CMS Confusion

ZarconDeeGrissom

Not all products have 'Metadata' yet, that check mark only indicates that it dose have Metadata so it can be in the 'Smart Tab', and posibly was installed there (Don't remember the last bit for sure).

HyJinx

zarcondeegrissom said:

O.K. Before we jump to conclusions, Smart tab should show categories (whatever they are) under that "All"" if CMS has been fixed, and running. Nothing will show up in that other 'pain' in each category, after "Rebooting CMS in the backside" (lol), until a "Re-Import Metadata" was done.

Basically what that dose, Is clear out every single 'Shortcut" in that databases, to get rid of the bad ones, leaving a blank slight to load back up with your products.

Assuming CMS has been made functional, to begin with. There is always the possibility the AV has never been told, CMS is a 'Good' service, and dose need to be running.

Great point! I hadn't re-imported, so I just tried that, Still nothing :(

I've got to pry myself away from this for tonight, my little ones will be waking up with the sun, so if I go to sleep 6 minutes ago I can sleep for three hours, 3.5 if I'm lucky!

I'll be back at it tomorrow!

mrposer

Hi Bduncan86.... welcome to the crazy world of DAZ... I hope you got some sleep with no nightmares of CMS dragons chasing you. I really can't help you with the CMS setups but just to let you know I have lost Smart Content several times in the past so its not that uncommon... I think its getting more stable... at least for me.

One thing I did notice in your screenshot was that your Content Library Tab was not showing so I wanted to make sure you knew about it. I think you can open it from the windows menu. It will have all your content in folders and doesn't need the CMS to work. Alot of people prefer to use content folders instead of smart content.

Good luck.. it is all worth the frustration (well most of the time)

7th Stone Productions

Wait a minute. Can we go back to your first post please?

I don't want to confuse things, but am I correct in that the first problem you encountered and which you are asking about is the fact that none of the content you purchased and installed is appearing in the "Smart Content" tray (tab)?

If this is the case then please know that not having content appear by default in the "Smart Content" tray does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. It is a bit confusing to realize at first, but if you don't have any content loaded in the main Viewport and listed in the "Scene" tray, and also selected then nothing is going to show up in the Smart Content tray by default. When you select content that has been loaded into your scene then the Smart Content tray loads with content that matches and works with the content you selected. Also, you can populate the Smart Content tray with content listings by entering a search term or phrase in the search field at the top of the tray. A drop down list of content you have installed and which matches your search term or phrase should appear. Try entering "genesis" and if the drop down appears select an item from it. You should see the drop down appear with a few options if you installed the Genesis Starter Essentials. Wait a second or two and if no content appears after clicking an option in the drop down then try selecting the "All", "Default, or "My Library" directory titles at the top left of the tray to force a refresh and again wait a second or two for content to appear. If content still does not appears then something may indeed be wrong.

The other thing I would like you to try is opening the "Content Library" tray (tab). I'm assuming you have temporarily turned off your anti virus software and succeeded in installing DAZ Studio, the DAZ Install Manager (IM), and the free content that comes with Studio, all without incident? If you have, then go to your Windows Start Button/Menu and navigate to the DAZ 3D folder therein. Under this folder you should see a folder named "DAZ Content Management Service" and in this folder an option to "Start DAZ Content Management Service" and an option to "Stop DAZ Content Management Service". Click the "Start" option to start the Content Management Service (CMS). Normally, when you start DAZ Studio the CMS starts automatically, but you can start it before hand to be reasonably sure it is running in the background. Then start DAZ Sudio itself and open the "Content Library" tray (tab).

Unlike the "Smart Content" tray you don't have to have any content selected in your scene or perform a search to see the content you have installed available in the "Content Library" tray. Everything you have installed in the way of content is laid out for you in directory tree like structures ready for you to navigate through and find that particular content item you are after. In the upper left corner of this tray you will find a directory/folder list which includes the folders "DAZ Studio Formats", "Poser Formats", "Other Formats", Products" and "Categories". If you open and navigate through these directories/folders and their sub-directories/folders you will find your installed content organized and ready for selection if everything is working properly. Also, take note of the "Display Options" button in the upper right or left corner of this tray, depending on how the tray is or isn't docked, and the menu options that appear when it is clicked. Take special note of the "Scan Known Directories for Files..." option. It is a good idea to run this option after installing new content to force Studio to recognize the content. You will definitely want to familiarize yourself with the other options as well.

Does any of this help?

Or am I totally off track?

HyJinx

Hello Everyone, thanks for all of the recommendations! I'm getting to work trying each suggestion.

7thStone said:

Wait a minute. Can we go back to your first post please?

I don't want to confuse things, but am I correct in that the first problem you encountered and which you are asking about is the fact that none of the content you purchased and installed is appearing in the "Smart Content" tray (tab)?

Correct, nothing is appearing.

If this is the case then please know that not having content appear by default in the "Smart Content" tray does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. It is a bit confusing to realize at first, but if you don't have any content loaded in the main Viewport and listed in the "Scene" tray, and also selected then nothing is going to show up in the Smart Content tray by default.

Confusing indeed, because when I first installed Daz and worked through the "Fiery Genesis" tutorials, there was a list of options available on launch under the "Smart Content" tab, when "Files" was selected at the top of this tab. I can't remember everything the list included, but a few of the items were Figures, Props, Accessories, etc... when an item was selected all available Smart Content was displayed in the window.

You also mention the item being listed in the "scene" tray, and I'm not familiar with that process?

Wait a second, upon further review I'm with you. There's a Scene tab on the right hand side (Hollywood Blvd. set up) that includes a list of items I've added to the scene. Got it.

When you select content that has been loaded into your scene then the Smart Content tray loads with content that matches and works with the content you selected. Also, you can populate the Smart Content tray with content listings by entering a search term or phrase in the search field at the top of the tray. A drop down list of content you have installed and which matches your search term or phrase should appear. Try entering "genesis" and if the drop down appears select an item from it. You should see the drop down appear with a few options if you installed the Genesis Starter Essentials. Wait a second or two and if no content appears after clicking an option in the drop down then try selecting the "All", "Default, or "My Library" directory titles at the top left of the tray to force a refresh and again wait a second or two for content to appear. If content still does not appears then something may indeed be wrong.

I think this is where the problem arises. I can open most files using the Content Library, now that I better understand that process, so I used that method to add Genesis to the scene (Ah, "scene," it all makes sense now!). However, even when I do that and ensure that Genesis is selected, no compatible smart content is displayed. In fact, even with Genesis selected AND "Genesis" typed in the search bar, nothing is displayed. Is it odd that when I type "Genesis" in the search bar the option to search is removed and replaced with a red arrow marked with an "X," that will only delete any entry I've made? I'm not sure how well I explained that, so I've attached an image below to clarify.

The other thing I would like you to try is opening the "Content Library" tray (tab). I'm assuming you have temporarily turned off your anti virus software and succeeded in installing DAZ Studio, the DAZ Install Manager (IM), and the free content that comes with Studio, all without incident? If you have, then go to your Windows Start Button/Menu and navigate to the DAZ 3D folder therein. Under this folder you should see a folder named "DAZ Content Management Service" and in this folder an option to "Start DAZ Content Management Service" and an option to "Stop DAZ Content Management Service". Click the "Start" option to start the Content Management Service (CMS). Normally, when you start DAZ Studio the CMS starts automatically, but you can start it before hand to be reasonably sure it is running in the background. Then start DAZ Sudio itself and open the "Content Library" tray (tab).

I tried this too, no luck. Still no content.

Unlike the "Smart Content" tray you don't have to have any content selected in your scene or perform a search to see the content you have installed available in the "Content Library" tray. Everything you have installed in the way of content is laid out for you in directory tree like structures ready for you to navigate through and find that particular content item you are after. In the upper left corner of this tray you will find a directory/folder list which includes the folders "DAZ Studio Formats", "Poser Formats", "Other Formats", Products" and "Categories".

I can access the majority of my content this way, which is awesome! I just wanted to note that the directory/folder that you indicated doesn't include "Products" or "Categories." I'm not sure if this is significant?

If you open and navigate through these directories/folders and their sub-directories/folders you will find your installed content organized and ready for selection if everything is working properly. Also, take note of the "Display Options" button in the upper right or left corner of this tray, depending on how the tray is or isn't docked, and the menu options that appear when it is clicked. Take special note of the "Scan Known Directories for Files..." option. It is a good idea to run this option after installing new content to force Studio to recognize the content. You will definitely want to familiarize yourself with the other options as well.

I scanned... and re-scanned. I bet you can guess what happened? Still nothing :-(

Does any of this help?

Of course! Not only do I have a better understanding of the Content Library, but I've also ruled out several additional things as being the root of the problem I'm experiencing! Thank you very much!

Jaderail

I ask again with DAZ Studio open do you see multiple instances of postgres running in the Task Manager? If not the Database program is not opening and running properly.
If it never opens it can not read the Metadata and run Smart content. One of the two database programs must be active. And if it was working before the update but not now a bad database file is often the cause IF the PC itself is not stopping the service.

HyJinx

MrPoser said:

Hi Bduncan86.... welcome to the crazy world of DAZ... I hope you got some sleep with no nightmares of CMS dragons chasing you. I really can't help you with the CMS setups but just to let you know I have lost Smart Content several times in the past so its not that uncommon... I think its getting more stable... at least for me.

One thing I did notice in your screenshot was that your Content Library Tab was not showing so I wanted to make sure you knew about it. I think you can open it from the windows menu. It will have all your content in folders and doesn't need the CMS to work. Alot of people prefer to use content folders instead of smart content.

Good luck.. it is all worth the frustration (well most of the time)

Good Evening, Sir! I knew the basics about the Content Library, but because I've never needed it until recently I wasn't as familiar as I should have been with how it's set up and how to make the most use of it. however, It's beginning to look like it might be my only option for accessing my content, so I'll be better familiarizing myself very shortly :)

Thanks for the suggestion! The truth is, until another user suggested it, there was a large portion of my content that I hadn't figured out to access through the Content Library. I'm thrilled to learn that I actually can access it, by clicking a different option.

Thanks Again!

HyJinx

Jaderail said:

I ask again with DAZ Studio open do you see multiple instances of postgres running in the Task Manager? If not the Database program is not opening and running properly.
If it never opens it can not read the Metadata and run Smart content. One of the two database programs must be active. And if it was working before the update but not now a bad database file is often the cause IF the PC itself is not stopping the service.

Sorry, I didn't think you would be available yet tonight :)

I still only see one instance of postgres, but now I also see an instance of ConteneManager, which wasn't there before. Can I consider that progress?

HyJinx

zarcondeegrissom said:

Not all products have 'Metadata' yet, that check mark only indicates that it dose have Metadata so it can be in the 'Smart Tab', and posibly was installed there (Don't remember the last bit for sure).

Right, I understand that not everything will have Smart Content available. I'm sorry, the attachments didn't illustrate my question well, since the screen shots of the Install Manager didn't include the same items. I've attached a better example below. The first image is from the first day, and indicates which items have Smart Content available. The second image is of the same items today, only they don't indicate that Smart Content is available. Any idea what would cause the discrepancy?

Thanks!

Jaderail

That right there shows that the PosterSQL is not running and the Valentina CMS is also not running. The DIM does use one or the other. So neither Database program is now running on your PC. Have you checked to see if your PC is allowing the PosterSQL to start on your computer? It only runs when it is called, so DIM or DAZ Studio one will need to be open when you check to see if the service is allowed, this means let run. If not it will need set to a Allowed service, also your Anti Virus program my be the software stopping it, that to will need to be checked with one of the two DIM or DS open.

EDIT: The same applies to the Valentina CMS, the one that lists as ContentManagementService. If it is getting shut down on OPEN this too is what you would see.

HyJinx

Jaderail said:

That right there shows that the PosterSQL is not running and the Valentina CMS is also not running. The DIM does use one or the other. So neither Database program is now running on your PC. Have you checked to see if your PC is allowing the PosterSQL to start on your computer? It only runs when it is called, so DIM or DAZ Studio one will need to be open when you check to see if the service is allowed, this means let run. If not it will need set to a Allowed service, also your Anti Virus program my be the software stopping it, that to will need to be checked with one of the two DIM or DS open.

EDIT: The same applies to the Valentina CMS, the one that lists as ContentManagementService. If it is getting shut down on OPEN this too is what you would see.

Great! Now we (hopefully) know what the problem is! So, if I understand correctly, I need to verify that my computer Is allowing these programs to run? I'm not familiar with that process, is there a standard way of checking?

Also, I don't believe it's the antivirus. Another user suggested that I deactivate that and reset my database, then re-import megadata. If the antivirus was preventing the program from running, wouldn't temporarily deactivating it correct the issue?

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!

Jaderail

bduncan86 said:

Also, I don't believe it's the antivirus. Another user suggested that I deactivate that and reset my database, then re-import megadata. If the antivirus was preventing the program from running, wouldn't temporarily deactivating it correct the issue?

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!

No because once you turned it on again if it is shutting it down it would still be off, shut down on open when needed, even in DIM. We are getting closer to why things are not working though. Do you know a PC user that understands the process of setting services and programs to allowed in the Operating System and your Anti Virus program? the OS I could talk you through but am loath to do as I would not want any mistakes done in that area of your PC.

HyJinx

Jaderail said:

bduncan86 said:

Also, I don't believe it's the antivirus. Another user suggested that I deactivate that and reset my database, then re-import megadata. If the antivirus was preventing the program from running, wouldn't temporarily deactivating it correct the issue?

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!

No because once you turned it on again if it is shutting it down it would still be off, shut down on open when needed, even in DIM. We are getting closer to why things are not working though. Do you know a PC user that understands the process of setting services and programs to allowed in the Operating System and your Anti Virus program? the OS I could talk you through but am loath to do as I would not want any mistakes done in that area of your PC.

Hi Jaderail! Apparently the long hours I'd been keeping finally caught up with me, because I fell asleep soon after my last post here.

In regards to knowing anyone who can help setting programs to allowed, unfortunately I do not. My husband and I have recently relocated to a new state, and don't know anyone yet. I suppose I could look for a tutorial online?

Jaderail

bduncan86 said:

In regards to knowing anyone who can help setting programs to allowed, unfortunately I do not. My husband and I have recently relocated to a new state, and don't know anyone yet. I suppose I could look for a tutorial online?

Well Piddle that does not help us a bit. I also sort of faded away myself no worries over that.
I will take the time to do a Win 7 step by step on setting a service to allowed, once its posted Maybe some time yet as I wish to be sure its easy to follow and understand, it will still be up to you to find the needed information on the process of setting your Anti Virus program to Allow a stopped service if it is doing so. I run two different ones myself and have used them for years so I only know the two I have.

HyJinx

Jaderail said:

bduncan86 said:

In regards to knowing anyone who can help setting programs to allowed, unfortunately I do not. My husband and I have recently relocated to a new state, and don't know anyone yet. I suppose I could look for a tutorial online?

Well Piddle that does not help us a bit. I also sort of faded away myself no worries over that.
I will take the time to do a Win 7 step by step on setting a service to allowed, once its posted Maybe some time yet as I wish to be sure its easy to follow and understand, it will still be up to you to find the needed information on the process of setting your Anti Virus program to Allow a stopped service if it is doing so. I run two different ones myself and have used them for years so I only know the two I have.

Thanks, I'll look forward to the tutorial. In the meantime, I found a tutorial to "allow" a program to run through my firewall. ContentManagement wasn't on the "allowed list," and I was able to add it. Then I completed some general computer maintenance, ran a virus scan, and defragmented the hard drive. I haven't checked yet, to see if the problem is resolved. I'll need to re-boot my computer before I check, but I think I'm stalling a bit, because if this isn't it I'm lost again.

I'm going to cross my fingers and re-boot. If anyone happens to read this in the next few minutes, I'd appreciate any good mojo you can spare!

I'll report back shortly.

HyJinx

LOOK EVERYBODY!!!

Thanks everyone so very much for all your help and patience as I fumbled my way to fixing this!

I will be forever grateful!

Jaderail

YEAH!! Wonderful News. Just made my day a great deal brighter.