VX ACE-CoGenDRM.dll

[gannon665]

I've been using RPG Maker VX-Ace since it was released, and have never had a single problem using the program. One day, though, I was working in the program and saved it and exited when I left for school. When I came back home and tried to open the program I was greated with the CoGenDRM.dll error that practically everyone has made mention of over the years. I've searched all over the website for fixes, tried un-installing VX-Ace, replacing .dll files with those of other makers such as XP, VX, or even 2k3, and nothing has worked. Every few weeks I attempt fixing it again, hoping that maybe I just didn't un-install everything correctly, and now I'm fed up.

Is there absolutely no way to restore my VX-Ace to working condition? At the moment it has been un-installed from my computer, as the last time I tried to run it my entire computer suddenly crashed violently, and all subsequent attempts to open the program have shown the CoGenDRM.dll error and instantly crashed my computer.

If I was to buy (which I do not really want to have to shell out another $80 or whatever it costs, I already paid that once for a now broken program) VX ACE through Steam, would I have to worry about it crashing on start-up now that my computer apparently avoids the program like the plague? Does it have the CoGenDRM.dll issues? I've been using RPG Maker products since VX, XP, and now Ace, and I'd really hate to see all my work transfered over the years, and my money, wasted because of a broken program.

 

[Archeia]

There's a new DRM and you have to download the latest installer. The one you have right now is outdated as CoGenDRM hasn't been used for an entire year now.

 

[gannon665]

I tried downloading Vx-Ace again last week from this site, and after putting in my activation code the entire thing crashed and locked up my computer. Did maybe un-installing the bad Ace not clear it all out, and some parts leftover are causing a conflicting issue with the new Ace?

Edit: Just now I went to the site's download page and re-downloaded the RPG VX-Ace free Trial. After un-installing the old VX ACE and doing a manual deletion of the CoGenDRM.dll file, I restarted my computer and installed this new Ace. After putting in my activation code, which it accepted, I tried to open Ace and my computer immediately froze and crashed. I have never once had a problem running Ace on my computer until this .dll incident, and now the new setup file causes crashing.

 

[Archeia]

Try waiting for it as it accesses the internet and sometimes Japanese servers take a while.

 

[gannon665]

I've tried it several different times today. Ace never opens, regardless of me clicking on it. After putting in the code I tried to open the program and it does absolutely nothing until my computer crashes.

Do you think if I used the Steam version of Ace it might bypass this? I have the Steam version of Ace Lite, and it opens and runs perfectly with no crashes or hangups. If so, would I be able to use my current activation code for the Steam version, or am I going to have to buy the program all over again?

 

[Jomarcenter]

I've tried it several different times today. Ace never opens, regardless of me clicking on it. After putting in the code I tried to open the program and it does absolutely nothing until my computer crashes.

Do you think if I used the Steam version of Ace it might bypass this? I have the Steam version of Ace Lite, and it opens and runs perfectly with no crashes or hangups. If so, would I be able to use my current activation code for the Steam version, or am I going to have to buy the program all over again?

Well Since the promotion is already over, You have to buy it all over again.

But it maybe just your OS related problem, Since I experience the same problem before and formatting my Hard Drive and re-installing my OS fixed the problem.

 

[Andar]

If you get a cogen-dll error with the new version of Ace (which doesn't need or contain it anymore), then something in your OS is damaged and redirecting internal access points.


And somehow the old Ace is not completely removed due to this.


1) deinstall Ace again (if it's listed in your software, all versions and parts of it


2) Search for the exact name of the DLL, both on your drives and inside the registry, and delete all entries you find - but ONLY those entries, do not delete anything else.


3) Then restart your computer and only after the new start try to install the new Ace version again.


If that does not work, write a support ticket and ask for help - I don't know enough about the old copy protection to find the other entries in your computer to remove it, and that is not something that can be written in a public forum.


If you want to use the Steam version, then yes you would have to buy it again because that is a different program.


But in that case I suggest waiting for a sale, especially on one of the steam sellers like Humble Bundle or Bundle Stars. It might take a few weeks but you'll be able to get Steam-Ace for around 15$ that way.


(Unfortunately for you, Humble Bundle just had it on sale as part of the spring sale for two days about a week ago - perhaps they'll put it up again at the end of those daily sales, but otherwise it'll probably be several weeks before they have a sale again.)

 

[Esrever]

If you get a cogen-dll error with the new version of Ace (which doesn't need or contain it anymore), then something in your OS is damaged and redirecting internal access points.

And somehow the old Ace is not completely removed due to this.

I very seriously doubt that this is the case, as the library would be called from within the software. RPG Maker VX Ace's current executable with the new Software Passport DRM does not have anything listed on its import table for CoGenDRM.dll. The user's operating system simply would not have the software doing anything with the old DRM.

1) deinstall Ace again (if it's listed in your software, all versions and parts of it

2) Search for the exact name of the DLL, both on your drives and inside the registry, and delete all entries you find - but ONLY those entries, do not delete anything else.

3) Then restart your computer and only after the new start try to install the new Ace version again.

Even though I highly doubt CoGenDrm.dll even has anything to do with this issue, if you'd like to completely remove all traces of it, follow the instructions below.

Note: I advocate software here, but you by no means need to install any of this to accomplish what Andar has indicated. These tools will simply assist in the process and create less headaches.

Uninstalling all previous traces is indeed solid advice if you haven't made sure to do so already, gannon665. If you'd like to be extra thorough, you could install the free version of Piriform's CCleaner first. This software will allow you to remove nearly all, if not all, traces of software on your system through the software's Uninstall functionality listed under Tools.

Windows' built in search functionality is awfully slow by default. If you're going to do any searching for the DLL, If you are ever going to do a non-limited search for a file on your computer, I'd recommend Voidtools' Everything Search Engine. It will very quickly give you a listing of all file names which match your search query. It also allows for boolean logic and wildcards inside of your search.

While not necessary, it may be a wise idea, as Andar has pointed out, to restart your computer after you've removed software that you intend to then reinstall to be on the safe side of things.

If that does not work, write a support ticket and ask for help - I don't know enough about the old copy protection to find the other entries in your computer to remove it, and that is not something that can be written in a public forum.

How is this not something that may be written about in a public forum? There's nothing shady going on here, and instructions publicly available on Microsoft's MSDN website.

If you want to use the Steam version, then yes you would have to buy it again because that is a different program.

But in that case I suggest waiting for a sale, especially on one of the steam sellers like Humble Bundle or Bundle Stars. It might take a few weeks but you'll be able to get Steam-Ace for around 15$ that way.

(Unfortunately for you, Humble Bundle just had it on sale as part of the spring sale for two days about a week ago - perhaps they'll put it up again at the end of those daily sales, but otherwise it'll probably be several weeks before they have a sale again.)

If you do intend on purchasing the Steam version of the software, you ca look for deals and price history here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay. All of the above is for good measure, as I think this has nothing at all with CoGenDRM. My thoughts on your issue are to follow.

Question: When you downloaded the new copy of RPG Maker VX Ace, did you get it from here?

This page states that it is for the trial version of the software, but don't be fooled. The trial and the full software are the same installer, as the trial registers into a full product after activation via serial and connection to the authentication servers. EDIT: For clarification, after submitting your email and name, you should be forwarded to this page. If you need a direct download line, click here.

Question: When running the latest copy of the software, can you run it as a trial even though you're having issues with registering it with your serial key?

This may or may not narrow down the issue with additional information.

Question: Are you running a software firewall on your computer that may be blocking connections to certain ports and/or the RPG Maker software specifically? The same question applies for a hardware based firewall as well (e.g. internet router).

If the software is not able to connect to the internet and/or receive inbound communications, this would certainly cause an issue which would prevent you from registering the software. That said, I don't think this would cause a crash.

Question: Have you tried opening the software as an administrator yet?

If you've not yet tried this and you have administrator access, right click on the program's icon and select Run as administrator. Let us know whether the problem persists so that your issue may be narrowed down further.

Question: Are you currently running a Windows 10 build?

Multiple people have been reporting issues with this DRM and that software protected with it will no longer run on this operating system. The new DRM being used by the current downloads of the RPG Maker products is Software Passport, made by Silicon Realms. The development of this protection scheme has ceased, and the software now is to receive no future support.

Lastly, please report anything that you think may be contributing to your issue if none of the above have helped. Hopefully you'll find a solution!

 

[gannon665]

I'm currently running a Windows 8 laptop. ACE has worked perfectly fine on this computer since I got it, it wasn't until the .dll error that things started to break. I've tried using the new ACE that was linked to me, it doesn't work. I install it, input my activation key and email, and the box closes to allow me to open the program. As soon as I click to open ACE the computer freezes and crashes.

I have downloaded ACE LITE on Steam and it runs perfectly with absolutely no issues. 

Am I just going to have to buy it all over again and say forget about running the Ace I've paid for?

If that's the case I'm just not going to use RPG Maker software anymore.

UPDATE: Also for reference, I am unable to run ACE or regular VX in trial mode. As soon as they are installed the program lists that my 30 day trial has expired and demands my activation code or purchase.

 

[Esrever]

Did you uninstall all previous remnants of RPG Maker VX Ace as Andar had suggested before trying again to activate the program? Also, please respond to these questions I had asked previously.

Question: When running the latest copy of the software, can you run it as a trial even though you're having issues with registering it with your serial key?

This may or may not narrow down the issue with additional information.

Question: Are you running a software firewall on your computer that may be blocking connections to certain ports and/or the RPG Maker software specifically? The same question applies for a hardware based firewall as well (e.g. internet router).

If the software is not able to connect to the internet and/or receive inbound communications, this would certainly cause an issue which would prevent you from registering the software. That said, I don't think this would cause a crash.

Question: Have you tried opening the software as an administrator yet?

If you've not yet tried this and you have administrator access, right click on the program's icon and select Run as administrator. Let us know whether the problem persists so that your issue may be narrowed down further.

I would put in a support ticket so that you may have them get in touch as soon as possible, but in the interim let's try and see what we can do.

EDIT: Also, could you clarify what you mean by your computer freezes and crashes? Is the application crashing or the entire computer? If it is your entire computer, are you presented with a blue screen with any information? Do you have access to the dumps? Supplying them might narrow things down to exactly what is going on at the time of the crash.

EDIT 2: If it is indeed your entire computer crashing - please indicate approximately how old your computer is (or when you bought your current RAM). The way the software protection unloads itself into the memory could possibly be the issue if you had faulty RAM. Bad RAM can happen for many reason, one of which is simply from usage/age. If you have more info from a BSOD (blue screen) and/or a memory dump from during the crash - it could maybe tell us whether this may be the case or not. If you're unsure - run memtest86 for a few hours and report back.

EDIT 3: As a side note, RPG Maker VX Ace (Steam Version) is on sale at the Humble Bundle Store for $23.79 USD for the next four days.

 

[Andar]

Most of RAM-damge is created by the use of masterswitches however.


Are you one of those people who use a masterswitch to activate computer, monitor, printer and more with a single switch?


Don't - those switches create voltage peaks that cannot be fully compensated, and those slowly damage your power supply, your RAM and sometimes other parts.


Without masterswitch, a powersupply has an average life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. With masterswitch, that is reduced to about 5 years.


For RAM, it's similiar - that is the cause of most of the "aging" damage on computers, otherwise they would run a lot longer.

 

[bgillisp]

I'm going to say that I suspect your old install is not fully deinstalled. I had this issue on my old laptop, but once I changed computers (and switched my steam activations to the new computer), the newer version of RPGMaker worked just fine. But as long as I was on the old deinstalling and reinstalling it did nothing, it was only once I replaced that computer that RPGMaker started to work for me.

Incidentally, I had the steam version for that.

 

[Esrever]

Most of RAM-damge is created by the use of masterswitches however.

Are you one of those people who use a masterswitch to activate computer, monitor, printer and more with a single switch?

Don't - those switches create voltage peaks that cannot be fully compensated, and those slowly damage your power supply, your RAM and sometimes other parts.

Without masterswitch, a powersupply has an average life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. With masterswitch, that is reduced to about 5 years.

For RAM, it's similiar - that is the cause of most of the "aging" damage on computers, otherwise they would run a lot longer.

First off - electronic components will deteriorate even if not used. Secondly, even if it were true that five years were being cut from the life of a PSU that has an average life expectancy of 15-25 years, that still leaves 10 years for that PSU at a minimum. I really hope that someone isn't performing game development on a computer from the year 2005.

If you're talking about what I think you are, I've never heard it called a masterswitch. Are you talking about a power strip or a surge protector? I don`t know how that would have anything but a negligible impact on the lifespan of a PSU, but if you have evidence to the contrary feel free to correct me. Perhaps I`ll learn something. Now, if you were simply speaking about the frequent powering on of a computer's PSU, that might be different, as there is an increase of current at turn on time which stresses electronic components. That has nothing at all to do with being attached to a power strip, as this increase is observed whether plugged into an outlet directly or not. Here`s the thing - components are rated for a certain amount of usage hours. Yes, voltage and heat are two very big worries for damage to electronics - but I really don`t see that being a problem here with the information we've been given. Additionally, if you buy bad parts you`re going to typically see a sizable amount of more failures than if you were to actually do research and purchase from reputable manufacturers.

Here's a snippet from Complete Computer Hardware Only by Shaikh Sameer as provided by Google Books:

Life span is usually measured in mean time between failures (MTBF). Higher MTBF ratings are preferable for longer device life and reliability. Quality construction consisting of industrial grade electrical components and/or a larger or higher speed fan can help to contribute to a higher MTBF rating by keeping critical components cool, thus preventing the unit from overheating. Overheating is a major cause of PSU failure. MTBF value of 100,000 hours (about 11 years continuous operation) is not uncommon.

You get what you pay for. If you go with some no-name PSU, you're opening yourself up to a higher failure rate as well as risking a faulty PSU damaging your other components in your computer. If you were going to skimp on anything, don't do it with your PSU. But it isn't like any of this has to do with the topic at hand, so I really don't even know why you brought it up.

EDIT: Made the large text not so large.

 

[gannon665]

To answer the questions you've given me, and provide an update:

• Ace has ran on my computer the same way it always has since I first bought it years ago. Everything on my computer is the exact same, firewall and all. No settings have been changed, and I've checked all my firewall and anti-virus systems and Ace was never put on any sort of block or inhibitor. 
• Opening the software as an administrator leads to the same crash as without.
• When I refer to crash I refer to the fact that my computer completely freezes. Windows remains running, and any programs open remain on the page they are on. However, everything stops loading all at once. New webpages will not load, and any new clicking done does not register. Buttons do not work, and Alt+Ctrl+Delete does not function. The computer remains like this for upwards of 20 minutes, the longest I let it sit before manually turning it off. This process is a constant repeat any time I try to open Ace.
• The RAM in my computer is the same RAM that was in my computer when I bought it from the store. It is a Windows 8 computer, by Toshiba, purchased at a Wal-Mart when Windows 7 was initially phased out.

Update: I decided to try using the Steam version. Using the link provided above, I purchased it from the HumbleBundle website and am installing it on my Steam client now. However, due to the fact my internet's data allowance has been exceeded for the month it will take several hours if not longer for the program to fully download and install (gotta love "highspeed satellite" internet by HughesNET). If, and when, this Steam version installs I will attempt using it, restart my computer, and attempt opening it again. If the Steam version works than this topic can be closed, if it does not than I will be interested in hearing more advice. I will give an update when it installs, or if anyone has further information to provide. 

Several of my friends have asked about using Ace. Judging on if this works will depend on if I recommend it to them. I understand that this CoGen.dll issue is something that has normally happened in the past for the vast majority of users, however seeing as my e-mail was registered with the company I would have expected to have received some sort of information regarding the potential corruption of the program and some way of getting it fixed when it was first announced. Up until the program broke just recently for me, I had no idea this was an issue. Considering I've paid for XP, VX, and VX Ace all I would have expected to at least be given some sort of warning by the company to inform me that my hard earned purchase was at risk. 

 

[Andar]

and Alt+Ctrl+Delete does not function.

That alone indicates that the problem is deeper in the operating system, and not caused by Ace or CoGen alone.
NOTHING should be able to block Crtl-Alt-Del, that should always result in either a reset or the task manager opening (depending on which Windows you have).


If that does not happen, then the computer has been stopped on a hardware level that should not be accessable by any program.


No, it does not automatically follow that this is a real hardware problem - but it is either a deep windows defect (system files corrupted), or someone pulled an admin restriction on you in the wrong way, or as said a real hardware defect in either CPU. Mainboard or RAM (can't tell which from that info)

 

[Touchfuzzy]

The thing is, the Cogen issue, while widely talked about, still didn't effect the majority of users. Its unfortunate that it happened at all (and had to do with an old DRM scheme that was in place before most of us even got on the project, thank heavens its gone now). And the install reinstall with the new version solved the problem in almost every case.

Yes, it was a weird bug that could happen with the uninstall not cleaning properly, but it was exceedingly rare. I'm sorry you were part of the very very small percentage that got hit with the second part of the problem, but it was something that happened so little, it didn't need a widespread alert sent out about it.

 

[gannon665]

I just find it very very irritating that a program I've paid for is now unable to be used without some sort of intensive cleaning on my computer. It would be far too much trouble for me to be able to backup everything in my computer and do a complete reset to clear out the corrupted file, and I don't have the funds, nor do I see Ace as a legitimate reason, to buy a new computer. If I can make it work through Steam for now at least, I'll be content. I am, however, very irritated that I have now had to buy Ace TWICE because of this issue. 

 

[Touchfuzzy]

Here is the thing. If it was really due to the registry not cleaning out properly, your registry is probably already severely screwed up, because the uninstall should have worked to clear it out correctly.

Also, it sounds like other issues are plaguing your computer if it is causing a crash that you can't even CTL+ALT+DEL out of, something much more than our program could have done.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that every computer should get a complete wipe and reinstall of everything once a year. I mean, I know not everyone wants to do that, but you currently have a deeper issue than RPG Maker based on what you've said.

 

[Esrever]

That alone indicates that the problem is deeper in the operating system, and not caused by Ace or CoGen alone.

NOTHING should be able to block Crtl-Alt-Del, that should always result in either a reset or the task manager opening (depending on which Windows you have).

If that does not happen, then the computer has been stopped on a hardware level that should not be accessable by any program.

No, it does not automatically follow that this is a real hardware problem - but it is either a deep windows defect (system files corrupted), or someone pulled an admin restriction on you in the wrong way, or as said a real hardware defect in either CPU. Mainboard or RAM (can't tell which from that info)

I believe Andar has indicated the most likely scenarios here. Are you able to remember any occurrences of this type of behavior from your computer aside from when you've been trying to open RPG Maker VX Ace? You may want to try the following steps.

To check the integrity of your system files, please follow these instructions.

1. Find the Command Prompt listed under your programs\. Right click this icon and select Run as administrator.
2. Once the command prompt has been opened, type "sfc /scannow" without the quotations and then hit enter/return.
3. Let the scan run. If you encounter any results, be sure they are replaced with the original files.
4. If no results are found, we can likely rule out an issue with your OS. Proceed to the next steps.

To check if your hard drive might be failing / have bad sectors, follow these instructions.

1. Go to into My Computer and locate your C: drive.
2. Right click on this drive and select Properties.
3. Once the dialog pops up, select the Tools tab.
4. Under Error checking, click on the button that says Check.
5. You should be presented with a dialog window. It may say You don't need to scan this drive and that no errors have been found on the drive. Scan the drive anyway and fix any errors that are found.

After performing both of these tasks, restart your computer and try starting RPG Maker VX Ace.

 

[gannon665]

I believe Andar has indicated the most likely scenarios here. Are you able to remember any occurrences of this type of behavior from your computer aside from when you've been trying to open RPG Maker VX Ace? You may want to try the following steps.

To check the integrity of your system files, please follow these instructions.

1. Find the Command Prompt listed under your programs\. Right click this icon and select Run as administrator.
2. Once the command prompt has been opened, type "sfc /scannow" without the quotations and then hit enter/return.
3. Let the scan run. If you encounter any results, be sure they are replaced with the original files.
4. If no results are found, we can likely rule out an issue with your OS. Proceed to the next steps.

To check if your hard drive might be failing / have bad sectors, follow these instructions.

1. Go to into My Computer and locate your C: drive.
2. Right click on this drive and select Properties.
3. Once the dialog pops up, select the Tools tab.
4. Under Error checking, click on the button that says Check.
5. You should be presented with a dialog window. It may say You don't need to scan this drive and that no errors have been found on the drive. Scan the drive anyway and fix any errors that are found.

After performing both of these tasks, restart your computer and try starting RPG Maker VX Ace.

After using the Command Prompt step I was left with this message.

"Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some

of them. Details are included in the CBS.Log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. For

example C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. Note that logging is currently not

supported in offline servicing scenarios."