Blackmagic Forum

This is my first time contacting the forum, so I'm not sure what to write.

I have been using Resolve 16.2.6 for a number of months now. I am running Windows 10. I tried to upgrade to Resolve 17 Beta, as was recommended by several online video tutorials. In order to download 17 Beta, I was required to uninstall 16.2.6 in order to install the Beta. When I tried to open my project page, it opened for a few seconds, then crashed the program.

Apparently, phone support will not help with the beta version, so I contacted email support. I got an email back from them, and I followed their directions. They said that I should uninstall beta and reinstall 16.2.7. I did this and... nothing. I tried uninstalling anything having to do with Blackmagic. still... nothing. I found a shortcut in my backup. It still wouldn't open.

But now I was not working with beta, so I called Blackmagic Phone Support. They were unable to help me. He said there was nothing he could do. Something about an incompatible database. Especially, once he found out that I was running the free version, not the Studio version, he was less inclined to help. He said that I should go to the forum.

Now, nothing works, not 16.2.6, not 16.2.4, and not 17 Beta. I no longer have access to any of my previous work. I can't open ANY version of Resolve, and I have deadlines. Is there a way of starting from scratch?

What can I do? HELP!


Irv. Spenadel

Hi,

Could you post the exported file of your project and I'll take a look with no guarantee of course. To do this:

- From the project manager that appears when you launch Resolve, right click on you project and select export... It will create a small .drp file
- Compress that file into a .zip container file so that you'll be able to attach it directly to your post

Note: no need to provide the media files (they won't be embedded in the .drp file but are not required).

Edit: Complete Uninstallation is now detailed below in this very same thread.
Edit: and in order to uninstall Davinci Resolve prior to reinstalling:
- see the "regedit" part of this post https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=90351 to obtain a msiexec unsinstall command line
- remove blackmagick control panel and raw (something) using the windows control panel.

Edit: also make a good backup of the "Blackmagic Design" folder(s) located in your windows profile (<username>/AppData/Roaming)

Eric,

Thank you for responding to my issue.

I hope I followed your instructions properly. I think I attached a .zip file of one of my projects. What do I do next?

I didn't do the steps in your edits yet. Let me know if I should.

Thanks.


Irv.

Irv,

I've attached a slightly modified version of the project (saved from DR 17b2, original was 16.2.6): I've just added an empty timeline ("Timeline 2_empty") that will be selected when you'll open the project.

To try it, do the following:
- First make a backup as stated in the second edit of my previous post
- From the Project Manager, right click in empty space and choose Import Project... (don't touch your original project)
- You will then have a new project named "FIXING_Shalom Rav - Steinberg" that you should be able to open.
- You may have to relink media entries if they appear "offline"
- Then switch to your original timeline ("Timeline 1") and see how it goes

Regards,
Eric

Note: I use DR 17b2 due to specific audio requirements, but should you switch to DR 17, you'd better get the latest version.

ledaneps7 wrote:I was required to uninstall 16.2.6 in order to install the Beta.

That's incorrect. You can just install the new version. (I did, for each of the betas 1 - 4.)

That said, choose a version to test and stick with that.

Report back your choice.

Eric,

Thanks for your continuing help. I'm still struggling.

I was able to import your FIXING file. It does not have any picture in the icon as do all of my others. I tried to open it, and just as before, it crashes the program after about three seconds. I had to rush in to be able to import it. If I don't figure out exactly what I'm doing quickly, it all goes away.

You asked me to report back my choice. I downloaded the most recent Beta version
DaVinci_Resolve_17-0b5_Windows.exe
[I tried posting this as a URL. When I tried to submit it, I got a message that I am not allowed to post URLs. Sorry, I didn't know.]
You suggested that I use the latest version if I was going to use Resolve 17. I'd like to use some of its features if I could only get it working. Perhaps I have to revert to Resolve 16.

Am I asking the right questions? Is there more information you need me to give you so you can guide me better?

Please don't give up on me. Everyone else from Blackmagic couldn't (or wouldn't) help past an initial half-hearted attempt. I so appreciate the work you are putting in to assist me. I really have to produce the videos for our religious service. I can't give them nothing, which at this point is all I can give. Sorry I sound so panicky, but I really am starting to get nervous.

Irv.

Irv,

I'm confident that we will sort out this.

The first step is to make sure that you won't lose your projects. We already have covered this risk pretty well with the user profile backup. This is a "more academic" way to achieve this:

- Everything (but the media files) is contained in the database(s). It's recommended to save the database before updating the software.

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To do this, in the project manager, click on the small rectangular button on the left of "Projects". A "Show/Hide Databases" tooltip appears when hovering the mouse pointer over it. Then click on the "Backup" icon (first one) and choose a safe location, *outside any Blakmagic folder*.

- I also export all the projects I'm working on, on a daily basis and when I deliver or publish a project. So that, I can return to any state in the past (which is cool, by the way ).

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Export all your projects (.drp files) to a safe location.

- Finally,

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ensure that all your media files are in a safe place, again *outside any Blakmagic folder*.

Now, we are going to clean up the environment in order to
- perform a clean reinstallation
- AND rebuild the database

Edit: As per Bryant (a talented professional) great advice, make a Windows "Restore Point".

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We are going to reach into the Deep System. Any misstep could lead to a mess. So, before going any further, make sure you make a "Restore Point". Great tutorials are available on the Internet to explain this easy step that could save your day.


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From thw Windows Control Panel, uninstall the following:
-Blackmagic RAW Common Components
-Davinci Resolve Control Panels

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 Uninstall Davinci Resolve:
- In regedit (as an adminstrator), go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
- Search for: Davinci Resolve
- Copy the value from "Uninstall string", it will be something like MsiExec.exe /X{...}
- (Edit:) Open an Elevated Command Prompt and paste and execute this command.

To restart with a clean and empty environment:

Edit: Restart the computer. We have to make sure no "Resolve" process is running while we rename the following folders.

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In your windows profile, <username>/AppData/Roaming, rename the folder "Blacmagic Design" to "Blacmagic Design.SAV"

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Edit: Go to your "Media Storage" folder (where delivered videos are rendered. Rename the "CacheClip" folder to "CacheClip.SAV"

Edit: Updated the guide to add this folder that holds system wide parameters

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In C:/ProgramData, rename the folder "Blacmagic Design" to "Blacmagic Design.SAV"

Now, proceed to a normal installation of: DaVinci_Resolve_17-0b5_Windows.exe and launch Resolve.

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When on the "Project Manager" screen (which will be empty at this stade), Import all of your projects .drp files.

When in Resolve, you may want to review the "Global Preferences" to suit your needs.

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Notes:
- In your projects, you will have to recreate the jobs in the Deliver Page and any custom Preset you may have defined in the Deliver page.

Feel free to ask if you have any doubt about the process.
Regards,
Eric

Irv,

I took a screenshot, just to reassure you on the fact that your project has been properly preserved by Davinci Resolve. Things are red because they aren't linked to their respective media clips.

Eric,

I'm following your directions as closely as I can. It's still quitting. Let me take you step by step as to what I did.
I hope that I'm using the quote function correctly. I clicked the "Quote" icon and then copied the words from your post that I wanted to respond to between the two words "quote." If it's not how it works, that's what I meant to do.

To do this, in the project manager, click on the small rectangular button on the left of "Projects". A "Show/Hide Databases" tooltip appears when hovering the mouse pointer over it. Then click on the "Backup" icon (first one) and choose a safe location, *outside any Blakmagic folder*.

I was eventually able to get to the "Backup" icon in the few seconds it showed after about ten tries. If I took too long to figure out what you were talking about, it quit. As it started to create the backup file, it said that it would take some time. It quit after a few seconds. It apparently stopped creating the file, and the file has a size of 0KB. Does that mean that it didn't create the full file? Did you intentionally misspell Blackmagic?

Export all your projects (.drp files) to a safe location.

ensure that all your media files are in a safe place, again *outside any Blakmagic folder*.

I right clicked each project and clicked export file. I got a .drp file from each, and I saved them to a new file on my desktop which I titled "Saved Videos in Progress." I have seven files in that folder. These are videos that I was in the process of creating, but were incomplete, so I never rendered them. (Not all my singers had sent in their recordings).

Now, we are going to clean up the environment in order to
- perform a clean reinstallation
- AND rebuild the database

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From thw Windows Control Panel, uninstall the following:
-Blackmagic RAW Common Components
-Davinci Resolve Control Panels

I went to the Windows Control Panel and Uninstalled:
Blackmagic RAW Common Components and Davinci Resolve Control Panels.

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Uninstall Davinci Resolve:
- In regedit (as an adminstrator), go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
- Search for: Davinci Resolve
- Copy the value from "Uninstall string", it will be something like MsiExec.exe /X{...}
- Open an UAC command prompt and paste and execute this command.

This, I had more trouble with.
I got to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
and I found Davinci Resolve.
I don't know what a UAC command prompt is. So I couldn't do that step.

I followed the link in your previous post to find regedit. I deleted all the files that had to do with Resolve or Fairlight.

To restart with a clean and empty environment:

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In your windows profile, <username>/AppData/Roaming, rename the folder "Blacmagic Design" to "Blacmagic Design.SAV"

I did this, but I spelled "Blackmagic" with a "k" in "Black." I hope this is not a problem.

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Edit: Go to your "Media Storage" folder (where delivered videos are rendered. Rename the "CacheClip" folder to "CacheClip.SAV"

I did this.

Now, proceed to a normal installation of: DaVinci_Resolve_17-0b5_Windows.exe and launch Resolve.

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When on the "Project Manager" screen (which will be empty at this stade), Import all of your projects .drp files.

I reloaded "a normal installation of: DaVinci_Resolve_17-0b5_Windows.exe " Again, it lasted only a few seconds. Also, the "Project Manager" screen was NOT empty, so there was no need to reimport my projects--they were already there. I believe I followed all your instructions but the one (the UAC command). Maybe that was the difference as to why it wouldn't stay open.

When in Resolve, you may want to review the "Global Preferences" to suit your needs.

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Notes:
- In your projects, you will have to recreate the jobs in the Deliver Page and any custom Preset you may have defined in the Deliver page.

It wouldn't stay open long enough for me to do any of this.



Even after I followed the uninstall directions, the program was still there, although it said it had been uninstalled in the Windows control panel. Apparently the UAC was the most important step in the uninstallation.


Sorry I'm so longwinded, but I wanted to be as precise as I could. You are being wonderful to me, and I truly appreciate your determination to see me succeed. The screenshot that you sent did put me at ease that we would eventually get there. Thanks.



Best,
Irv.

Irv,

Perfect usage of the "quote" and it's a great pleasure to help, especially with such a good feedback.

Yes, my bad, Blackmagic everywhere...

To backup the database, you do that from the "Project Manager", the same screen you used to export all your projects to .drp files. Is that this screen that disappears after a few seconds (eg before you open a project)?

By UAC Command Prompt, I meant a Windows command prompt with elevated privileges, eg CMD, right click and run as Administrator (my formulation was probably not appropriate). Then you run the msiexec.exe command you've copied from the registry. Indeed, that's the part that uninstall "Davinci Resolve".

Edit: The proper term is "Elevated Command Prompt"

Note that "Davinci Resolve" doesn't appear in the Windows Control Panel when installed. That's the reason we have to go to the registry. (Blackmagic Design, if you hear me...).

So, we have everything secured and all we need to recover (the database would have been a plus but we don't really need it).

edit: From your feedback, it appears I may have missed a point. I'll edit the post after I check that.

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Indeed, I think the database is stored in the "Blackmagic Folder" located in your profile. If that's the case, when you rename the folder, the database should be recreated and be empty. Yet, it's not the case...

BUT, as we've done a lot of things in a row with an unstable "Resolve", Windows may also have restored the "Blackmagic Design" folder behind your back after you've successfully renamed it (eg if a resolve process is still running in the background and holding an handle on the folder).

EDIT: I confirm that the database is stored in the "Blackmagic Design" folder located in your profile. It means we are close and the following steps should solve the problem. After doing these, you should see the "Quick Tour" when you'll launch Resolve followed by the "empty" Project Manager (edit: or a new empty project).

This is what you can do while I check this:
- run the uninstall command
- reboot the PC
- rename the "Blackmagic Design" folder again to anything you want (you should/may have the ".SAV" one already). edit: You should not have a "Blackmagic Design" folder anymore at this point.
- proceed with the guide from DaVinci_Resolve_17-0b5_Windows.exe reinstallation

Regards,
Eric

Eric,

I really appreciate your encouragement, but my tech knowledge is inconsistent. I understand a fair amount, but other areas, I've got nothing.

By UAC Command Prompt, I meant a Windows command prompt with elevated privileges, eg CMD, right click and run as Administrator (my formulation was probably not appropriate). Then you run the msiexec.exe command you've copied from the registry. Indeed, that's the part that uninstall "Davinci Resolve".

I still don't understand this. What do I have to do to access this, and once I get there, exactly what do I do? From what you said, this seems to be the crucial step, and I don't know where to begin it.

Thanks for your patience.

Irv.

I forgot to answer your question...

To backup the database, you do that from the "Project Manager", the same screen you used to export all your projects to .drp files. Is that this screen that disappears after a few seconds (eg before you open a project)?

Yes, it is the "Project Manager" screen that is visible when the DaVinci Resolve quits.

Irv,

To backup the database, you do that from the "Project Manager", the same screen you used to export all your projects to .drp files. Is that this screen that disappears after a few seconds (eg before you open a project)?

Yes, it is the "Project Manager" screen that is visible when the DaVinci Resolve quits.

Wow! Then, we've been very lucky to be able to export the projects. To me, it may be a sign that we are meant to succeed...

I still don't understand this.

Windows Elevated Command Prompt:

https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/e/elevated.htm

What do I have to do to access this, and once I get there, exactly what do I do?

Once you have the Windows Command Prompt, paste the command you've copied from the registry (Edit: the windows command to open the registry is "regedit.exe". Please use your favorite Internet Search Engine if you need more information on the Windows Registry).
For example, to uninstall Davinci Resolve 17 Beta 2 from my computer: two screenshots below as I'm out of words to explain this

this seems to be the crucial step

Strictly speaking, the crucial step is to start Resolve without the "Blackmagic Design" folder in your profile. That's the step that will force Resolve to recreate the (probably corrupted) database.

The purpose of the uninstallation and reinstallation is to *make sure* that you restart with a clean environment. Without theses steps and strange things should happen, now or later, it would be impossible to make a diagnosis as the doubt will remain...

Regards,
Eric

(Blackmagic Design, I don't blame you but I wouldn't say neither that I'm so happy to have to publish these two beautiful hand-colored pictures to explain how to uninstall your awesome product)

Eric,

WE HAVE PARTIAL SUCCESS!

I was finally able to uninstall ALL of the program. I installed DaVinci Resolve 16.2.8 (the new version of 16) instead of 17Beta. I had had no trouble when I used 16.2.7. Problems only started when I went to the Beta. I can now open Resolve without its disappearing, and create a new video. Hooray!

The reason it is only a partial success is that I cannot use the .drp files that I saved. I get a message that says "Unable to import project from newer version!" I don't understand this, because I created them with an OLDER version, 16.2.7, when now I'm running 16.2.8.

You have been so insightful to find my issues so far. Can you take it one step further? Let me know if you need me to send you anything so you can help.

Although I can, I'd rather not have to redo all the work I had done previously. It would save me some time if I didn't have to start from scratch.

Thanks so much. I don't know how to thank you.

Best,
Irv.

Irv,

That's great news!

From my understanding of all of this, I think that, at one point before the incident, the database has been (maybe partially) converted to the DR17 format (eg a crash occuring while converting one of the project for example). I can only speculate about this.

It means that, at this stade, you may be able to import one or some of the .drp files that are still in the DR16 format. But I strongly doubt that.

When we started the "rescue mission", we were in the following state:
- The beta of DR17 was installed (as you have noticed, we can't install a previous version without prior uninstallation)
- The database was in an unknown state (partially DR16/DR17 or otherwise corrupted)
- All the projects that were in the database had been saved from DR 16.2.6 (for the one I looked at).

DR17 has been kind enough to let us export all the projects to .drp files. Yet, those .drp files are now in the DR17 format and cannot be imported in DR16 anymore.

If you'd like me to check the projects, feel free to put them all in a .zip container file and attach it to a post or send it to me in PM. We will know if it's worth trying to perform the last small steps which are:

- DaVinci_Resolve_17-0b5_Windows.exe installation
- saving the database (see the guide)
- importation of the projects .drp files (one by one if you prefer so that you can verify all is going well)

I strongly recommend that we go forward with DR17 (Beta 5 for now, even if Beta 6 is out). This is why:

- The satisfaction to succeed. I think we deserve it.
- Even if it's in beta state, 17 is great and BMD put a lot on efforts on it.
- you know now that you have to perform a daily backup (by exporting .drp files which are small, one for each day)
- you now know how to uninstall "Davinci Resolve"
- you have a fully written guide, should things go wrong again
- you will perform the update with an empty database so the risk is low that DR17 crashes when converting it.
- all your hard work is (hopefully, 99% chance or 90% if I try to be pessimistic) contained in the .drp files.
- and, last but not least, I'm still there to assist you

If things were to go wrong again, it will still be easy to revert back to DR16. Yet, DR16 means restarting from scratch.

Best regards,
Eric

Eric,

My nerves are getting to me, and I think that I'm going to hold off on the upgrade until after my deadline, January 31. I do want to get DaVinci 17, but I now have a working editor, and the stress of not being able to produce anything is getting to me. I'd rather redo the bit of work that I had done. Once I finish this project, however, I will again work on upgrading, and learning the new version.

I hope that I can stay in touch with you, though. I'd like to say that you haven't heard the last of me, and that in February, I'll be back, if it's OK for me to take a hiatus. I want to be sure that I can reach YOU in the future, and not whoever picks up the next post. How can I make sure that we connect when I come up for air? You are a great help to me in so many ways, not the least of which is emotional.

Is there some way that I can show you my appreciation? Is there someone that I can tell how helpful you have been to this point? I don't know the protocols of the forum.

Thank you again for being my teacher, and for everything you have done with me to this point. I hope that I have been a worthy student.

Irv.

Irv,

Your decision makes perfect sense to me!
If you haven't already, please read the two beautifully worded paragraphs @wytshark shared with us here:
viewtopic.php?f=36&t=129804

There's no absolute necessity of using an electric hammer, just because the latest one is laser-driven. If a beautiful old-fashioned wooden hammer fits perfectly your hand, and allow you to perfecfly adjust the work, then use it. I'm so happy you've found the solution that make you feel comfortable.

Not only that you have been an awesome "student" (even if I'll never consider myself as more than an eternal student), you were most importantly a very pleasant person, who I enjoyed sharing with.

You'll find a lot a very talented people, here in BMD's forums, all willing to help. The ambiance in this particular forum may have seemed a bit rough to you. But, don't forget it's a forum dedicated to a "beta" version with all that implies. Add to that the difficulties to organize things, with that vicious covid stuff that wouldn't hesitate to hit Robinson Crusoe himself!

When you'll be back in February, things will be far more peaceful. The perception of 17 will be radically different, as tremendous improvements will have been brought to us.

Should I leave the forum, I'll keep you informed of course. But the best way to reach me is on my newborn Rumble channel, where I host a tiny movie that has been gifted to me. Only loved ones have watched it so far, out of Rumble. If you find some time to take a look, please be assured that it's a great honor to share it with you.

PLAY_United-One Step to Greatness_EN.png (109.56 KiB) Viewed 3333 times

Wish you the best, Irvin, See you soon,
Best regards,
Eric