Windows 10: Data files not saving correctly [File names but zero byte files]

I have a problem with a program not saving preset data. Possibly due to harlink extenstion with only one piece of software.

I use symbolic hardlinks on my system but I do not know if the following has any bearing on the issue with the software I am using.

The software is a plugin that works within a host digital audio workstation software (Steinberg Cubase and plugin Soundtoys V5) and uses presets for different settings.

All software is legit and registered. I have contacted the developer regarding the issue with no resolve so trying here as the issue may largely be to do with windows.

The associate plugin has been installed with admin permissions and the host DAW software is run with full administrative rights. I have double checked that there are no hardlink main or subfolders used in the installation path for the plugin software.

All other 3rd party plugins work fine when saving presets and using symbolic links of which there's about 60+ 3rd party plugins installed using the main host system, however this particular software is not saving correctly.

It will save the preset name as a zero byte file and reports unable to save at location.

All other plugins work fine even when using symbolic links when saving preset data.

The issue may have been to do with a previous install of the soundtoys software as a phantom install directory is being created during the installation

E:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5

I did originally install the software using the symbolic hardlink to E:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5.
After hitting the issue of presets not saving, I uninstalled the software, manually searched both c and e drive (and registry) for any soundtoys redundant files and directories. Rebooted, ccleaned and resintalled the software plugin WIHTOUT any hardlinks,

_____________________________________________

On the reinstall the following problem occurs.

When installing the software the installer creates a user preset folder with factory presets and for saving user presets to:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5

However the software when launched automatically shows the preset bank menu as empty but all the data folders and files are present at the location

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5

This default location has all the folders, subfolders and data files within it where it should be as instructed automatically by the installer, however the save function still throw up the unable to save preset error. Saving the file name as zero bytes and unloadable.

_____________________________________________

Within the plugin software there is a dropdown link called organise which takes you to the preset file location (which should be C:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5).

However the Soundtoys plugin installer has created a new folder on the secondary drive which did have an historical symbolik hardlink which has since been removed.

E:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5

This is where the software is trying to save the user presets and is also looking for the factory preset data by default.

This is not specified or shown as during the install process as it clearly states data fodler at C:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5 location.

The E:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5 is created by the system post installation,is empty except for the folder and subfolders but no physical data.

During the installation process all folder locations are deafulted by the installer with no option to manually select an alternative folder/drive.
_____________________________________________

To get the software to see the factory presets I have to pick the folder and file structure using the hardlink extension from

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5

and drop as symbolic link in

E:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5

The plugin software now sees the expected folders and data files so works for the factory settings and preset recall.

However the software is still unable to save to location, yet any other plugins or data can be saved fine at the locations using symbolic links or directly to the e:\users\public\... folder.

Something maybe corrupt on my system but I do not know what and why only the soundtoys plugin software is being affected by this issue and no other plugins or software pre or post installation.

I know it's not a permissions issue for the location as all other programs can access the user location and save files there.
______________________________________________

Thoughts

1) Would Windows have saved and somehow recall the E:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5 when isntalling this software as the phantom folder. I have not been able to locate any references on the C and E drives or registry editor.

2) If I unintsall the Hardlink extension (Link Shell Extension) will reinstalling, will it relink the existing symbolic links that I use regularly or will the be redundant and need to be dropped into the relevant locations again.

3) Any ideas on the phantom folder being created by windows as clearly it is not the installer.

Thanks for your time and whilst it's a detailed post, I appreciate your help.

Any questions shoot.

M

Windows 10 Pro x64
Steinberg Cubase 8Pro x64
Soundtoys V5 x64
Link Shell Extension

:)

 

Right-click > "Send To" Menu Contents Missing (Windows 10)

Delete the zero-byte file named 'Bluetooth' (not 'Bluetooth Device'). It's a corrupted file that prevents the others from displaying.

Keith

 

Zero byte video files

Hi,

Sorry for the inconvenience.

I would request you to use your favorite search engine and look for software's that would perform that task and check if it helps.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE DISCLAIMER: Using Third Party Software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft
cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Third Party Software can be solved. Using Third Party Software is at your own risk.

Do get back to us for any issues pertaining in the future. We will be happy to help.

 

If you can select the save location, try saving to a different folder or on your desktop. It could be access right issue. I would find the specific folder, right-click on it, select Properties and then click the Security tab. To make sure there is no access restriction, I would add the user Everyone and give him (as well all the others) full access, just in case.

 

Thanks for the response.
Unfortunately the save location is set by deafult to the hardlink location E:\Users\Public\Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5.
There is no save as option from within the software.

 

Then give full access to all users, including Everyone to this folder and see if the problem is solved

 

I've uploaded a snap shot of the actual folder with the issue.
I am trying to fathom out where I am going wrong.
The one thing that jumps out is the last in the list is Read&Execute on opening this up it's greyed out

 

Change the owner to Administrators. Then click OK to return to the previous window. Now you should be able to change permissions by clicking Edit while on the Security tab.

 

Appreciate you taking the time with this.

Some screen shots.

In security tab everything appears ok.




In advance it is still showing as read&execute only



Double click on the User (SOUND\Users) last in the list and all greyed out despite previously setting everything with full rights.





This is assuming that the Users Read right is causing the problem?

Just loaded and tried again. Still no resolve.

Something just doesnt look right but I cant figure it out.

 

In case the settings are inherited from the parent folder, you are not allowed to change them. Click on the Disable inheritance button to change this.

 

Think Im starting to go down a rabbit hole of no return.
Resulted




Lost the other Groups and users?

 

Add user Everyone and give him full access as well.

 

Hi

I've not tried everyone yet. But I am starting to believe Im causing more damage than good, down to my own mistakes.

What I am concerned about is that some of the folders are short linked.

So to remedy the whole situation.

I am the only person using the system, but I dont want to leave it vulnerable to malicious attacks ie web browsing etc. I do use eset nod which appears to cover security bases.

If I shared everyone what impact will that have on the overall security if any?

The second line of thought. Is there a method to reset the whole system including all the drives/folder to a default?
Third line of thought. If I copy all the folders to a backup drive. Format the data drive and transfer all the folders back to the data drive. Would the permissions have reset or stayed the same?

Below is a screenshot of the main root folder on the e:\ data drive that is causing the problem.,

What do you reckon I should do. It looks messy and Im not comfortable with what I am seeing. So I believe I should try and reset all the permissions, but I do not know what the should be ie what groups and enable inheritable or not?

The main user drive folder on the c drive is:


I believe the data drive should be the same as the data drive as all programs now require to run as adminstartor to work and access the folder?

 

If a hacker manages to attack your computer (very rarely for a casual user computer) no account will stop him. He will have full access even if you allow only the administrator account or encrypt the folder. So don't worry about that. I am not sure if running the following command in elevated command prompt also resumes the security settings to default:

sfc /scannow

 

Appreciate your words re hacker, more malware or websites. But not overly conerned *Smile

sfc /scannow not resolved.

Think im going to have to reinstall not sure how that will impact the data integrity of the folders with the issue *Sad