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Posted

Hi all,

Thought I'd open a new thread for this hotfix release. This one will be short-lived as we want to get this hotfix out as soon as we can, but we will be able to hopefully track better beta specific feedback here.

Beta 1 came out a week a bit ago that addressed:

  • Fixed: Big Box no longer crashes on launch for systems with unstable hardware video decoding, especially on some RTX 30 series cards and certain integrated GPUs
  • Fixed: Custom theme video controls now function correctly with the FFMPEG engine, preventing crashes in affected themes

Beta 2 has now been put out with the following:

  • Improvement: The Storefront Manager now opens instantly, with login checks handled in the background instead of delaying the window
  • Improvement: Startup Videos and Theme Manager previews now properly follow your selected video engine setting
  • Improvement: You can now launch a game directly from the Game Discovery Center using a keyboard or controller mapping
  • Improvement: All HTTP calls have been upgraded to HTTPS for improved security and reliability
  • Fixed: FFMPEG no longer leaves videos running in the background after launching a game under certain situations
  • Fixed: Music playback is now smoother and less prone to stuttering
  • Fixed: Music compatibility has been improved across more audio file types
  • Fixed: When videos were set to start after a short delay, their audio would overlap with the game music instead of replacing it as expected
  • Fixed: Transitions will no longer trigger unexpectedly when returning from a game
  • Fixed: Badge changes from media packs now apply correctly without needing to restart LaunchBox or Big Box

Beta 3:

  • Improvement: D-Input controllers such as DualSense, DualShock, and Nintendo Pro controllers should now have right analog stick support
  • Improvement: You can now launch a game directly from the Game Discovery Center using a keyboard or controller mapping
  • Improvement: When importing ROMs during the Welcome Wizard, LaunchBox now sets the platform s Game Folder to the folder you imported from, instead of using the default location
  • Improvement: The new Auto-Import Media settings are now properly respected during realtime scans
  • Improvement: Unselecting all image types during the Welcome Wizard is now more accurately respected during first-time imports
  • Fixed: A crash has been resolved when multiple media imports happen at the same time
  • Fixed: When videos were set to start after a short delay, their audio would overlap with the game music instead of replacing it as expected
  • Fixed: Custom theme video controls now function correctly with the FFMPEG engine, preventing crashes in affected themes
  • Fixed: The Welcome Wizard s ROM import process now better mirrors the in-app importer by combining games and filtering out unwanted files
  • Fixed: Games in the Image Grid now always display their correct and up-to-date artwork, even in rare cases where images previously failed to appear
  • Fixed: Custom platform names during import are now more reliably scraped with the correct platform values

 

Things to help test with:

  • If you were affected with the inability to access specific websites using the http protocol and you were finding certain third party services were unable to connect through LaunchBox, it would be nice if you could re-test and see if beta 2 fixes that for you.
  • Users that run Big Box with Background music, Platform specific music, Game music, and Videos, this is the time to test all the different areas in Big Box and see if things are back to how they were before the last update.
  • If you were experiencing issues entering into the Theme Manager window, we could use confirmation that you are no longer experiencing that.
  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Posted
18 hours ago, faeran said:
  • Fixed: FFMPEG no longer leaves videos running in the background after launching a game under certain situations
  • Fixed: When videos were set to start after a short delay, their audio would overlap with the game music instead of replacing it as expected

Thanks for introducing this new feature! I’d like to ask if the recent fixes also address the issue mentioned in this old post specifically, the video sound continuing to play after launching a game.

Can we finally do without the workaround strategies and custom scripts?

I'm asking because it's a random situation and I would have to try several times.

  • Like 1
Posted

Hid some posts. I'm all for constructive criticism but put it some where it belongs. Keep this thread about the beta release so we can verify changes being made are productive. You want the app to get better, be constructive in how you "help" so that neither yours or our efforts are a wasted one.

  • Thanks 1
  • Haha 2
Posted
19 hours ago, C-Beats said:

Hid some posts. I'm all for constructive criticism but put it some where it belongs. Keep this thread about the beta release so we can verify changes being made are productive. You want the app to get better, be constructive in how you "help" so that neither yours or our efforts are a wasted one.

Don't let the entitled trolls get you down! You guys are doing incredible work.

  • Haha 1
Posted
3 hours ago, snarfo67 said:

Don't let the entitled trolls get you down! You guys are doing incredible work.

Many of the criticisms while worded a bit harshly aren't entirely off base either. I'll be the first to admit there are definitely some things in the app I'd love to get smoothed out. That being said there is a place to discuss that and this isn't it. I appreciate the positive vibes but this thread needs to stay on track. We aren't very picky about where things end up MOST of the time, this is an exception to the rule. The goal here is to keep an open line of communication with people taking the time to help us test a release to deliver a stable product. For example, if anyone is still having issues with videos or music playing after they launch a game, increase (or decrease) in stuttering, or they see some issue marked as fix still rearing it's ugly head we'd very much so like to hear about it. The intent is to release a stable full version fairly soon so we can move onto other things, it'd be nice to hear from a few people that saw these issues to confirm they no longer do. @The Papaw for example has an issue that should be resolved in this release (paths not coming over from Welcome Wizard), it'd be nice to hear if you're still seeing this issue on your end or if it is indeed resolved for you as well.

Posted (edited)

I'm unable to start LaunchBox. I'm getting this error. It appears Windows 11 Smart App Control is blocking it:

 

(Inner Exception)

Could not load file or assembly 'X:\emulation\Core\Caliburn.Micro.Platform.dll'. An Application Control policy has blocked this file. (0x800711C7)

App:     LaunchBox
Version: 13.24-beta-3
Theme:   Default
Type:    System.IO.FileLoadException
Site:    Void <GetTypeCore>g____PInvoke|26_0(System.Runtime.CompilerServices.QCallAssembly, Byte*, IntPtr*, Int32, System.Runtime.CompilerServices.ObjectHandleOnStack)
Source:  System.Private.CoreLib

   at System.Reflection.RuntimeAssembly.<GetTypeCore>g____PInvoke|26_0(QCallAssembly __assembly_native, Byte* __typeName_native, IntPtr* __nestedTypeNames_native, Int32 __nestedTypeNamesLength_native, ObjectHandleOnStack __retType_native)
   at System.Reflection.RuntimeAssembly.<GetTypeCore>g____PInvoke|26_0(QCallAssembly __assembly_native, Byte* __typeName_native, IntPtr* __nestedTypeNames_native, Int32 __nestedTypeNamesLength_native, ObjectHandleOnStack __retType_native)
   at System.Reflection.RuntimeAssembly.GetTypeCore(QCallAssembly assembly, String typeName, ReadOnlySpan`1 nestedTypeNames, Int32 nestedTypeNamesLength, ObjectHandleOnStack retType)
   at System.Reflection.RuntimeAssembly.GetTypeCore(String typeName, ReadOnlySpan`1 nestedTypeNames, Boolean throwOnError, Boolean ignoreCase)
   at System.Reflection.TypeNameResolver.GetType(String escapedTypeName, ReadOnlySpan`1 nestedTypeNames, TypeName parsedName)
   at System.Reflection.TypeNameResolver.Resolve(TypeName typeName)
   at System.Reflection.TypeNameResolver.GetType(String typeName, Boolean throwOnError, Boolean ignoreCase, Assembly topLevelAssembly)
   at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006SchemaContext.ResolveBamlTypeToType(BamlType bamlType)
   at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006SchemaContext.ResolveBamlType(BamlType bamlType, Int16 typeId)
   at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006SchemaContext.GetXamlType(Int16 typeId)
   at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006Reader.Process_ElementStart()
   at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006Reader.Process_OneBamlRecord()
   at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006Reader.Process_BamlRecords()
   at System.Windows.Baml2006.Baml2006Reader.Read()
   at System.Windows.Markup.WpfXamlLoader.TransformNodes(XamlReader xamlReader, XamlObjectWriter xamlWriter, Boolean onlyLoadOneNode, Boolean skipJournaledProperties, Boolean shouldPassLineNumberInfo, IXamlLineInfo xamlLineInfo, IXamlLineInfoConsumer xamlLineInfoConsumer, XamlContextStack`1 stack, IStyleConnector styleConnector)
   at System.Windows.Markup.WpfXamlLoader.Load(XamlReader xamlReader, IXamlObjectWriterFactory writerFactory, Boolean skipJournaledProperties, Object rootObject, XamlObjectWriterSettings settings, Uri baseUri)


(Outer Exception)

Could not load file or assembly X:\emulation\Core\Caliburn.Micro.Platform.dll'. An Application Control policy has blocked this file. (0x800711C7)

App:     LaunchBox
Version: 13.24-beta-3
Theme:   Default
Type:    System.Windows.Markup.XamlParseException
Site:    Void RewrapException(System.Exception, System.Xaml.IXamlLineInfo, System.Uri)
Source:  PresentationFramework

   at System.Windows.Markup.XamlReader.RewrapException(Exception e, IXamlLineInfo lineInfo, Uri baseUri)
   at System.Windows.Markup.WpfXamlLoader.Load(XamlReader xamlReader, IXamlObjectWriterFactory writerFactory, Boolean skipJournaledProperties, Object rootObject, XamlObjectWriterSettings settings, Uri baseUri)
   at System.Windows.Markup.WpfXamlLoader.LoadBaml(XamlReader xamlReader, Boolean skipJournaledProperties, Object rootObject, XamlAccessLevel accessLevel, Uri baseUri)
   at System.Windows.Markup.XamlReader.LoadBaml(Stream stream, ParserContext parserContext, Object parent, Boolean closeStream)
   at System.Windows.Application.LoadComponent(Object component, Uri resourceLocator)
   at Unbroken.LaunchBox.Windows.Desktop.App.InitializeComponent()
   at IsolatedModuleDecryptor.EncryptDetailedMapWrapper(Object, IsolatedModuleDecryptor)
   at Unbroken.LaunchBox.Windows.Desktop.Program.Main(String[] args)

Recent Log:

   12:19:13 PM Exception


Edit: 13.23 works perfectly fine.

Edited by Kevin_Flynn
Posted

Can you just navigate to that file, right click and select properties and then see an "Unblock" button on that first tab? Typically it's how you manually tell Windows to knock it off with the overzealous big brother stuff like that.

Posted (edited)

Arcade Neon Deluxe Theme 1st boot Crash - Background Music is on

 

bigbox logs2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM Attract Mode stopped
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM Attract Mode stopped
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
   at COMMUNITY_Theme_Creator_Library.FileFallbackWithSearchConverter.Convert(Object[] values, Type targetType, Object parameter, CultureInfo culture)
2025-09-19 12:04:29 PM [FFME Log]: Direct Command 'Close' not accepted. Open media before closing or changing media.
2025-09-19 12:04:29 PM [FFME Log]: SYNC AUDIO: SKIP OK  | Initial: 44 ms. Current: -10 ms. Requested: 50 ms.
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM Attract Mode stopped
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM [FFME Log]: SYNC AUDIO: SKIP OK  | Initial: 26 ms. Current: -10 ms. Requested: 50 ms.
2025-09-19 12:04:35 PM Attract Mode stopped

AI - Analysis 

What the errors mean (quick)

  • ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String
    Your theme (via CTC’s converters) is handing an invalid/empty string to an Image/ImageBrush Source. WPF then throws this first-chance exception repeatedly.

  • COMMUNITY_Theme_Creator_Library.FileFallbackWithSearchConverter… NullReference
    The CTC converter got a null/empty binding value (e.g., missing art path) and didn’t guard it.

  • Attract Mode stopped + FFME messages
    Attract mode is trying to show media; the bad image/video bindings blow up, so it bails and restarts.

Fast isolation

  1. Switch theme: Big Box → Options → Views → Theme = Default.
    If errors stop, it’s 100% your custom theme/XAML or the CTC plugin.

  2. Disable Attract Mode (temporarily): Options → General → Attract Mode = Off.
    This reduces spam while you fix paths/bindings.

  3. Turn on “Show Missing Media Boxes” (or equivalent) to see which assets are missing on screen.

Likely culprits (and fixes)

  • Broken converter DLL:
    In your theme folder, …\BigBox\Themes\<YourTheme>\Plugins\COMMUNITY_Theme_Creator_Library.dll.
    • Replace it with the latest one from your Community Theme Creator install, or temporarily remove the plugin to see if errors stop (theme will fall back to simpler bindings).

  • Bad/empty binding parameters in XAML:
    Look in Themes\<YourTheme>\Views\*.xaml for FileFallbackWithSearchConverter / FileSearchConverter.
    • Make sure ConverterParameter isn’t blank and tokens are valid (e.g., |ImagePath|, |ClearLogoPath|, |FanartPath|).
    • Guard nulls: where possible, wrap in a MultiBinding with a fallback or add TargetNullValue="" and use a Visibility toggle so the control doesn’t try to render a missing image.

  • Invalid path strings:
    • Paths with illegal characters, trailing spaces, or wrong separators can trip WPF. Stick to absolute or well-formed relative URIs.
    • If you used string formats that concatenate folders/filenames, confirm they produce a real file path.

  • ImageBrush vs Image gotcha:
    ImageBrush.ImageSource bindings are pickier. If your view uses brushes for backgrounds, ensure the bound value resolves to a valid URI (empty strings will cause the exact exception you’re seeing).

Quick health checks in LaunchBox (no XAML edits)

  • Tools → Options → Images: run Clean Up Images and Refresh Platform Wheel Images/Cache.

  • Tools → Refresh All Images (rebuilds caches used by themes).

  • Videos: switch the Video Engine (VLC ↔ WMP) to see if FFME plugin usage is the trigger; some themes embed FFME, others honor the global setting.

Edited by drtechnolust
Posted
19 minutes ago, drtechnolust said:

Arcade Neon Deluxe Theme 1st boot Crash - Background Music is on

 

bigbox logs2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:27 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM Attract Mode stopped
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM Attract Mode stopped
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:28 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
   at COMMUNITY_Theme_Creator_Library.FileFallbackWithSearchConverter.Convert(Object[] values, Type targetType, Object parameter, CultureInfo culture)
2025-09-19 12:04:29 PM [FFME Log]: Direct Command 'Close' not accepted. Open media before closing or changing media.
2025-09-19 12:04:29 PM [FFME Log]: SYNC AUDIO: SKIP OK  | Initial: 44 ms. Current: -10 ms. Requested: 50 ms.
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM Attract Mode stopped
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.GetConvertFromException(Object value)
   at System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
   at System.Windows.Media.ImageSourceConverter.ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, CultureInfo culture, Object value)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM FIRST CHANCE EXCEPTION: ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String.
   at MS.Internal.Data.DefaultValueConverter.ConvertHelper(Object o, Type destinationType, DependencyObject targetElement, CultureInfo culture, Boolean isForward)
2025-09-19 12:04:30 PM [FFME Log]: SYNC AUDIO: SKIP OK  | Initial: 26 ms. Current: -10 ms. Requested: 50 ms.
2025-09-19 12:04:35 PM Attract Mode stopped

AI - Analysis 

What the errors mean (quick)

  • ImageSourceConverter cannot convert from System.String
    Your theme (via CTC’s converters) is handing an invalid/empty string to an Image/ImageBrush Source. WPF then throws this first-chance exception repeatedly.

  • COMMUNITY_Theme_Creator_Library.FileFallbackWithSearchConverter… NullReference
    The CTC converter got a null/empty binding value (e.g., missing art path) and didn’t guard it.

  • Attract Mode stopped + FFME messages
    Attract mode is trying to show media; the bad image/video bindings blow up, so it bails and restarts.

Fast isolation

  1. Switch theme: Big Box → Options → Views → Theme = Default.
    If errors stop, it’s 100% your custom theme/XAML or the CTC plugin.

  2. Disable Attract Mode (temporarily): Options → General → Attract Mode = Off.
    This reduces spam while you fix paths/bindings.

  3. Turn on “Show Missing Media Boxes” (or equivalent) to see which assets are missing on screen.

Likely culprits (and fixes)

  • Broken converter DLL:
    In your theme folder, …\BigBox\Themes\<YourTheme>\Plugins\COMMUNITY_Theme_Creator_Library.dll.
    • Replace it with the latest one from your Community Theme Creator install, or temporarily remove the plugin to see if errors stop (theme will fall back to simpler bindings).

  • Bad/empty binding parameters in XAML:
    Look in Themes\<YourTheme>\Views\*.xaml for FileFallbackWithSearchConverter / FileSearchConverter.
    • Make sure ConverterParameter isn’t blank and tokens are valid (e.g., |ImagePath|, |ClearLogoPath|, |FanartPath|).
    • Guard nulls: where possible, wrap in a MultiBinding with a fallback or add TargetNullValue="" and use a Visibility toggle so the control doesn’t try to render a missing image.

  • Invalid path strings:
    • Paths with illegal characters, trailing spaces, or wrong separators can trip WPF. Stick to absolute or well-formed relative URIs.
    • If you used string formats that concatenate folders/filenames, confirm they produce a real file path.

  • ImageBrush vs Image gotcha:
    ImageBrush.ImageSource bindings are pickier. If your view uses brushes for backgrounds, ensure the bound value resolves to a valid URI (empty strings will cause the exact exception you’re seeing).

Quick health checks in LaunchBox (no XAML edits)

  • Tools → Options → Images: run Clean Up Images and Refresh Platform Wheel Images/Cache.

  • Tools → Refresh All Images (rebuilds caches used by themes).

  • Videos: switch the Video Engine (VLC ↔ WMP) to see if FFME plugin usage is the trigger; some themes embed FFME, others honor the global setting.

your AI analysis is pointing to a theme plugin issue. Not sure how trustworthy that analysis can be tbh, it's all guess from the AI with limited info present in the logs.

What you can do in the meantime is switch out the theme to the Default one to rule out the theme itself as the issue. You can do this under LaunchBox\Data\BigBoxSettings.xml and changing <Theme> to Default.

If it's still happening on the default theme, best to go into EventViewer and grab the 2 or 3 potential crash reports you see there related to LaunchBox and Big Box and pst them here, along with your hardware setup, and version of LaunchBox you are running.

Posted

So, this is been happening more and more with upgrades.    When you click "yes" to upgrade in BigBox - it launches the installer TWICE.   And one collides with the other.  

I usually have to cancel both, and then run the installer manually to get it to fix itself.  

image.thumb.png.f4b5d50241324f094f71c8264f17222a.png

Posted
2 minutes ago, Fursphere said:

So, this is been happening more and more with upgrades.    When you click "yes" to upgrade in BigBox - it launches the installer TWICE.   And one collides with the other.  

I usually have to cancel both, and then run the installer manually to get it to fix itself.  

image.thumb.png.f4b5d50241324f094f71c8264f17222a.png

 

That's interesting. We run many updates, many times each release cycle, and haven't experienced that one yet. Just ran another one in Big Box after your post here but it seemed to run fine. If anyone else has experienced this exact thing, let us know, however, it's entirely possible it's some oddity happening on your machine, which while it would be nice to know, would be one of those hard ones to track down.

I'm assuming that you can see 2 installer windows going on at the same time and you can put them next to each other? Or do you only get that access error message?

Posted

Beta 3 is out with the following changes:

  • Improvement: D-Input controllers such as DualSense, DualShock, and Nintendo Pro controllers should now have right analog stick support
  • Improvement: You can now launch a game directly from the Game Discovery Center using a keyboard or controller mapping
  • Improvement: When importing ROMs during the Welcome Wizard, LaunchBox now sets the platform s Game Folder to the folder you imported from, instead of using the default location
  • Improvement: The new Auto-Import Media settings are now properly respected during realtime scans
  • Improvement: Unselecting all image types during the Welcome Wizard is now more accurately respected during first-time imports
  • Fixed: A crash has been resolved when multiple media imports happen at the same time
  • Fixed: When videos were set to start after a short delay, their audio would overlap with the game music instead of replacing it as expected
  • Fixed: Custom theme video controls now function correctly with the FFMPEG engine, preventing crashes in affected themes
  • Fixed: The Welcome Wizard s ROM import process now better mirrors the in-app importer by combining games and filtering out unwanted files
  • Fixed: Games in the Image Grid now always display their correct and up-to-date artwork, even in rare cases where images previously failed to appear
  • Fixed: Custom platform names during import are now more reliably scraped with the correct platform values
  • Like 1
Posted
9 minutes ago, faeran said:

 

That's interesting. We run many updates, many times each release cycle, and haven't experienced that one yet. Just ran another one in Big Box after your post here but it seemed to run fine. If anyone else has experienced this exact thing, let us know, however, it's entirely possible it's some oddity happening on your machine, which while it would be nice to know, would be one of those hard ones to track down.

I'm assuming that you can see 2 installer windows going on at the same time and you can put them next to each other? Or do you only get that access error message?

I couldn't grab a screenshot fast enough.   There were two running.    First one finish and actually launched BigBox.  Second one errored out.  

Posted

I've noticed BigBox is not respecting the badge settings via Launchbox media packs. I have LB set to nostalgic and BB set to white filled. But BB is showing nostalgic. (On beta 2 and 3)
Also, minor request: would it be possible to add recent games for "Platform Categories" default theme "Hybrid 2" view? Thx!

Posted
4 hours ago, faeran said:

your AI analysis is pointing to a theme plugin issue. Not sure how trustworthy that analysis can be tbh, it's all guess from the AI with limited info present in the logs.

What you can do in the meantime is switch out the theme to the Default one to rule out the theme itself as the issue. You can do this under LaunchBox\Data\BigBoxSettings.xml and changing <Theme> to Default.

If it's still happening on the default theme, best to go into EventViewer and grab the 2 or 3 potential crash reports you see there related to LaunchBox and Big Box and pst them here, along with your hardware setup, and version of LaunchBox you are running.

No crashes so far on Default theme and I think the background music stuttering is fixed. 

I noticed when I chose switch to Desktop mode, music was still playing until LB opened up after 2-3 minutes.

OS: Win 11 Pro, LB 13.24 Beta 3 - 4tb NVME

Networked ROMS: Unraid Server 250+ TB

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9800X3D

Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 7600XTX

Memory: 32GB DDR5 @ 6000MHz

image.thumb.png.ec6e0e485a89629c25a907d9275f49ab.pngimage.thumb.png.a8ee7c5af772544c50f08046af166ed9.png

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