Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2

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Flappy Tits Jun 27, 2013 @ 12:43am
Fix for 'App Already Running' Crash
*You might want to sticky - Google turns this question up a lot and it has yet to be answered*

I've come to find that it is an issue with wireless game pads. I'm not sure if the issue is exclusive to Logitechs or both MS AND Logitechs however I do know that activating the game with my Wireless set to X-Input is what results in the crash and error message during load.

Setting down my Wireless Logitech, reaching for my Wired Logitech and intiating the game with that solved the crashing issue.

I remember I had this problem the last time installed BL2 as well and remembered the issue had something to do with the game pad I was using.

You can tell if you're going to fail because you will have to browse through your character list to load your character where as if the game has been initiated successfully your login name will be presented in the upper right corner and your character will be automatically selected and on display at the menu screen.

By 'initiating' I mean pressing a button on your game pad when the game first loads so the game will recongize that you are using a game pad.
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Showing 1-15 of 21 comments
Flappy Tits Jun 27, 2013 @ 6:07pm 
New discovery - I've come back with an exception:

The reason for this type of crash might be result of two instances of the X-Input driver running. Switching my wired Logitech to D-Input allowed me to proceed in BL2 using my wireless set to X-Input.
Flappy Tits Jun 29, 2013 @ 4:11am 
One last note - If using two Logitechs (like I do) your default controller can get accidentally bumped off default (not sure what causes this) so if issues reoccur check Configuration in Logitech Profiler to make sure the game pad your using is still set as the default one.
ComfortablyNumb Jun 29, 2013 @ 11:33am 
the explination of this error message is rather simple, when the game crashes something tries to restart it before it has shut down. what tries to restart i dunno, but its obvious at some point something was done to the game to prevent people from running it more then once cause you get the same error if you try to start the game more then once.
Flappy Tits Jun 30, 2013 @ 2:38am 
Originally posted by ComfortablyNumb:
the explination of this error message is rather simple, when the game crashes something tries to restart it before it has shut down. what tries to restart i dunno, but its obvious at some point something was done to the game to prevent people from running it more then once cause you get the same error if you try to start the game more then once.

Maybe...it's that way for this developer's other game Aliens Colonial Marines as well. The only times I have issues however tend to be related to my Logitech game pads as if intiating the game pad, at the start of the game, improperly is triggering that data execution prevention.

Even worse, however, is that once that error is tripped (and I wanted to point this out here too) it seems to corrupt a registry entry making the error persist even after you've fixed the situation so it's also necessary to run a reg cleaner and reboot after the 'App Already Running' crash.
Flappy Tits Jun 30, 2013 @ 5:45pm 
Originally posted by Roy:
This seriously needs a bump.
I've been crashing since the Tiny Tina update.

Then when my brother crashed as he tried to launch DmC whilst having MotionInJoy (MiJ) running in the background. And I remembered a friend having an issue with MiJ and DmC so I figured Borderlands 2 might be suffering from the same problem. So I simply disconnected the controller through the MiJ UI and suddenly it works.

Oh boy, if you only knew the ♥♥♥♥ I had to go through before I found the real issue.
FInally, no more stupid crashes.

Glad I could be of help. =D
vmetric Jul 13, 2013 @ 5:40pm 
Here's something else for you to fix: I get the "App Already Running" crash when starting XCOM: Enemy Unknown. I don't have any controllers (...does a thumbdrive and/or a wireless mouse count...?)
I've had this problem for as long as I've had the game, tried everything, restarted my computer at LEAST 5 times trying to fix it. Help please!!
Flappy Tits Jul 13, 2013 @ 6:14pm 
Originally posted by Commander Matt:
Here's something else for you to fix: I get the "App Already Running" crash when starting XCOM: Enemy Unknown. I don't have any controllers (...does a thumbdrive and/or a wireless mouse count...?)
I've had this problem for as long as I've had the game, tried everything, restarted my computer at LEAST 5 times trying to fix it. Help please!!

1. This probably doesn't pertain to you since you don't have a game pad but if people are Googling this thread - Another common crash issue (mostly a TellTale games problem) can be fixed by downloading and dropping the proper D-Input.dll in the game's folder - Look here for many topics with that fix http://steamcommunity.com/app/207610/discussions/

2. Number one culprit for games failing to launch is the developer has defaulted the game's resolution not supported by your hardware (especially if you have a wide screen monitor). Normally adding -windowed to Launch Settings under the game's Steam properites menu will run the game in a window despite resolution so that you can now change to a more compatible res.

3. Accessing Steam's Common folder and finding your game folder - Look for the game's main executable, bring up right click properites and set compat for all users to 'admin.' You can also try fiddling with the option to emulate previous Windows OS's as well.

4. Make sure Windows firewall has set an exception. Turn off any other firewall or anti-virus software before running.

5. In the game's main directory in Steam Common there's usually a 'redistrib' directory containing runtime apps (like XNA, DirectX, PhysX, etc) run them all again manually.
ESPECIALLY DirectX which often times fails to initiate.

Note the reason that DirectX installs over and over every time you install a game is because that particular package may have just one little file that your more updated version of DirectX is no longer compiled with. As a rule of thum, if the DirectX redistrib contians no new files, DirectX will tell you so, if it proceeds with installation that means there was a necessary (for that particular game) file or two in that older version that your current DirectX did not install.

6. XCOM requires Windows VIsta or better - If you're still running XP it is incompatible with the later versions of DirectX necessary to run XCOM (however I hear there might be an XP hack for XCOM).
vmetric Jul 13, 2013 @ 8:43pm 
Originally posted by Carnival73:
Originally posted by Commander Matt:
Here's something else for you to fix: I get the "App Already Running" crash when starting XCOM: Enemy Unknown. I don't have any controllers (...does a thumbdrive and/or a wireless mouse count...?)
I've had this problem for as long as I've had the game, tried everything, restarted my computer at LEAST 5 times trying to fix it. Help please!!

1. This probably doesn't pertain to you since you don't have a game pad but if people are Googling this thread - Another common crash issue (mostly a TellTale games problem) can be fixed by downloading and dropping the proper D-Input.dll in the game's folder - Look here for many topics with that fix http://steamcommunity.com/app/207610/discussions/

2. Number one culprit for games failing to launch is the developer has defaulted the game's resolution not supported by your hardware (especially if you have a wide screen monitor). Normally adding -windowed to Launch Settings under the game's Steam properites menu will run the game in a window despite resolution so that you can now change to a more compatible res.

3. Accessing Steam's Common folder and finding your game folder - Look for the game's main executable, bring up right click properites and set compat for all users to 'admin.' You can also try fiddling with the option to emulate previous Windows OS's as well.

4. Make sure Windows firewall has set an exception. Turn off any other firewall or anti-virus software before running.

5. In the game's main directory in Steam Common there's usually a 'redistrib' directory containing runtime apps (like XNA, DirectX, PhysX, etc) run them all again manually.
ESPECIALLY DirectX which often times fails to initiate.

Note the reason that DirectX installs over and over every time you install a game is because that particular package may have just one little file that your more updated version of DirectX is no longer compiled with. As a rule of thum, if the DirectX redistrib contians no new files, DirectX will tell you so, if it proceeds with installation that means there was a necessary (for that particular game) file or two in that older version that your current DirectX did not install.

6. XCOM requires Windows VIsta or better - If you're still running XP it is incompatible with the later versions of DirectX necessary to run XCOM (however I hear there might be an XP hack for XCOM).
I looked on the thread/list you suggested and I couldn't find anything, I'm probably derping.
Tried the windowed mode, didn't fix.
Tried launching the game as an Admin, didn't work.
Firewall does have an exception.
I did run the setup stuff in the game's folder.
I have Windows 7 (Home Premium)

Here's exactly what happens:
I start up the game, usually with the "PLAY" button in steam. It goes past the three publisher/developer/WHATEVER screens (In Xbox games, for Assassin's creed for example, one of those screens would be Uplay I think.)
Then, when loading, the little badge (Shows it's loading) spins around 2-3 times, freezes, a window pops up "XCOM: Enemy Unknown has stopped working," I click "Close Program," wait a second, then steam says "Failed to start game (app is already running)"
I've tried disabling AVG, STILL doesn't work.

If you need more details/info, lemme know. ...I just now saw that this is a Borderlands 2 thread... I ALWAYS NOTICE THIS STUFF LATE!!! D:

EDIT: Forgot to say, if I sound sassy/rude/mean/snappy, I'm really sorry. A lot of times I sound rude when talking on the internet when I don't mean to.
Last edited by vmetric; Jul 13, 2013 @ 8:44pm
Flappy Tits Jul 13, 2013 @ 10:54pm 
Originally posted by Commander Matt:
Originally posted by Carnival73:

1. This probably doesn't pertain to you since you don't have a game pad but if people are Googling this thread - Another common crash issue (mostly a TellTale games problem) can be fixed by downloading and dropping the proper D-Input.dll in the game's folder - Look here for many topics with that fix http://steamcommunity.com/app/207610/discussions/

2. Number one culprit for games failing to launch is the developer has defaulted the game's resolution not supported by your hardware (especially if you have a wide screen monitor). Normally adding -windowed to Launch Settings under the game's Steam properites menu will run the game in a window despite resolution so that you can now change to a more compatible res.

3. Accessing Steam's Common folder and finding your game folder - Look for the game's main executable, bring up right click properites and set compat for all users to 'admin.' You can also try fiddling with the option to emulate previous Windows OS's as well.

4. Make sure Windows firewall has set an exception. Turn off any other firewall or anti-virus software before running.

5. In the game's main directory in Steam Common there's usually a 'redistrib' directory containing runtime apps (like XNA, DirectX, PhysX, etc) run them all again manually.
ESPECIALLY DirectX which often times fails to initiate.

Note the reason that DirectX installs over and over every time you install a game is because that particular package may have just one little file that your more updated version of DirectX is no longer compiled with. As a rule of thum, if the DirectX redistrib contians no new files, DirectX will tell you so, if it proceeds with installation that means there was a necessary (for that particular game) file or two in that older version that your current DirectX did not install.

6. XCOM requires Windows VIsta or better - If you're still running XP it is incompatible with the later versions of DirectX necessary to run XCOM (however I hear there might be an XP hack for XCOM).
I looked on the thread/list you suggested and I couldn't find anything, I'm probably derping.
Tried the windowed mode, didn't fix.
Tried launching the game as an Admin, didn't work.
Firewall does have an exception.
I did run the setup stuff in the game's folder.
I have Windows 7 (Home Premium)

Here's exactly what happens:
I start up the game, usually with the "PLAY" button in steam. It goes past the three publisher/developer/WHATEVER screens (In Xbox games, for Assassin's creed for example, one of those screens would be Uplay I think.)
Then, when loading, the little badge (Shows it's loading) spins around 2-3 times, freezes, a window pops up "XCOM: Enemy Unknown has stopped working," I click "Close Program," wait a second, then steam says "Failed to start game (app is already running)"
I've tried disabling AVG, STILL doesn't work.

If you need more details/info, lemme know. ...I just now saw that this is a Borderlands 2 thread... I ALWAYS NOTICE THIS STUFF LATE!!! D:

EDIT: Forgot to say, if I sound sassy/rude/mean/snappy, I'm really sorry. A lot of times I sound rude when talking on the internet when I don't mean to.

No worries, you sound frustrated but I know it has nothing to do with me. XD

The only other thing I can think of, like I mentioned a few posts back, is something you did tripped that error and I found that once tripped, even if the issue was resolved, the residue is still left (probably in the registry).

I use this
http://download.cnet.com/Little-Registry-Cleaner/3000-2094_4-10890826.html

(Watch out for the PuPs it willl also try and install)

CCleaner and a paid subscription to Advanced System Care (you probably only need the first two free ones). Those proggies may have dislodged the error from my registry.

Also take note that ACM, Borderlands 2 and XCOM all have 2K / Gearbox in common so it has to do with their programming template and I'm betting with all bets it invovles whatever DRM they're using.
Flappy Tits Jul 13, 2013 @ 11:16pm 
Here's some research I just did.

2K apparently does not use DRM for the vanilla games but uses Securom for its DLC. Securom would prevent the game running if it suspected you were pulling a funny and letting someone else play a copy too (maybe multiple DLCs are getting considered as multiple instances by Securom?)

Older console emulators (Current stable Dolphin and PCSX2 haven't given me an issue) using DVD emulation or programs like 100% Alchohol and Deamon Tools can accidentally trip Securom.

But Wiki recons it can also be tripped if your running TCP Congestiion Control:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SecuROM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explicit_Congestion_Notification

And here's how to check to see if it is enabled and how to turn it off:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-networking/how-to-enable-explicit-congestion-notification-ecn/84baca68-49c0-47f1-93c0-7bed1bb07098

Also note that UTorrent or the PuP it tries to force could be screwing things up too.


Last edited by Flappy Tits; Jul 13, 2013 @ 11:18pm
Vinzi Jul 13, 2013 @ 11:25pm 
:D
vmetric Jul 13, 2013 @ 11:27pm 
Originally posted by Carnival73:
Here's some research I just did.

2K apparently does not use DRM for the vanilla games but uses Securom for its DLC. Securom would prevent the game running if it suspected you were pulling a funny and letting someone else play a copy too (maybe multiple DLCs are getting considered as multiple instances by Securom?)

Older console emulators (Current stable Dolphin and PCSX2 haven't given me an issue) using DVD emulation or programs like 100% Alchohol and Deamon Tools can accidentally trip Securom.

But Wiki recons it can also be tripped if your running TCP Congestiion Control:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SecuROM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explicit_Congestion_Notification

And here's how to check to see if it is enabled and how to turn it off:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-networking/how-to-enable-explicit-congestion-notification-ecn/84baca68-49c0-47f1-93c0-7bed1bb07098

Also note that UTorrent or the PuP it tries to force could be screwing things up too.
Okay so, use the registry thing? It's late at night-- Scratch that, early in the morning (12:26 AM when I'm posting this) and my back is hurting (fell onto my bed/side table, not the matress) and I'm finding it harder to understand stuff... Been trying to fix this game all day (Restarted computer at least 5 times... >.<) and well... Just making sure.
Flappy Tits Jul 13, 2013 @ 11:37pm 
Originally posted by Commander Matt:
Originally posted by Carnival73:
Here's some research I just did.

2K apparently does not use DRM for the vanilla games but uses Securom for its DLC. Securom would prevent the game running if it suspected you were pulling a funny and letting someone else play a copy too (maybe multiple DLCs are getting considered as multiple instances by Securom?)

Older console emulators (Current stable Dolphin and PCSX2 haven't given me an issue) using DVD emulation or programs like 100% Alchohol and Deamon Tools can accidentally trip Securom.

But Wiki recons it can also be tripped if your running TCP Congestiion Control:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SecuROM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explicit_Congestion_Notification

And here's how to check to see if it is enabled and how to turn it off:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-networking/how-to-enable-explicit-congestion-notification-ecn/84baca68-49c0-47f1-93c0-7bed1bb07098

Also note that UTorrent or the PuP it tries to force could be screwing things up too.
Okay so, use the registry thing? It's late at night-- Scratch that, early in the morning (12:26 AM when I'm posting this) and my back is hurting (fell onto my bed/side table, not the matress) and I'm finding it harder to understand stuff... Been trying to fix this game all day (Restarted computer at least 5 times... >.<) and well... Just making sure.

Try the reg cleaners for now.

If that doesn't work try checking to see if Explicit Congestion is turned on.

My fiancee flopped off her bed last night too and hit the bed side table. She also has a little TV that she got a face full of. Dreaming she was a rolling pin again I imagine.
vmetric Jul 14, 2013 @ 10:53am 
Originally posted by Carnival73:
Originally posted by Commander Matt:
Okay so, use the registry thing? It's late at night-- Scratch that, early in the morning (12:26 AM when I'm posting this) and my back is hurting (fell onto my bed/side table, not the matress) and I'm finding it harder to understand stuff... Been trying to fix this game all day (Restarted computer at least 5 times... >.<) and well... Just making sure.

Try the reg cleaners for now.

If that doesn't work try checking to see if Explicit Congestion is turned on.

My fiancee flopped off her bed last night too and hit the bed side table. She also has a little TV that she got a face full of. Dreaming she was a rolling pin again I imagine.
Tried the reg cleaner, didn't work. (Found a lot of problems... O.O)
And I really don't understand the... "TCP Congestiion Control" Dx
I'm probably derping again... >.<

Ouch, that TV had to hurt!
Last edited by vmetric; Jul 14, 2013 @ 10:54am
Flappy Tits Jul 14, 2013 @ 12:13pm 
Originally posted by Commander Matt:
Originally posted by Carnival73:

Try the reg cleaners for now.

If that doesn't work try checking to see if Explicit Congestion is turned on.

My fiancee flopped off her bed last night too and hit the bed side table. She also has a little TV that she got a face full of. Dreaming she was a rolling pin again I imagine.
Tried the reg cleaner, didn't work. (Found a lot of problems... O.O)
And I really don't understand the... "TCP Congestiion Control" Dx
I'm probably derping again... >.<

Ouch, that TV had to hurt!

Chances are you've still got more junk to clean out.

Read this and refresh Steam https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3134-TIAL-4638

Then run the two cleaners again and reboot.

Also try dumping everything in these folders:

*Note anything that doesn't trash naturally just leave be and skip.

C:\Users\*name*\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files
C:\Users\*name*\AppData\Local\Temp

If using FireFox:

C:\Users\*name*\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles (the whole strangely named folder inside can get trashed)
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Date Posted: Jun 27, 2013 @ 12:43am
Posts: 21