Solutions for XML Parsing Errors (SI, please finally read)

So, many players , including myself, have either not been able to continue a game they have started or haven't been able to play at all. I would now like SI/SEGA to write ALL the possible solutions for the XML Parsing ErrorS (phlural) to this thread!

Also, if YOU have some XML Parsing Error after loading-screen, write it here to keep this thread up!

I have the same problem, its driving me mad.

This should be fairly easy to resolve.

If you have a shortcut on your desktop you can do the following:

• Right-click on the FM shortcut.
  
• Choose "Properties" from the pop-up menu.
  
• In the "Target" field, add the --reset_preferences command line option after "fm.exe", so it should look like this:
  "C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\fm.exe" --reset_preferences
  
• Press OK and then try to run the game as normal, using the shortcut.
  

You'll want to remove the command after you run the game, as otherwise it will continue to reset your preferences every time you launch.

im running mine from steam, how does that work?

im running mine from steam, how does that work?

You should be able to find the fm.exe in the following directory:

C:/Program Files/Steam/SteamApps/Common/Football Manager 2009/

You can make a shortcut and then perform the instructions on the shortcut you've made.

Thanks for the answer Neil, just one more question: I am using STEAM, and when I create the shortcut to my desktop, it has the steam -icon and it wants me to login each time when I click the shortcut (which does read Football Manager 2009). Is it normal?

Neil!!!!!!! Your'e the man!! For three days I've read answers and tips here without any of them working but you have saved my week! Huge thanks to you!

thanks so much, that was driving me mad.

cheers

well ive tried this and it does'nt work i still get my errors it says football manager is currently running and then shows me 5 line 17 errors that was when i clicked on it on the desktop i tried steam and it says the game is unavaliable try later....

Thanks for the answer Neil, just one more question: I am using STEAM, and when I create the shortcut to my desktop, it has the steam -icon and it wants me to login each time when I click the shortcut (which does read Football Manager 2009). Is it normal?

You obviously have not created a shortcut to the FM.exe file then. Just go to C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Football Manager 2009 and right click on the fm.exe file and choose copy. Then go to you desktop and choose paste shortcut.

well ive tried this and it does'nt work i still get my errors it says football manager is currently running and then shows me 5 line 17 errors that was when i clicked on it on the desktop i tried steam and it says the game is unavaliable try later....

You must have it running already. Go to task manager and end the process and the try.

Mine still isn't working i've done everything you said to do. i don't think it would matter that this is wsm, would it?

This should be fairly easy to resolve.

If you have a shortcut on your desktop you can do the following:

• Right-click on the FM shortcut.
  
• Choose "Properties" from the pop-up menu.
  
• In the "Target" field, add the --reset_preferences command line option after "fm.exe", so it should look like this:
  "C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\fm.exe" --reset_preferences
  
• Press OK and then try to run the game as normal, using the shortcut.
  

You'll want to remove the command after you run the game, as otherwise it will continue to reset your preferences every time you launch.

Created Shortcut and followed above. All appears to be working.

I had this XML Parsing Error (Line 1) Error when attempting to start a match. Could you explain why it done this Neil.

Thanks in Advance

Hi Neil,

I've tried the reset preferences stuff and got the latest Parser from Microsoft and I still have no idea what to do!!!

Can you help me please.

Btw, the Error will not even let me load up the main menu. It shuts down right before. Its something to do with the load last save game line.

Thanks

This does nt work for me either. I am into my fourth year - and suddenly xml parsing error

I have followed instructions above - no difference.

You should probably take note of which file is causing the error. It might be possible to manually edit something within the file to fix it?

is this thread about the corruption of save files or saved games disappearing? (both have happened to me)

Whenever i go to play a match i get the Xml parsing error, for Camera 1. ive tried the soloutions above and in other threads but have had no luck,:any suggestions would be great:thup:

I have solution for this. I am not good in computer area but this way made me playing fm 2009.

I formed a new windows user and when I want to play the game, I opened my computer with this user and played the game easily.

Please try this

i am no computer genius either, would that require me installing it again for the new user?

No, just create a new user or log onto another one. Then, when you get onto the main screen, choose load game. At the top where it says games, click on the list. Then go to C:\Users\(User Name)\Documents\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2009\games and then load the game that you want to load. If no games appear, you need to change your user to an administrator so you can get access to the save game files on the other user.

If you have any problems, post and i will get back to you asap. Good Luck and hope it works!

Oh and cheers Neil. You are about the only person from SI who has responded to our pleas. Cheers

I notice that everyone seems the have the Xml parsing error for saved game. whereas i will get a xml parsing error for camera 1 and it effects both the saved games i have. will this effect the solution to the problem?

the new user idea worked, nice idea, thanks everyone for your time.

When i follow your instructions, it comes up with ''The C:/Program specified in the target box is not valid. Make sure the file name and path are correct.'' What do i do now Neil.

By the way, i'm running the game from steam

Got the solution for steam users. In the target field, delete the old text and paste this in instead:

"C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 10540 --reset_preferences