FF8 will NOT load - Windows 10

Just bought FF8, installed trial, entered licence key, got this message: <class XFW::Kernel::SystemException> Access violation at address 00000001401018DD (read at address 0000000000000328). The program will not load at all. Now what? Running 64-bit Windows 10, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD drive (less than half full). Intel core i7 chip.

I uninstalled the program, then reinstalled it and unchecked all the plugin boxes. Program still won't complete loading (Task Manager says it's running but I never see the actual program interface, just the access violation message). Any ideas before I ask for a refund on software that won't open? I've tried adjusting compatibility modes, running with integrated video processor (this is a laptop with a dedicated NVidia graphics card) and still get the message.

They wanted to know what antivirus software I'm running. Nothing more than what Windows 10 ships with. I added the Filter Forge x64 executable as an exception to both the Windows antivirus AND the Windows 10 firewall - same error. So far, it appears my particular situation is unique - support says they've never seen this before (can't say I'm honored to be so different, grin). They'll get back to me on Monday - while I'd LOVE to get this resolved so I can keep using the software, I'd also like to get a refund if it can't be fixed.

Same here

Nope. Same behavior as before, and the same as indicated by Rocc and KeithS. Installs, but when you try to start it an exception error is thrown up. Bug report submitted but wow, this is disappointing...
Note that even though it crashes at start, it's still running in the background - if you try to open FF8 again after it's crashed, it tells you "Cannot run Filter Forge - program is already running." You actually have to force-close via Task Manager. However, if you try to start it again after doing that, the same exception error is thrown up.

hi, i have a 4 k display with scaling set to 250%... putting the scaling to 100% allows filter forge to work.

thanks
Keith

The new build did not work per se, BUT KeithS's post on scaling gave me an idea: it's possible to set scaling per executable rather than needing to do so globally (which is massively unrealistic and unworkable on 4K screens, especially laptops like my Dell).

So, I went to C:\Program Files\Filter Forge 8\Bin and right-clicked on BOTH Filter Forge.exe and Filter Forge X64.exe. Since I'm running a 64-bit system I probably only needed to do the second one, but what the heck. Anyway - right-click, go down to Properties, and in the window that follows click the Compatiblity tab. Then click the BOTTOM where it says "Change High DPI settings". When the next window opens, again go to the bottom where it says "High DPI Settings Override". Check the box that says "Override high DPI scaling behavior" and then in the drop-down for "Scaling performed by", check "System (enhanced)". OK/Apply your way back out of the windows. NOW open Filter Forge. In my instance, it opened right up. I closed it, deleted the special build and reinstalled the original downloaded retail build - and again, it opened fine. I've run a few sample photos through it and so far it's been stable.

Evidently, it would appear that there IS a very serious bug associated with scaling on high DPI screens, but overriding it via the executable's property screens appears to fix it.

I have had all the same problems, tried AnniEmm's solution, which for me did NOT work.. granted that I may have made a mistake, however, I solved the problem in a different way. I understood the DPI bug, so I thought I'd just drop the DPI on my screen by changing the resolution in setting. I have a companion 2 from wacom which has as Ulra 4k screen, so I dropped it to 1920x1080 (HD) and filterforge opened up instantly. :/

bkelley50, what is your display scaling factor? Please try setting the scale to any number lower than 200%.