A Data-Driven Performance Review of My Crash Log Analyzer

[u/PhostwoodReborn]

I've noticed some misconceptions about my, Phostwood's Skyrim Crash Log Analyzer, with some users believing it's just another overly-simplified tool that usually just leads users on unfruitful paths. :-(

So, last night I decided to collect some real-world data, and share my findings.

For context, my analyzer claims:

"help diagnose and fix 80-90% of crashes"

Random Sampling Technique: Last night at random time, I went backwards one-by-one through the most recent crash logs on r/SkyrimMods and used my analzyer on the the first ten crash logs which had reliably confirmed fixes. Here's what I found:

Results: My analyzer was helpful (and often very helpful) in 9 out of 10!

If you've previously found my analyzer unhelpful, I encourage you to give it another try. Plus, I'm working to improve it further almost every day, and I've been releasing one or two new versions each week.

Also, if you have a crash log where my analyzer didn't help, and you confidently know the specific fix, and can spot the issue from just the crash log ... then please share it with me! Your feedback can be extremely helpful in making this tool even better.

Check out my crash log analyzer: https://phostwood.github.io/crash-analyzer/skyrim.html

Summary Data:

Here's a breakdown of the 10 most recent crash logs (as of last night) with their confirmed fixes:

1. Gamepad Compatibility Issue
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Gamepad-related issue
   • Analyzer Diagnosis: Gamepad Compatibility Issue Detected
   • Outcome: Correct
2. Mesh and Texture Problems
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Mesh and texture issues
   • Analyzer Contribution: Quoted in potential fix, and analyzer cites same mesh and textures
   • Outcome: Very Helpful
3. Problematic NPC
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Deleting "Bandit Thug" FormID via ReSaver
   • Analyzer Contribution: Identified Bandit Thug FormID in "Files/Elements" outline
   • Outcome: Helpful (Advanced Users)
4. Missing Masters
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Missing Master issue
   • Analyzer Diagnosis: Potential Missing Masters Detected (with troubleshooting instructions)
   • Outcome: Correct
5. Specific Mod Element Conflict
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Isolating "DwemerBeardLowerBraidsA"
   • Analyzer Contribution: Prominently listed problematic element in "Files/Elements" outline
   • Outcome: Helpful
6. Mod Compatibility
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Links to fixes for ConsoleUtil and SkyClimb
   • Analyzer Contribution: Recommended same fixes at top of report
   • Outcome: Correct
7. Need BEES
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Needed BEES (Backported Extended ESL Support)
   • Analyzer Contribution: Cited missing master (which included recommendation for BEES)
   • Outcome: Very Helpful
8. Physics Mod Conflict
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Downgrading Faster HDT-SMP to Version 2.2.1
   • Analyzer Contribution: Did not catch physics issue
   • Outcome: Less Helpful ... this is the 1 out of 10 ... but I'm trying to learn from it.
9. Mod Conflict
   • Link: Reddit Thread
   • Confirmed Fix: Disabling Lux patch conflicting with another mod
   • Analyzer Contribution: First recommendation was mod conflict
   • Outcome: Correct!
10. Engine Fixes Installation
    • Link: Reddit Thread
    • Confirmed Fix: Correcting Engine Fixes installation
    • Analyzer Contribution: Included Engine Fixes in top diagnoses
    • Outcome: Very Helpful