# General troubleshooting

There are several troubleshooting pages spread across these user docs related to specific features. On this page, however, you will find more general troubleshooting advice.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Good to know:** please also have a look at the [system requirements](https://docs.lightact.com/preparing-your-hardware-for-lightact/getting-your-hardware-ready-to-run-lightact).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Project files shouldn't be saved in Google Drive or Dropbox folders or folders of similar services (see below).
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>LightAct's GUI is black upon launching</summary>

Most likely reason is that the GPU LightAct is running on is not a suitable one. Please make sure that you are using a discrete Nvidia GPU and that you've set up your laptop as per [this tutorial](https://youtu.be/siP-Rpj8S4E).&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>LightAct closes upon launch - cache</summary>

One possible step would be to go into *C:\ProgramData\LightAct\LightAct4* folder and delete these files and folders:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3312042618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F9sVaJpWJhPbmscipukhh%2Fuploads%2FEv73kil4XjwWOPCKEbtG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e03e3564-bf9a-4822-b6a9-971d379153c6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

If LightAct still doesn't launch correctly, try to:

1. uninstall LightAct completely, including the *Preferences*,
2. install it again.

In every case, please **contact us at <support@lightact.com>** and let us know what you find out.

</details>

<details>

<summary>LightAct closes upon launch - DirectShow</summary>

If LightAct closes upon launch and you are using either 4.12 or 4.13 version, please try launching LightAct with -omit "14" launch argument. This will prevent DirectShow module from loading.

You should therefore open CommandPrompt window:

<figure><img src="https://3312042618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F9sVaJpWJhPbmscipukhh%2Fuploads%2Fqh4pN0sGEN4g2SnEWHW2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=422f4f9b-965a-454f-b7a9-2ddb7dff5005" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

and type in:

```
"C:\Program Files\LightAct\LightAct4\LightAct4.exe" -omit "14"
```

Please note, this command assumes that LightAct is installed in *"C:\Program Files\LightAct\LightAct4\\".* If you installed LightAct in a different location, you should modify the command accordingly.

Also, this means you will not be able to use DirectShow Receiver node in the Devices window.

</details>

<details>

<summary>LightAct 'keeps crashing' or acts weirdly</summary>

One reason for this might be that you have your project files in a Google Drive or Dropbox or a similar service. These programs interfere with file access which might cause LightAct to behave in a weird way.

</details>