Crispy Doom: Fixing Save/Load Errors & Missing Save Files

Are you experiencing issues with saving or loading your game in Crispy Doom? Do you encounter the frustrating "Failed to open savegame file" error or find that your save files are mysteriously absent from the Load Game menu? You're not alone! This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to resolve these common Crispy Doom problems.

Understanding the "Failed to open savegame file" Error

The "Failed to open savegame file 'temp.dsg' for writing" error in Crispy Doom typically indicates that the game is unable to write the save file to the designated directory. This can be due to several reasons, ranging from file permission issues to conflicts with other software. Let's delve into the possible causes and solutions.

Common Causes and Solutions

• File Permissions: The most frequent culprit behind this error is insufficient file permissions. Crispy Doom might not have the necessary rights to write files in the directory where you're trying to save the game. To address this, try the following:

  • Run Crispy Doom as Administrator: Right-click on the Crispy Doom executable file (crispy-doom.exe) and select "Run as administrator." This grants the game elevated privileges, potentially resolving permission issues.
  • Check Folder Permissions: Navigate to the folder where Crispy Doom saves its game files. Typically, this is the same directory as the crispy-doom.exe file. Right-click on the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Security" tab. Ensure that your user account has "Write" permissions for this folder. If not, click "Edit," select your account, and check the "Write" box in the "Permissions" section.

• Antivirus Interference: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with game processes, including saving and loading files. Your antivirus might be incorrectly flagging Crispy Doom's savegame operations as suspicious activity. To check if this is the case:

  • Temporarily Disable Antivirus: As a test, temporarily disable your antivirus software and try saving the game again. If the error disappears, your antivirus is likely the cause.
  • Add Crispy Doom to Antivirus Exceptions: If your antivirus is interfering, add Crispy Doom's executable file (crispy-doom.exe) and the savegame directory to your antivirus's exception list or whitelist. This will prevent the antivirus from scanning or blocking Crispy Doom's file operations.

• Conflicting Software: Other software running on your system might be conflicting with Crispy Doom's ability to save files. This is less common but still a possibility. To troubleshoot:

  • Close Unnecessary Programs: Close any other applications you're running, especially those that might be accessing the same files or directories as Crispy Doom.
  • Perform a Clean Boot: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a background program is causing the issue. Search online for instructions on how to perform a clean boot for your specific version of Windows.

• Disk Space: Although less common, ensure that you have sufficient free disk space on the drive where you're saving the game. A full or nearly full hard drive can prevent the game from writing save files.

Save Files Not Showing Up in the Load Game Menu

Another frustrating issue is when your saved games don't appear in Crispy Doom's Load Game menu, even though the save files are present in the game's directory. This can occur due to several reasons, including incorrect savegame locations, file corruption, or configuration errors. Let's explore the possible causes and solutions.

Troubleshooting Missing Save Files

• Verify Savegame Location: Crispy Doom typically saves game files in the same directory as the crispy-doom.exe file. However, it's essential to confirm this. Check your Crispy Doom configuration file (crispy-doom.cfg) for the savedir option. This option specifies the directory where save games are stored. If the savedir option is set to a different location, ensure that your save files are in that directory.

• Check File Extensions: Crispy Doom save files usually have the .dsg extension. Make sure your save files have this extension and that they haven't been renamed or accidentally given a different extension.

• Save File Corruption: Corrupted save files can sometimes cause them not to appear in the Load Game menu. This can happen due to various reasons, such as unexpected game crashes or disk errors. Unfortunately, corrupted save files are often unrecoverable. You might need to start a new game in such cases. However, it's a good idea to back up your save files regularly to prevent data loss.

• Crispy Doom Configuration: The [doom.wad] section in your crispy-doom.cfg file should correctly point to your WAD file. If it's incorrect, your saves may not be recognized. Ensure the path setting points to the correct location of your WAD file.

• Intermittent Issues: As noted in the original problem description, this issue can be intermittent. If the problem appears sporadically, try restarting Crispy Doom or your computer. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps above and are still experiencing issues, here are some more advanced techniques you can try:

• Check Crispy Doom Configuration File: The crispy-doom.cfg file contains various settings that can affect how the game saves and loads files. You can try resetting your configuration file to its default settings by deleting or renaming the crispy-doom.cfg file. Crispy Doom will then create a new configuration file with default values when you launch the game. However, remember that this will reset all your custom settings, so you might need to reconfigure your preferences.

• Try a Different Save Slot: Crispy Doom typically allows you to save your game in multiple save slots. If you're having trouble with one save slot, try saving your game in a different slot. This can help determine if the issue is specific to a particular save slot or a more general problem.

• Test with a Different WAD File: To rule out the possibility of issues with your specific WAD file, try saving and loading games with a different WAD file. If the problem disappears with a different WAD file, the issue might be related to your original WAD file.

• Update Crispy Doom: Ensure you are using the latest version of Crispy Doom. Developers often release updates that fix bugs and improve stability. Check the official Crispy Doom website or the relevant forums for updates.

• Consider Nightly Builds (with Caution): The original problem description mentioned trying nightly builds, which fixed the save game issue but introduced random crashes. Nightly builds are developmental versions of the software and may contain experimental features and unresolved issues. While they can sometimes address specific problems, they might also introduce new ones. Use nightly builds with caution and be prepared for potential instability.

Reporting the Issue to the Developers

If you've exhausted all troubleshooting steps and are still encountering save/load issues, consider reporting the problem to the Crispy Doom developers. This helps them identify and fix bugs in the game. When reporting the issue, provide as much detail as possible, including:

• Crispy Doom Version: Specify the exact version of Crispy Doom you're using.
• Operating System: Mention your operating system (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11) and its version.
• Game: Indicate the game you're playing (e.g., Ultimate Doom, Doom II).
• WAD File: Specify the WAD file you're using (e.g., doom.wad, doom2.wad).
• Steps to Reproduce: If possible, describe the steps required to reproduce the issue.
• Error Messages: Include any error messages you encounter.
• Configuration File: Attach your crispy-doom.cfg file, as it can provide valuable information about your settings.

Preventing Save File Issues in the Future

To minimize the risk of encountering save/load issues in Crispy Doom, consider the following preventative measures:

• Regular Backups: Back up your save files regularly. This will protect you from data loss in case of file corruption or other issues.
• Proper Shutdown: Always exit Crispy Doom properly through the menu. Avoid abruptly closing the game, as this can sometimes lead to save file corruption.
• Avoid Saving During Critical Moments: Refrain from saving your game during intense action sequences or when the game is experiencing performance issues. This reduces the risk of saving a corrupted game state.

Conclusion

Save/load issues in Crispy Doom can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the possible causes, you can often resolve them. Remember to check file permissions, antivirus interference, and savegame locations. If you continue to encounter problems, consider reporting the issue to the developers. Happy dooming!

For further information and community support, you may find helpful resources on the Doomworld Forums.