ProTools crashing on startup

[Hazgrid]

Hi,
Really hoping someone will have a solution to this...

I've got a problem with Protools (2018.12). I open up Pro Tools, it starts loading the plugins/audio engine like normal, but then it closes... No error, nothing. I've gone through the normal troubleshooting steps, deleted the user preferences, deleting the plugins, reinstalling ProTools many times and still no luck.

I've installed it on a laptop, and it works fine. I've been using ProTools on my main computer for years now, but it's only now having an issue with it.

I've bought an ASC for the issue, called the support number; it says the code is invalid! Lodged a support case, they responded once, and I've not heard back since.

Thanks,
Harry

[Southsidemusic]

So what computer (details and model and harddrives model ram etc) so we know ”something” here. All we know is you have a PT2018 and not anything else.

[Hazgrid]

It's a 3 year old custom computer with a:
- Threadripper 2950X 16 Core @ 3.5gHz
- 32 GB RAM
- Windows 10 (Build 19043)
- 500gb SSD (OS/Programs)
- 4TB HDD (Documents, Sessions, etc)

Plugins Running: (All at the latest build, and updated after I started having issues)
- Waves Gold Pack
- RX8 Advanced
- Native Instruments

[Southsidemusic]

My best guess is a bad plugin out of date or a demo trial causing issues. Try to move ALL 3rd party plugins to unused folder and start PT with only the Avid plugins installed with the daw and see if PT starts.

[Hazgrid]

I’ve tried that, unfortunately it didn’t work. I also uninstalled any plugins I recently installed

[EGS]

Originally Posted by Hazgrid

... I open up Pro Tools, it starts loading the plugins/audio engine like normal, but then it closes... No error, nothing...

Common sense troubleshooting stuff to try:

1.Uninstall Pro Tools, audio interface drivers, & 3rd party plugs.
2.Manually search boot drive for any left-over remnants of AVID, Digidesign, audio interface, & 3rd party plugs. Delete remnants.
3.Manually uninstall all bloatware.
4.Run CCleaner & also CCleaner reg clean.
5.Take all Windows updates and run spyware scan.
6.Go through Windows Settings and basically turn everything off.
7.Do AVID recommended optimizations.
8.Kill unnecessary startup items.
9.Take a boot drive image.
10.Install current/latest audio interface firmware updates & drivers. New cord.
11.Re-install Pro Tools & stock plugs.
12.Affinity/priority switch.
13.Install current/latest version of each 3rd party plug, one vendor at a time.
14.Take another boot drive image.

[Hazgrid]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Tried it all still no help unfortunately, ended up formatting my PC completely and everything is working perfectly now.

Guess we’ll never really know what was the cause

[JFreak]

My guess is your W10 build is too fresh for 2018.3 version.

PT Compatibility info only says "W10", but begins to mention release 1809 since 2019.5, release 1909 subce 2019.12, release 2004 on 2020.12, release 20H2 on 2021.3, and release 21H1 since 2021.6 so logically thinking 2018.3 requires W10 release that is earlier than 1809.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by Hazgrid

... ended up formatting my PC completely and everything is working perfectly now. ...

Great! Which build version of Win 10 & which version of ProTools are working perfectly now?