Published project fails to run; no Windows dialogue box/error message.

[fearlesswee]

As requested by Josh, I've posted my issue here so it doesn't get lost.

My project currently works just fine in-editor and when tested via the in-editor "test" button. However, when I publish the project, the .exe refuses to run, with no Windows dialogue box, or any other form of error prompt. (e.g., when double-clicking the .exe, the cursor gets a "loading" icon very briefly, then nothing happens.)

Notes:

• I have attempted numerous options in the publish prompt; various levels of compression, 0 compression, include every fathomable file type, default settings, ticking/unticking the "only include used files" box, etc.
• My project is a .Lua project.
• I am using the Standard version of Leadwerks 5/Ultra Engine.
• My project does include a start.map.
• I have verified that "main.lua" is looking for "start.map" and not "start.ultra", just in case.
• I have tried moving the exported project to other file locations and running as administrator, just to see if it was some kind of issue of attempting to write a file to an unwritable location.
• I have checked the task manager to ensure no background Leadwerks/Ultra process of some kind may have been running, causing it to think it was already open/running.
  
  Included below is my exported project's "data.zip" as Josh requested to diagnose the issue.
  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jgdp7yhj9lv49r1p8r6fn/data.zip?rlkey=ldpzc727je9o83e1iefpjmjyp&st=dq5uk3hx&dl=0

[wr3kage]

Hi I'd like to expand on this bug report and offer a temporary solution.

solution for now: untick "exclude unused files" in the export dialog.

There are two problems with the publish function. excluding files removes most of the assets folder in the included fps example project. second the zip data file is not password protected, I can open and view files without being prompted for a password.

The photo attached, the left window is the assets folder of a "stripped" export, the right shows the assets folder of a full export.

[fearlesswee]

7 hours ago, wr3kage said:

Hi I'd like to expand on this bug report and offer a temporary solution.

solution for now: untick "exclude unused files" in the export dialog.

There are two problems with the publish function. excluding files removes most of the assets folder in the included fps example project. second the zip data file is not password protected, I can open and view files without being prompted for a password.

The photo attached, the left window is the assets folder of a "stripped" export, the right shows the assets folder of a full export.

Unfortunately, as specified in the original report, I have already tried this to no avail. 

[Josh]

Msy be related:

 

[Josh]

The fix for the other reported issue is up on the beta branch now, although I have not yet tested it with your project.

[Josh]

On 6/30/2025 at 11:03 AM, wr3kage said:

There are two problems with the publish function. excluding files removes most of the assets folder in the included fps example project. second the zip data file is not password protected, I can open and view files without being prompted for a password.

Zip file file table of contents don't get encrypted, only the file contents themselves are encrypted. I don't think zip files support an encrypted table of contents.

On 6/13/2025 at 6:49 PM, fearlesswee said:

Included below is my exported project's "data.zip" as Josh requested to diagnose the issue.

This zip file is encrypted. I need the password to test the project.

[Josh]

Since the other related issue was solved, I will assume this is working now unless someone tells me otherwise. Thank you.