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/instance x startup failing in v 4.0.8667 - 8709.0
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2022 5:03 pm
by stbkaiser
I just updated to v 4.0.8667 from v 4.0.8604 (64bit versions)
Now I am getting a error message on my Command Line Argument /instance 2 ( or any number)
THE PARAMETER IS INCORRECT
Also. I just tried with v 4.0.8709.0 This also failed to run with the instance parameter set
Is there a new format?
thanks
Re: /instance x startup failing in v 4.0.8667 - 8709.0
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2022 8:47 pm
by admin
Hi,
no, no change, and it seems to work fine for me in recent versions.
In the command line, the command should be something like
Code: Select all
"c:\Program Files\SharpCap 4.0 (64 bit)\SharpCap.exe" /instance 3
The 'target' for a shortcut should be basically the same. Notice that the path to SharpCap.exe is inside double quotes, but the '/instance N' bit is outside them. I suspect that somehow you have the format of the command line / shortcut mixed up, since the 'Parameter is Incorrect' message is not a message that SharpCap itself can produce - I expect it is coming from Windows.
cheers,
Robin
Re: /instance x startup failing in v 4.0.8667 - 8709.0
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2022 10:47 pm
by stbkaiser
hi Robin
Not sure what is happening.
Here is the properties shortcut I am trying to use in my Win 11 laptop which is not working
""C:\Program Files\SharpCap 4.0 (64 bit)\"/instance 2"
Here is the properties shortcut I am using in my Win 10 laptop which is working
""C:\Program Files\SharpCap 4.0 (64 bit)\"/instance 3"
I even copied the shortcut text from my win 10 to the 1in 11 system. it does not work.
UPDATE::::
I just uninstalled the newer version of sharpcap and installed v4.0.8604
The shortcuts now work OK.
thanks for looking at this.
steve
Re: /instance x startup failing in v 4.0.8667 - 8709.0
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2022 3:12 pm
by stbkaiser
Another update.
Just to make sure of the issue. In case it was related to win 11.
I just updated my win 10 laptop sharpcap from v 4.0.8604 to 4.0.8709
I now have the same problem.
PROBLEM WITH SHORTCUT
THE PARAMETER IS INCORRECT
If I leave the parameter off, sharpcap runs ok.
If I revert back to 4.0.8604, sharpcap starts ok with the parameter
wanted to let you.
Take care
Steve
Re: /instance x startup failing in v 4.0.8667 - 8709.0
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2022 4:43 pm
by admin
Hi Steve,
I still can't make this happen - tried making a new shortcut then upgrading SharpCap and it all works fine for me (exactly the same upgrade - 8667 to 8709). Even if I then uninstall SharpCap I can't get the 'parameter is incorrect' error - I get a more specific error telling me the target is missing.
I'm fairly sure it's some Windows weirdness, but I can't work out what. Does it work OK if you create a new shortcut after the upgrade?
cheers,
Robin
Re: /instance x startup failing in v 4.0.8667 - 8709.0
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2022 5:54 pm
by stbkaiser
OK
I created a new shortcut after installing the 8709 version.
Where should I try to add the instance command
in the START IN
or TARGET
If I try to modify the new shortcut it will not allow me to add the instance modifier.
here is what the shortcut looks like from the old version

- old ver.jpg (47.23 KiB) Viewed 1755 times
and the new version

- new v.jpg (62.22 KiB) Viewed 1755 times
ALSO:
I have noticed even if I setup the instance modifier with the older version of sharpcap
When I create the 2nd or 3rd or more instance modified shortcut, the hardware settings for telescope and focuser are not saved.
it only remembers the last hardware settings i created across all shortcut instances.
I do make sure to APPLY in the properties window when I change the instance.
I must be doing something wrong.
thanks for any help.
Re: /instance x startup failing in v 4.0.8667 - 8709.0
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2022 7:09 pm
by stbkaiser
RESOLVED.....
OK
with 8709 loaded on the laptop.
I created a new shortcut for sharpcap
Copied it
opened properties of the shortcut
hand typed in the TARGET path
Sharpcap.exe /instance 2
when I hit APPLY
windows showed in TARGET
"C:\Program Files\SharpCap 4.0 (64 bit)\SharpCap.exe" /instance 2
This shortcut now works
The Hardware settings in Sharpcap are also saving properly.. !!!!!!!!!!!!
So, all is working.
I just have to be careful how I create / edit the shortcut.
Sorry about this.
Take care