DW Spectrum Desktop Client Crash on Windows

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Affected Roles: Administrator, Power Users

Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum

Software Version: 6.0

Last Edit: May 1, 2025

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Issue Description

Some users on Windows 10 and Windows 11 are experiencing issues with the DW Spectrum Desktop Client, including crashes or the application not opening. These problems often occur shortly after launching the Client or when working with layouts that include multiple items. In some cases, users have also reported memory leaks or slow performance.

When a crash occurs, it may be accompanied by the following error message or a similar one:

 

Cause of the Issue

The underlying issue is related to OpenGL support. Many modern graphics drivers, especially those for Intel integrated GPUs and some NVIDIA GPUs do not fully support OpenGL on Windows. As a result, the default graphics rendering option used by the DW Spectrum Desktop Client (OpenGL) can lead to crashes and instability.

 

Short Term Solutions

Force the Client to Use DirectX

1. Close the DW Spectrum Client.
2. Open the File Explorer and navigate to:

 

3. Create a file directory folder called “nx_ini”, if it does not already exist.
4. Create a blank .ini file called “desktop_client.ini”.
   1. Open a text editor (e.g., Notepad).
   2. Use Save As and name the file “desktop_client.ini”
   3. Save the file in the directory:

5. Start the DW Spectrum Desktop Client once, it should generate all default values for this file. Close the Client before proceeding.
6. Open the desktop_client.ini file with a text editor (e.g., Notepad).
7. Add or change the following line, and save your changes:

 

8. After launching the Client, you can verify that the graphics API has changed in the About (F1) window of the DW Spectrum Client.

 

Downgrade to a Stable NVIDIA Driver If Using OpenGL

You may want to consider installing NVIDIA driver version 32.0.15.5639, which has been tested and is known to work reliably in many cases. However, results can vary depending on the specific hardware configuration of your system.

 

Long Term Solution

Starting from DW Spectrum version 6.1, the DW Spectrum Client uses a new Rendering Hardware Interface (RHI) that supports multiple graphics API backends. This allows the DW Spectrum Client to automatically use the most suitable rendering options for your system:

• Direct3D – default on Windows
• Metal – MacOS
• Vulkan – default on Linux if supported by the graphics card
• OpenGL (modern) – used on Linux when Vulkan is not available

 

 

 

For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support:  866.446.3595 (option 4)

https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

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DW Sales:  866.446.3595                   [email protected]        www.digital-watchdog.com