Universe Sandbox 2 on Steam - Cannot Even Start

[TARehman]

I have been getting the same error every time I try to start Universe Sandbox.  The install of .NET Framework 4 appeared to go fine, but just in case, I've uninstalled it and reinstalled it, and fully updated my install.  Still, no luck.  I am running Windows Vista Ultimate x64 with a Core 2 Quad Q6600 and a GeForce 9600GT, so my specs should be okay.

The error message says that the application has stopped working.  I've tried running it as an administrator, and in compatibility mode (just in case).  No dice - same problem.  Here are the details.

Description:
Stopped working

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: Universe Sandbox.exe
Application Version: 2.1.2.900
Application Timestamp: 4dc47919

Fault Module Name: KERNEL32.dll
Fault Module Version: 6.0.6002.18005
Fault Module Timestamp: 49e038c0

Exception Code: e0434352
Exception Offset: 0001e124

OS Version: 6.0.6002.2.2.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033

I'd welcome any thoughts people might have on how to resolve this issue...I'm a little stumped. -TR

[TARehman]

More info from my log files:

Application: Universe Sandbox.exe
Framework Version: v4.0.30319
Description: The process was terminated due to an unhandled exception.
Exception Info: System.TypeInitializationException
Stack:
   at NNKOAPOABOACJENPEJKGLHPMJFJLMLPPGIDP.EBCNNFAKOBIMDDKGJBDDMENBGJFKNMHAPMAO.JMCCOOPHNCFNEHPADILOIKGCFNHNAEBKLCAJ()

Faulting application Universe Sandbox.exe, version 2.1.2.900, time stamp 0x4dc47919, faulting module KERNEL32.dll, version 6.0.6002.18005, time stamp 0x49e038c0, exception code 0xe0434352, fault offset 0x0001e124, process id 0x%9, application start time 0x%10.

[usbjohn]

Hi.

I'm having the exact same problem (posted a thread about it too).  Tried literally every suggested fix for it short of re-installing Windows 7.  I even tried it on two machines with exactly the same results.

If you do manage to get it working, please do post here so I can try your solution.  I'll do likewise.

Good luck.

[TARehman]

Yeah, I found your thread after I had already posted.  This game looks really cool, so I hope we can figure it out.  I work with a military youth program that has a focus on aerospace topics, so I think I could use it as a teaching tool too.

I've tried basically everything in the list too, short of reinstalling all of Windows...

[Dan Dixon]

I suspect this is because some prerequisite file is not installed (or is not installed properly).

Have you both installed all the latest Windows updates (including all the optional updates)?
(although no need to install any of the extra language packs, which are listed under optional)
http://update.microsoft.com/

[TARehman]

The only updates available are:

BitLocker and EFS enhancements
Microsoft Tinker
Ultimate Extras Sounds from Microsoft Tinker
Windows DreamScene Content Pack
Windows DreamScene Content Pack #3
Windows DreamScene Content Pack #4
Windows DreamScene Content Pack Favorites
Windows Live Essentials 2011 (KB2434419)
Windows Sound Schemes

They're all listed as optional.

[Dan Dixon]

Yeah... no need to install those optional updates.

Have you tried downloading and installing the standalone version (non-Steam). I'm curious if you'd have problems with that one too.
http://universesandbox.com/download/

[TARehman]

Just tried with the download...still had the same error.  Everything looks the same.  Weird.

[Dan Dixon]

Continue discussion of this problem here:
http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,3680.0.html

It's confusing to have separate threads for the same problem.