Sean Meighan

Welcome => Do You Need Help? Post it here => Topic started by: baf05 on May 23, 2017, 11:35:42 PM

Title: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 23, 2017, 11:35:42 PM
Since using drop box I have been getting the following errors,

unable to laod RGB effects file

and

XML parsing error: 'not-well formed (invalid token)' at line 12 or sometimes line 13

and I loose all my models. I then have to go to my back up folder and find a back up that will start the program?

It was happening with 2017.4 32bit (on a 64bit machine).  I have today upgraded to the latest production version of xlights and I have tried to replicate the error....

so I have now been able to replicate the error with the latest version of xlights using a backup from today.  it seems to effect everything from a long way back?  until about 2 of May. 

I thought I had it sorted that date and made many backups just incase, but they all seem to have the same issue.

its now more critical that I sort this as my latest backups/files had changes to the models to make them perfect. going back to May 2 puts me back a big step!

I have tried moving the files out of drop box and into another folder and pointing xlights at that folder but I still get the same error.

I really need some help with this.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Phrog30 on May 24, 2017, 05:44:04 AM
Crazy idea, but stop using Dropbox. I use Google drive, but only for my backups, not my active directory.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 24, 2017, 07:26:38 AM
Ever thought of looking at line 12 when it says there is a problem on line 12?
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 24, 2017, 09:26:35 AM
I do appreciate that you probably don't mean to come across as rude, however often your responses are, very rude.... big call given I need your help I know, but still, its not the first time I have read a response from you and though it....

However, as a matter of fact I have, BUT, I don't know how to code, or even how to read/interpret what is in the file.  I did in fact look, but could not even work out how to figure out where line 12 started or ended.

Not every person here shares your vast knowledge of all things coding, just your love of blinky things..... :)
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 24, 2017, 10:28:52 AM
Maybe you are reading my posts with a predisposition that its going to sound rude because you saw something in the past that you thought was rude.  If you think that last sentence I posted is rude then you and I shouldn't talk.  I'll let someone less rude give you help.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: RandyS on May 24, 2017, 10:59:10 AM
Oh come on, seriously?  Gil, snarky?  NEVER............ 8)
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 24, 2017, 11:13:01 AM
Maybe you are reading my posts with a predisposition that its going to sound rude because you saw something in the past that you thought was rude.  If you think that last sentence I posted is rude then you and I shouldn't talk.  I'll let someone less rude give you help.
or perhaps I just read some of your rude responses and call you out on them....

One would think that a demonstrated ability to even start to use a program such as xlights would show some level of intelligence, there for its fair to suggest that one would have though of looking at where was directed be the program.

As said, I don't know code, or even how to look at what I can actually see, to even figure out where line 12 (or 13) starts...

I certainly did not need your S/A response.... you knowledge of the program yes, you rudeness, clearly not!
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 24, 2017, 11:14:33 AM
Nobody called Phrog's comment rude but I bet if I had said that they would.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 24, 2017, 11:18:26 AM
And you could have just responded with "Yes I've looked at that line and didn't understand it."  Then posted the line so the rest of us could take a look.  Instead you start crying about my comment accusing me of being a S/A when I thought I was asking a legitimate question.  You didn't tell us you ever opened the file.  I had to read paragraph after paragraph about all the other things you tried and that's what had me thinking geez did you at least try to look at the text file (which is not code) before losing all your models.  I think your responses to me are quite rude and I'm offended.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 24, 2017, 11:34:37 AM
as stated, I don't actually know where line 12 begins... however,

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<xrgb>
  <models>
    <model DisplayAs="Circle" StringType="RGB Nodes" StartSide="B" Dir="L" Antialias="1" PixelSize="2" Transparency="0" parm1="1" parm3="50" LayoutGroup="Default" name="Tree" parm2="37" offsetXpct="0.1359" offsetYpct="0.2959" PreviewScaleX="0.0641" PreviewScaleY="0.1194" PreviewRotation="0" versionNumber="1" StartChannel="4609"/>
    <model DisplayAs="Custom" StartSide="B" Dir="L" Antialias="1" PixelSize="2" Transparency="0" parm3="1" LayoutGroup="Default" StringType="RGB Nodes" name="Mouth" parm2="20" parm1="20" CustomModel=",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,8,,,,,,,,,,,,,12,,,;,,,8,9,9,9,10,10,10,10,10,10,11,11,11,12,,,;,,,8,18,18,18,18,18,18,23,23,23,23,23,23,12,,,;,,,7,18,18,19,19,17,16,16,15,22,22,23,23,13,,,;,,,7,20,20,19,19,17,16,16,15,22,22,21,21,13,,,;,,,,7,20,20,20,20,20,21,21,21,21,21,13,,,,;,,,,,6,6,6,6,6,14,14,14,14,14,,,,,;,,,,,,5,5,4,3,3,2,1,1,,,,,,;,,,,,,5,5,4,3,3,2,1,1,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,," CustomBkgLightness="0" offsetXpct="0.1360" offsetYpct="0.2820" PreviewScaleX="0.0344" PreviewScaleY="0.0500" PreviewRotation="0" versionNumber="1" StartChannel="4720">
      <faceInfo Name="BAF" CustomColors="1" Eyes-Closed="" Eyes-Closed-Color="" Eyes-Open="" Eyes-Open-Color="" FaceOutline="" FaceOutline-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-AI="1-23" Mouth-AI-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-Al="" Mouth-Al-Color="" Mouth-E="15-23" Mouth-E-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-FV="15-23" Mouth-FV-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-L="6-23" Mouth-L-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-MBP="15-17,19,22" Mouth-MBP-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-O="15-17" Mouth-O-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-U="15-17" Mouth-U-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-WQ="16" Mouth-WQ-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-etc="15-17,19,22" Mouth-etc-Color="#ff0000" Mouth-rest="15-17,19,22" Mouth-rest-Color="#ff0000" Type="NodeRange"/>

that's obviously just a small portion of the broken rgbeffects xml file.  I believe this is the one I need to get working as later on I can see a "state" that I added.

Also, if I have offended you, I apologise.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 24, 2017, 11:59:58 AM
I tell you what will be easier.  If you have a file that gives the error when you start xLights just attach the entire xlights_rgbeffects.xml file to the post and I'll try to look when I can.  Also that will let other developers and users try to help.

I'm coming close to 4,000 posts so even just a small percentage of them being when I was in a bad mood or something else leaves several folks upset.  I've actually tried to concentrate on not offending anyone but sometimes I'm tired or under pressure and I slip up.  I wasn't offended by your comment I was kidding.  I would say if you talked with everyone that met me in person at the seminar or one of the Expo's that I'm friendly and easy to get along with.  I feel now that because I've said a few mean things in the past there are several users ready to pounce on anything that's even close to being rude.  There are a few times where I've been rude on purpose but most of the time I'm trying to joke around or I'm saying something I don't consider rude.

Anyways I'm swamped right now after just having returned from the xLights seminar I had to immediately start setting up for a graduation show that happens tonight.  I have a grounding issue I have to get up there and fix within a couple hours.  Then tomorrow is takedown so just saying it might take me a couple days to help.  Hopefully someone else can open the file and find the problem earlier.  Most of the time a character got corrupted and we aren't sure how that happens but a lot of times if you post the file we can save it and you won't lose the models.  You just need to make sure you find the right backup/copy because after it detects the corruption it's probably creating a new blank file and it wouldn't help to send us that one.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 24, 2017, 12:12:56 PM
Thank you,

I am at work now, dam shift work, when I get home I will attach the file.

I very much appreciate the help.

Also, perhaps I went of half cocked, I do appreciate that sometimes responses are done short, sharp and to the point, I should be more thick skinned. :)
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Phrog30 on May 24, 2017, 12:37:02 PM
Nobody called Phrog's comment rude but I bet if I had said that they would.
My comment wasn't rude, it was crazy. 😀

Any comment can be read with a negative tone. I've never met Gil, but I've heard he's a stand-up guy. He definitely gives the most help of anyone.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Ebuechner on May 24, 2017, 05:05:49 PM
I have to admit that one time I took something Gil said as rude because of the preconception I had. I've been trying to help when I can with new people to xlights, and sometimes I think I would benefit from being a little bit more direct to help shorten the conversation. I look at the amount of post that Gil has made and I'm impressed by the amount of people he's helped and the time he's devoted to this so the rest of us can enjoy it. I was a flight instructor for our local RC Club and I've taught more people than anyone else in the club from basic flight up to Advanced aerobatics and I understand the frustration that Gil must go through at times.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: RandyS on May 24, 2017, 10:50:44 PM
Even though I enjoy giving Gil a jab now and again (just to keep him humble) I have to admire him and all of the developers for being so patient with us.  It has to get a bit frustrating at times when the same questions get asked over and over, or folks dogging xlights for a problem that they inadvertently caused.  My hat is off to you all!!
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 25, 2017, 01:30:27 AM
OK so I have attached the files. as you can I see I have labelled them one that works, and one that needs to work.

If those of you who understand this could cast an eye over the two files that would be greatly appreciated.

Also, as a learning thing, if someone could take the time to point out the error, and a way to fix it, that why if this happens again I may be able to help myself, teach a man to fish and all that...

Thanks all :)
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: jeremy0203 on May 25, 2017, 01:44:36 AM
line 12-13 and 16-17 has some improper syntax. <stateInfo Name="Right eye" =""
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 25, 2017, 02:31:15 AM
ok?  So first, I don't actually know how to work out which line is which?  Do you just open in word pad and count down line as word pad sets it out?

Second, what would the correct syntax be?
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: worksopian on May 25, 2017, 07:46:04 AM
Use Notepad++ to read and edit the code, it shows the line numbers. Sadly not an expert!
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: jnealand on May 25, 2017, 07:49:32 AM
Notepad++ is one of the essential programs everyone should have to be able to read and/or edit the files used in xlights.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 25, 2017, 08:06:48 AM
Sounds like its time for a group hug...lol.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: worksopian on May 25, 2017, 08:46:20 AM
"....put your arms across the world at christmas time...."  :) ;) :D
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 25, 2017, 10:27:48 AM
yes we all love each other and every thing is good in the world la la laaaaaa ...

... the correct syntax to insert in 12-13 16-17?

 :) :P

Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Ebuechner on May 25, 2017, 10:46:19 AM
Sounds like its time for a group hug...lol.
Fine, but that's where I'm going to draw the line.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 25, 2017, 10:52:37 AM
I'm not at home to try it but by visual inspection all your "stateInfo" lines have '=""' with a missing name.  Not sure how it got into that state.  If we can figure out when/how that happens we need to fix it.  You should be able to just delete the extra '=""' in those 4 places and the file should work.

<stateInfo Name="Right eye" ="" CustomColors="1"....
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 25, 2017, 10:58:43 AM
By the way if you aren't using it Notepad++ is a great free program that we use to view any XML file.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 26, 2017, 01:44:32 AM
So update!

Down loaded Notepad++ and was able to look at the files and work out which line was which.

With the help of Gil I was able to delete the offending syntax and now the file works.

The was some unusual hangover in the models but that was fixed with an update.

I still have no idea how it all happened. Nor do I even understand what I was reading and correcting, BUT I know have my models all working correctly again, and a small xml file sitting on my desktop that I know is good, if this happens again!

Thanks to all for there input! :)
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: keithsw1111 on May 26, 2017, 02:18:37 AM
Gil ... there was a bug like that several releases ago that I fixed.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: Gilrock on May 26, 2017, 07:43:00 AM
Yes I'd say keep an eye out and see if it happens again.  I wouldn't think that kind of error in the file happened due to using something like a dropbox although it does seem like we've had a few users have issues when using external storage that may be slower.
Title: Re: Error message
Post by: baf05 on May 26, 2017, 05:47:04 PM
I have save the fixed file outside of drop box, and left it on my desk top in case it happens again, that way I can just plug it back in and use it if needed.

I will keep using drop box and report back if it happens again :)

Once again, thanks for everyone's help :)