Problem is (hopefully) solved: for some reason one of the above Microsoft windows 10 updates messed with the XNA framework. Reinstalling the XNA framework fixed it and I've been able to load into the game and load a save file.

Thanks for the help

<t> Found the crash dump:<br/>
<br/>
System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Could not load file or assembly 'Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Graphics.dll' or one of its dependencies. The specified module could not be found.<br/>
File name: 'Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Graphics.dll'<br/>
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there was more, but ...

<t> Distant Worlds is allowed on both the antivirus (Defender) and through the firewall. Its been installed for a week and didn't have a problem until yesterday, after these two updates Microsoft sent:<br/>
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Security Update (Kilo Beta Three One One Nine One Four Seven)<br/>
Cumulative Update ...

Running as admin and then verifying the game cache doesn't change anything; I can click play on Steam, and it pops up, and I can click play in the launcher, but then it flashes up and then off (the screen that normally goes into 'Loading nebula's etc'.)

<t> This is the steam crash log:<br/>
<br/>
at DistantWorlds.Types.SteamAPI.Initialize(String crashLogPath)11:18:26 AM Initialize: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.<br/>
at DWSteamAPI.GetAppID()<br/>
at DistantWorlds.Types.SteamAPI.Initialize ...

I've not even posted in the last three months and it won't let me post a new topic to ask a question...

Edit: and I'm surprised this post even got through.

<r>
<QUOTE><s>[quote]</s>ORIGINAL: mr_flappypants<br/>
<br/>
Our explorers will blot out the sun!
<e>[/quote]</e></QUOTE>
<br/>
If only <SM sm="00000289.gif">[sm=00000289.gif]</SM><br/>
<br/>
Just lost though - I had 1 colony (surprisingly I still made more money than them) and they had 8 ...

<t> (-if this is in the wrong spot to post something like this I apologize)<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
Just bought the game through steam, and have been really enjoying it so far - probably to the point of sleep deprivation to be honest (spent two days trying to understand what to do). Love the game though ...