Black Screen With Perpetual Loading After Log-In

[Zandi]

Hey all,

I'm running Windows 10 and just downloaded the client again through the SSG downloader after a hiatus. After logging into the launcher and selecting a server, I receive a perpetual black screen with the rotating wheel of "fun" that won't go away (at least not after 20 minutes).

I've tried a couple things so far:

1. Followed all the advice in SSG's tech support post here: https://help.standingstonegames.com/...-the-launcher-

2. Completely shut off my Windows Firewall (no other anti-virus software downloaded or active).

Other than that I'm at a loss. I'm not very tech-saavy; so, I could definitely use some help and advice. Thank you!

[Zandi]

... and then I selected the option to use DirectX 10/11 and it worked. Huh.

[Lindviore]

... and then I selected the option to use DirectX 10/11 and it worked. Huh.

Could you please elaborate how did you manage to select the option to use Direct X 10/11 without opening the graphic panel in the client??

Did you log on to the other PC that you can open the client then switch the option??

It would be very much appreciated if you could explain a bit more...

[Tralfazz]

Could you please elaborate how did you manage to select the option to use Direct X 10/11 without opening the graphic panel in the client??

Did you log on to the other PC that you can open the client then switch the option??

It would be very much appreciated if you could explain a bit more...

While I don't know which method Zandi used, this one works and doesn't even require the LOTRO launcher application to run first:
1- Open the file UserPreferences64.ini with a text editor. You will find it in your The Lord of the Rings Online folder which should be in your Documents or My Documents folder. If that file doesn't exist, create it. Look for the line...
GraphicsCore=X
...and change X to D3D10 or D3D11. I suggest D3D11 as it allows for more eye candy options and tends to have fewer display bugs with LOTRO than D3D10.
2- You must use the 64-bit client for DirectX 11. If you are not already using the 64-bit client, you can force the use of the 64-bit client by editing the UserPreferences.ini file. Look for the line...
GameClientType=Y
...and change Y to 3.

[Lindviore]

While I don't know which method Zandi used, this one works and doesn't even require the LOTRO launcher application to run first:
1- Open the file UserPreferences64.ini with a text editor. You will find it in your The Lord of the Rings Online folder which should be in your Documents or My Documents folder. If that file doesn't exist, create it. Look for the line...
GraphicsCore=X
...and change X to D3D10 or D3D11. I suggest D3D11 as it allows for more eye candy options and tends to have fewer display bugs with LOTRO than D3D10.
2- You must use the 64-bit client for DirectX 11. If you are not already using the 64-bit client, you can force the use of the 64-bit client by editing the UserPreferences.ini file. Look for the line...
GameClientType=Y
...and change Y to 3.

Thanks for your kind explanaton.

I tried to locate where the graphicscore= line is but there isn't one in my UserPreference.ini file.

WindowGeometry=@ByteArray(\x1\ xd9\xd0\xcb\0\x1\0\0\0\0\x2X\0 \0\x1\b\0\0\x5'\0\0\x3\x30\0\0 \x2X\0\0\x1\b\0\0\x5'\0\0\x3\x 30\0\0\0\0\0\0)
PreCache=true
SelectLastPlayedWorld=false
GameClientType=3
LoadOnStartup=false
AskBeforeDownload=false
ThrottleDownload=false
ThrottleDownloadRate=4
AutoRetrieveUpdates=false
AutoRetrieveUpdatesInterval=4
KeepLauncherOpen=false

I just purchased new alienware PC and would like to play LOTRO again.