Unable to Launch Phreeqci Version 3.8.2 and 3.8.3

[ZYWTDaEO6]

Hello,

I have been using Phreeqci version 3.7.3 on both my Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems without any issues. Recently, I discovered the newer versions (3.8.2 and 3.8.3) on GitHub (https://github.com/usgs-coupled/phreeqci/releases) and downloaded them for installation. However, I am now experiencing a problem where I cannot open the software interface; it gets stuck on the welcome screen displaying "USGS science for a changing world".

When I try to click on the window while it is stuck, it becomes unresponsive, and I have to close it through the Windows Task Manager.

I have tried the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Restarting my system.
2. Uninstalling and reinstalling only the 3.8.2 and 3.8.3 versions of Phreeqci.

Despite these efforts, the issue persists. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Any suggestions for a solution would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[charlton]

Hello ZYWTDaEO6,

I just tested version 3.8.3 in a clean Windows 11 machine (nothing installed except for Phreeqc Interactive 3.8.3-17023) and I didn't have any issues.

Since you're having problems with both 3.8.2 and 3.8.3 I think that it is probably caused by a missing or corrupt DLL.

If you're willing, you could install Process Monitor to see if it detects any problems.  If you don't already have it you can download it  from:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/procmon#download

Here's how to test:

1. Start Process Monitor

2. Add filters (Filter->Filter...)
    Select 'Process Name' 'is' phreeqci.exe then 'Include'
    and add it using the 'Add' button
 
    Select 'Operation' 'is' Load Image then 'Include'
    and add it using the 'Add' button

    Press the OK button

3. Run Phreeqci Interactive 3.8.3-17023 as you normally would

4. In the 'Result' column look for any non SUCCESS results

Let us know if you find anything.

[ZYWTDaEO6]

Hello ZYWTDaEO6,

I just tested version 3.8.3 in a clean Windows 11 machine (nothing installed except for Phreeqc Interactive 3.8.3-17023) and I didn't have any issues.

Since you're having problems with both 3.8.2 and 3.8.3 I think that it is probably caused by a missing or corrupt DLL.

If you're willing, you could install Process Monitor to see if it detects any problems.  If you don't already have it you can download it  from:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/procmon#download

Here's how to test:

1. Start Process Monitor

2. Add filters (Filter->Filter...)
    Select 'Process Name' 'is' phreeqci.exe then 'Include'
    and add it using the 'Add' button
 
    Select 'Operation' 'is' Load Image then 'Include'
    and add it using the 'Add' button

    Press the OK button

3. Run Phreeqci Interactive 3.8.3-17023 as you normally would

4. In the 'Result' column look for any non SUCCESS results

Let us know if you find anything.

Hi Charlton,

Thank you very much for your help and detailed instructions! I followed your suggested steps with Process Monitor, including filtering for "phreeqci.exe" and "Load Image" operations. Interestingly, all the results under "Result" showed as "SUCCESS," which suggests no DLL loading errors were detected.

However, I am still encountering the issue where version 3.8.3 cannot open the software interface, it gets stuck on the welcome screen, while version 3.7.3 runs perfectly fine.

Since the forum didn't allow me to successfully upload images, would it be possible for me to share screenshots via email? It might provide a clearer picture of what's happening.

Thanks again for your assistance!

[charlton]

Hello ZYWTDaEO6,

I recreated this message thread on github at:

https://github.com/usgs-coupled/phreeqci/issues/3

You should be able to upload screenshots there.  You may have to create a github login though.

You might want to try comparing procmon output for both the 3.7.3 and the 3.8.3 versions to see if you notice any differences.

When you try to run the 3.8.3 version does the splash screen ever disappear or do you have to kill the phreeqci.exe process?

Scott

[ZYWTDaEO6]

Hi Scott,

I have uploaded the screenshots to the GitHub issue you created, as per your suggestion. You can find them here (https://github.com/usgs-coupled/phreeqci/issues/3).

Thank you again for your assistance and for setting up the GitHub thread.

[charlton]

Hello,

Chat-gpt tells me that's Simplified Chinese.  Is that right?  If so, I'll try to set up a virtual machine using Windows 11 Chinese (Simplified) to see if I can reproduce.

Scott

[ZYWTDaEO6]

Yes, that's Simplified Chinese, and the displayed message is 'Windows not responding.'

Thank you for your support and help.

[charlton]

Hello,

I was able to reproduce the problem you're having.  Hopefully I can track it down soon.

Scott

[ZYWTDaEO6]

Thanks, Scott?looking forward to your update!

[charlton]

It looks like there's an encoding problem with phreeqc.dat.

Please see https://github.com/usgs-coupled/phreeqci/issues/3#issuecomment-2445467744

Scott

[ZYWTDaEO6]

Hi Scott,

After replacing the phreeqc.dat file as you suggested, Phreeqci version 3.8.3 is now opening successfully without any issues.

Thank you very much for your guidance and support!