Troubleshooting Factorio Startup Issues After Mod Removal And Updates

Jul 28, 2025 by gitftunila 70 views

It appears you're experiencing a frustrating issue with Factorio where the game fails to launch after removing a large rework mod, reducing other mods, and updating a few, including the Factorio Admin Command Center. You've provided valuable information, including log excerpts, which is a great starting point for troubleshooting. Let's dive into potential causes and solutions.

Understanding the Error: "Entity deep-VPE-tarsand is not autoplacable"

The core of the problem seems to be the error message: "Entity deep-VPE-tarsand is not autoplacable." This error arises within the factorio-admin-command-center mod, specifically during the on_configuration_changed event. The stack trace points to a function called regenerate_entity within the mod's scripts, suggesting that the mod is attempting to place or regenerate an entity (deep-VPE-tarsand) that it can't automatically place in the current game environment.

This error typically indicates a mismatch between the mod's expectations and the game's current state. Mod conflicts, missing dependencies, or changes in the game world after the mod was initially designed can all contribute to this problem. Let's break down these potential causes further:

Potential Causes of the Error

Mod Conflict with Remaining Mods: The removal of the large rework mod might have left behind remnants or dependencies that are now interfering with the factorio-admin-command-center. Even though you've reduced the number of mods, interactions between the remaining ones could still cause issues. Consider any mods that modify terrain generation, resource placement, or entity definitions, as these are most likely to cause such conflicts. Factorio, as a highly moddable game, can sometimes suffer from unexpected interactions between mods, especially after significant changes in the modlist.
Incomplete Mod Removal: When removing a large mod, it's crucial to ensure that all associated files and data are completely removed from the save file. Some mods might leave lingering data that conflicts with the game or other mods. Factorio's modding system is quite robust, but incomplete removals can lead to persistent issues. The deep-VPE-tarsand entity might be a vestige of the removed mod, and the factorio-admin-command-center is attempting to interact with it, leading to the error.
Save File Corruption: It's possible, though less likely, that the save file itself has become corrupted during the mod removal or update process. If the save file's internal data structures are inconsistent, it could lead to unexpected errors when loading the game. Save file corruption is a serious concern in heavily modded games, and it's always a good practice to make regular backups.
Factorio Admin Command Center Bug: While less likely if the mod was working before, there's a possibility that a bug in the factorio-admin-command-center itself is causing the issue, especially if the update to version 3.5.1 didn't resolve the problem. Bugs can occur in even the most well-maintained mods, particularly when dealing with complex interactions and game mechanics. Mod authors often rely on community feedback to identify and fix these issues.
Missing Dependencies: The factorio-admin-command-center might rely on another mod that is either missing or has an incompatible version. While Factorio usually flags missing dependencies, it's worth double-checking the mod's description and dependencies list to ensure everything is in order. Dependency issues are common in modded games, and ensuring you have the right dependencies can often resolve launch problems.

Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve the Issue

To effectively troubleshoot this issue, I recommend following these steps in a systematic manner:

Disable All Mods Except Factorio Admin Command Center: Start by disabling all mods except the factorio-admin-command-center. This will help isolate whether the issue is caused by a conflict with another mod. If the game launches successfully with only this mod enabled, then you know the problem lies in the interaction with another mod. If the game still fails to launch, then the problem is likely with the specific mod or the save file itself. This method helps isolate the root cause effectively.
Verify Factorio Admin Command Center Installation: Ensure that the mod is correctly installed and up-to-date. Check the Factorio mod directory to verify that the mod files are present and that you have the latest version. If the installation is corrupted, it can lead to unexpected errors. A clean reinstall of the mod is often a good first step in troubleshooting.
Check Mod Dependencies: Review the factorio-admin-command-center mod's description and dependencies list. Make sure that all required dependencies are installed and compatible with the mod version. Missing or incompatible dependencies are a common cause of mod-related issues. Checking these dependencies can often resolve the problem quickly.
Create a New Save with Only Factorio Admin Command Center Enabled: If disabling other mods doesn't resolve the issue, try creating a new save game with only the factorio-admin-command-center enabled. This will help determine if the problem is specific to your existing save file. If the new save loads without issues, then the problem is likely related to your existing save file's state.
Examine Factorio Logs in Detail: You mentioned that the logs are uninformative, but it's worth examining them closely again. Look for any error messages or warnings related to the factorio-admin-command-center or other mods. Sometimes, seemingly minor log entries can provide crucial clues. Pay special attention to any entries that appear around the time the error occurs. Detailed log analysis can often reveal the precise cause of the issue.
Roll Back to an Earlier Save (If Available): If you have older save files, try loading one from before the mod removal and updates. This can help determine if the problem was introduced during those changes. Rolling back to a known working save can often bypass the issue and allow you to continue playing.
Contact Factorio Admin Command Center Author: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider contacting the mod author directly. They may be aware of the problem or have specific troubleshooting steps. Providing them with the error message and your log files will help them diagnose the issue more effectively. Mod authors are often responsive and willing to help users with problems.
Look for conflicting mod Use Factorio Mod conflict helper mod.
Reinstall Factorio: As a last resort, try reinstalling Factorio. This will ensure that all game files are clean and that there are no corrupted game files causing the issue. Reinstallation can resolve a wide range of problems, including those caused by corrupted installations or incomplete updates.

Addressing the "deep-VPE-tarsand" Entity

The error message mentions the "deep-VPE-tarsand" entity. This suggests that the issue might be related to how this specific entity is being generated or placed in the game world. Here are some additional steps to consider:

Identify the Origin Mod: Try to determine which mod originally added the "deep-VPE-tarsand" entity. This could be the large rework mod you removed or another mod entirely. Knowing the origin mod can help you understand the context of the entity and why it might be causing problems. Look through your mod list and any documentation you have for clues.
Check for Placement Issues: The "not autoplacable" error suggests that the game is having trouble finding a suitable location to place the entity. This could be due to terrain conflicts, resource overlaps, or other environmental factors. Check the areas where the mod is trying to place the entity and see if there are any obvious issues.
Examine the Mod's Scripts: If you're comfortable with modding and scripting, you could try examining the factorio-admin-command-center's scripts, particularly the regenerate_resources.lua file mentioned in the stack trace. This might give you insights into how the entity is being generated and why it's failing to place. However, this step requires a deeper understanding of Factorio's modding system.

Specific Steps for Your Situation

Given that you've already updated to version 3.5.1 of the factorio-admin-command-center without success, here's a more tailored approach:

Disable all mods except factorio-admin-command-center and attempt to load the save. This will isolate whether other mods are interfering.
If it still fails, create a new game with only factorio-admin-command-center enabled. This determines if the save file itself is the issue.
If the new game loads, the issue lies within your save. You might need to consider starting a new game or attempting to repair the save (a complex process).
If both fail, contact the factorio-admin-command-center author, providing your logs and detailing the steps you've taken.

By systematically working through these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of identifying and resolving the issue preventing your Factorio game from launching. Remember to approach each step methodically and document your findings, as this will help you narrow down the cause and find the right solution. The world of Factorio modding can be complex, but with careful troubleshooting, you'll be back to building your factory in no time.

Factorio Admin Command Center Taking Too Long to Run Configuration

The log excerpt 208.075 Verbose SlowModProcessingDetector.hpp:71: factorio-admin-command-center is taking more than 5 seconds to run configuration changed... indicates that the Factorio Admin Command Center mod is taking longer than 5 seconds to process a configuration change. While this might not be the primary cause of your game's crash, it does highlight a potential performance issue that could be contributing to the problem or might become a problem in the future. Let's understand why this is happening and how to address it.

Why is the Mod Taking So Long?

A mod taking a long time to run configuration changes can be due to various reasons. These reasons often involve the mod's complexity, the game's state, and the interaction with other mods. Here are some common causes:

Complex Calculations: The factorio-admin-command-center mod, as its name suggests, provides extensive administrative functionalities. These functionalities might involve complex calculations, data processing, or world modifications that take time to execute. A mod that handles a large number of game entities or resources might need more time to perform configuration changes. If the mod is performing complex operations such as regenerating resources across multiple planets, this can definitely take some time.
Large Game World: The size and complexity of your Factorio game world can significantly impact mod performance. A large factory with numerous entities, buildings, and connections requires more processing power for mods to interact with. The more entities and data a mod needs to handle, the longer it will take to complete its tasks. If you are managing multiple planets as the initial report mentioned, this compounds the processing time required.
Mod Interactions: As mentioned earlier, Factorio mods can interact in unexpected ways. A slow configuration change in one mod might be triggered by an event in another mod, creating a chain reaction that slows down the game. Mod interactions can create bottlenecks and performance issues that are difficult to diagnose without careful investigation. Some mods might hook into the same game events, leading to contention and delays.
Inefficient Code: The mod's code itself might contain inefficiencies that cause it to run slowly. Bugs, suboptimal algorithms, or excessive computations can all contribute to performance issues. Mod authors strive to optimize their code, but complex mods can still have performance bottlenecks. If a mod is performing redundant calculations or inefficient data lookups, it can significantly impact performance.
Hardware Limitations: Your computer's hardware capabilities can also play a role. If your CPU or RAM is struggling to keep up with the demands of the game and mods, performance will suffer. Factorio is generally well-optimized, but heavily modded games can still push hardware limits. A high CPU load or memory usage can lead to slowdowns and delays in mod processing.

Addressing the Slow Configuration Change

Here are some steps you can take to address the slow configuration change issue:

Profile the Mod's Performance: Factorio has built-in profiling tools that can help you identify performance bottlenecks within a mod. Use the /profile command in the game console to profile the factorio-admin-command-center and see which parts of the mod are taking the most time. The profiler will give you a detailed breakdown of the mod's execution time, allowing you to pinpoint specific areas for optimization.
Optimize Your Factory: A large and complex factory can slow down the game and mods. Try to optimize your factory layout, reduce unnecessary entities, and streamline your production processes. Reducing the number of entities and connections in your factory can significantly improve performance. Consider using blueprints to optimize layouts and reduce the manual placement of entities.
Review Mod Settings: The factorio-admin-command-center might have configuration options that affect its performance. Check the mod's settings and see if there are any options you can adjust to improve performance. Some mods allow you to disable certain features or reduce the frequency of updates, which can help alleviate performance issues. For example, some settings that control resource regeneration might be tweaked to reduce load.
Update the Mod: Make sure you're using the latest version of the factorio-admin-command-center. Mod authors often release updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes. Staying up-to-date with the latest version can often resolve performance issues. Check the mod portal or the mod author's website for updates.
Contact the Mod Author: If the issue persists, consider contacting the mod author. They might be aware of the performance problem and working on a fix, or they might have specific suggestions for improving performance. Providing detailed information about your game setup and the performance issues you're experiencing can help the mod author diagnose the problem more effectively. Sharing your profile data can also be very helpful.
Consider Alternative Mods: If the performance issues are severe and the factorio-admin-command-center is consistently slow, you might consider using alternative mods that provide similar functionality but are more performant. There are often multiple mods that offer similar features, and trying out different options can help you find one that works best for your game. Look for mods that are well-optimized and have positive performance reviews.
Upgrade Hardware: If your hardware is struggling to keep up with the demands of the game and mods, upgrading your CPU or RAM might be necessary. Factorio can be CPU-intensive, especially in large games with many entities. Upgrading your hardware can provide a significant performance boost. Consider upgrading your CPU, RAM, or storage devices to improve overall performance.

By systematically addressing these potential causes and solutions, you can improve the performance of the factorio-admin-command-center and ensure a smoother Factorio experience. Performance optimization is an ongoing process in heavily modded games, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your setup can help maintain optimal performance.

Final Thoughts

Troubleshooting Factorio mod issues requires a systematic approach. By carefully examining error messages, logs, and mod interactions, you can effectively identify and resolve problems. In this case, the "deep-VPE-tarsand" error and the slow configuration change in the factorio-admin-command-center mod provide specific areas to investigate. Remember to disable mods selectively, check dependencies, create new saves, and examine logs closely. If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact the mod author or seek help from the Factorio community. With patience and persistence, you'll be back to automating your factory in no time!