zbrush’s “etch-a sketch” eraser fix for a number of weird issues. And if you’re going to try a restart, make sure to power down all the way first, then start back up to troubleshoot technical issues. If it is a hardware glitch, a soft restart might not clear it.

If you make a support ticket, be sure to include a Dxdiag report.

#5

sigh None of those worked. I even tried with nothing else running (no browser, no Notepad, etc etc).

Yeah, time to go write up a ticket - unless someone else has any suggestions?

#6

I tried to ninja edit my last post, but didnt quite make it. Out of curiosity, can you load anything into the program? Tools? Textures, etc? Or is it just the OBJ import that causes the trouble?

#7

Coincidentally, a buddy of mine elsewhere just asked.

And, no, it can’t seem to open ANY file chooser window. Load Ztool? Lockup. Save document? Lockup. Export? Lockup.

#8

Can you load files in other programs from the same physical drive?

#9

Ayup. And I can also run other programs whose EXE’s are located on the same physical drive, and they can open file chooser dialogues no problem.

#10

Slight clarification:

I was inordinately patient this morning, and managed to import an OBJ. However, it took about 2 1/2 - 3 minutes for the dialogue to open in the first place, and each time I changed a directory took another several minutes. After choosing an OBJ, I had to wait yet another several minutes to click “Open”.

Once the bow is finally loaded, I notice a significant slowdown in sculpting, and only the Standard brush and the Smooth brush appear to work well, if at all. And, of course, the export dialogue takes just as long (several minutes per change) as the import dialogue.

#11

Well, I solved it…

…

…

…

…

…by ghosting my HD and reinstalling stuff. I hope I got everything…