[Community] Canary: Investigating script data loss from save files

[Ilja]

What is going on?

Kinggath has noticed a very nasty bug, which is likely an engine level issue. Save files can suddenly loose script data, without any warning or isolated reason.

Matter is currently under investigation. We are aware of the issue, but not the source of it.

As a response to this problem, Kinggath has released a new mod called Canary Save File Monitor. This system has following features.

1. It is a mod author resource. Mod authors can provide direct support for it. Adding support for the mod must be done over file update.
   
   
2. It is a player resource. If Canary Save File Monitor is installed in to load order, then it will check the save file on load. Canary will warn player, if it detects missing script data from the save file and recommend loading another save.
   
   
3. It is an investigation method. You can forward the information to Kinggath. Instructions are at the file description page. This information will be gathered and further forwarded to Bethesda and/or F4SE team, in hopes that the source and solution of this issue is found.

Instructions

• I recommend that you install Canary Save File Monitor monitor to your load order, if you are using any mods that have inbuilt support for it. If these mods are offering an update, then install update to get the support.
  
  
• Save often. Use multiply save slots and backup your save files in regular basis. Surival Mode players can bypass the save restriction with mod like Surival Unlocker

What about Skyrim Special Edition?

There is currently no evidence that this issue would touch Skyrim SE. It is possible that problem only affects Fallout 4.

Information is still being gathered.

Links

• Canary Save File Monitor
  https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/44949
  
  
• Survial Unlocker
  https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/23197

List of mods with Canary support

If you notice new mods getting supported, then please note it on comments, or Discord. I will keep the list updated.

Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch
Sim Settlements
Sim Settlements Conqueror
Workshop Plus
Salvage Beacons
WRAR - RadioActive Radio
Raze My Settlement
Exit Terminals Ready For Combat
Hydrate and Eat Conveniently
Advanced Animation Framework
Bard's Ultimate Object Collector
Atom's Glory Threads
Distributed DLC Leveled Lists
IDEK's Logistic Station
Xander's Aid
What's Your Name
Advanced Recruitment Beacon
ASAM Maintenance Software
Immersive Teleportation
Fallrim Tools
Settlement Menu Manager
Modular Computer Console Kit
Mary Jane

[Ilja]

Resources

• Video about the matter
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSFJKPC4M1M
  
  
• FallrimTools -- Script cleaning and more
  Tool to monitor your save files. Don't do other things with it, unless you know what you are actually doing with it!
  https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/22633

[Chef]

This is one of the worst bugs we have seen yet. Hopefully they can get it figured out and fixed soon.

[Ilja]

Added Resources to Reply #1.

[Ilja]

About SSE.

I would assume that yes it can happen in Skyrim, at least in SE, though I have very little experience modding it. The source for Canary is up on Git if someone wants to make a version for Skyrim, they are welcome to - though we should probably find some evidence it can occur in that game first. MarkDF, the creator of Fallrim Tools is now investigating this issue and works with both games frequently, so once we have reproducible steps, we can toss them at Skyrim as well.

- Kinggath in Canary Save File Monitor comments section (Nexus.)

[Ilja]

Hydrate and Eat Conveniently has added the Canary support.

[Arthmoor]

SSE users shouldn't panic since there's been no evidence of anything resembling this just yet. There's the possibility that the bug was only introduced into Fallout 4 with the 1.10.163 update that expanded the ESL form ID space. SSE hasn't had that update done yet.

[Ilja]

Thank you, Arthmoor. I have been saying people in Discord that there is no evidence about this in SSE yet.

I will actually add that to OP right now.

[Chef]

Thats one of things I am most curious about. When was this was introduced? No one has an answer yet, but I will be very interested in the answer.

[Silent Protagonist]

makes me glad i saw that video and added it to my list straight away now there s no going back

[Ilja]

It is a good alert system for the player.

[Ilja]

Added: Advanced Animation Framework.

[Silent Protagonist]

yay!

[Ilja]

List up to date.

[Chef]

You can add IDEKs - Logistics Station as well.

[Ilja]

Done. Thanks, Chef.