Troubleshooting Guide

Assetto Corsa Content Manager (CM) is an essential tool for managing mods, improving graphics, and streamlining the Assetto Corsa experience. However, as with any powerful tool, users sometimes encounter issues that can disrupt gameplay or modding activities. This troubleshooting guide provides detailed solutions to the most common (and uncommon) problems encountered with CM.

This guide is divided into several sections:

Table Of Contents
  1. 1. Installation Issues
  2. 2. Crashes & Freezing Problems
  3. 3. Performance & FPS Drops
  4. 4. Mod Installation & Compatibility Issues
  5. 5. Multiplayer & Server Issues
  6. 6. Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) & Sol Troubleshooting
  7. 7. VR & Hardware-Specific Problems
  8. 8. General Fixes & FAQs

1. Installation Issues

Problem: Content Manager won’t install or open

✅ Solution:

  1. Ensure You Have the Correct Version – Download
  2. Extract the ZIP File Properly – CM doesn’t require installation. Extract all files from the ZIP and place them in a dedicated folder.
  3. Run as Administrator – Right-click Content Manager.exe > Run as Administrator.
  4. Check for Missing Dependencies – Ensure that:
    • You have Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8+ installed.
    • You have the latest DirectX version installed.
    • Your GPU drivers are updated.
  5. Delete Corrupt Configuration Files – Navigate to C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\AcTools Content Manager and delete everything. Then restart CM.

2. Crashes & Freezing Problems

Problem: Content Manager crashes on startup

✅ Solution:

  • Start in Safe Mode – Hold Shift while launching CM to disable Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) and other advanced settings.
  • Clear Cache – Delete temporary files: C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\AcTools Content Manager\Cache.
  • Disable Mods – Go to Content > Mods and disable any newly installed mods before launching CM.
  • Reinstall Content Manager – Download a fresh copy from the official website and replace all files.

Problem: Assetto Corsa crashes when launching via Content Manager

✅ Solution:

  1. Verify Game Files – In Steam, go to Library > Right-click Assetto Corsa > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity.
  2. Disable CSP Temporarily – CM > Settings > Custom Shaders Patch > Disable CSP.
  3. Check Crash Logs – CM Logs Tab often provides insights into what caused the crash.
  4. Remove Conflicting Mods – Uninstall any recently added mods or remove them from assettocorsa/content.

3. Performance & FPS Drops

Problem: Low FPS when using Content Manager & CSP

✅ Solution:

  • Lower CSP Settings: Go to CM > Settings > CSP > Graphics Adjustments, then disable:
    • Extra FX
    • Motion Blur
    • Smart Mirrors (or reduce mirror resolution)
  • Reduce Reflection Frequency – Lower Reflection Resolution under CM’s Video settings.
  • Disable Smoke Generation – Under Particles FX, turn off high smoke generation.
  • Use CM’s FPS Limiter – Set FPS to 60 or 90 (VR users may need 45 locked FPS).
  • Disable Extra Apps – Disable unnecessary on-screen HUD elements under CM > Settings > Assetto Corsa > Apps.

4. Mod Installation & Compatibility Issues

Problem: Mods are not appearing in Content Manager

✅ Solution:

  1. Ensure the Mod is Installed in the Correct Folder – Mods should be placed in assettocorsa/content/cars/ (for cars) and assettocorsa/content/tracks/ (for tracks).
  2. Use CM’s Drag & Drop Installer – Drag the mod’s .zip file directly into CM’s main window and install it.
  3. Enable Mod Scanning – CM Settings > Content Manager > Enable Auto-Scanning for Mods.
  4. Check for Missing Files – Use CM’s Content Tab > Analyze feature to detect missing files.

Problem: “Checksum Mismatch” Error in Multiplayer

✅ Solution:

  • Ensure You Have the Same Mod Version – Some servers require specific mod versions. Redownload the correct version from RaceDepartment.
  • Delete and Reinstall the Mod – Fully remove the mod and install it again.

5. Multiplayer & Server Issues

Problem: Cannot Join Servers (“Race Cancelled” Error)

✅ Solution:

  • Check for Missing Cars/Tracks – CM will show a red error message with missing mods. Click it to auto-download (if available).
  • Manually Install Missing Cars/Tracks – Search for them on RaceDepartment.
  • Disable CSP for Online Racing – Some servers do not support CSP. Go to CM > CSP Settings > Disable CSP for Online Play.
  • Verify Your Steam ID is Linked – CM > Settings > Assetto Corsa > Online > Steam ID should be detected.

6. Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) & Sol Troubleshooting

Problem: Night Racing & Weather Not Working

✅ Solution:

  • Install Sol Properly: Download Sol from RaceDepartment and place it in assettocorsa/mods/.
  • Enable Sol in CM: Go to Settings > Assetto Corsa > Weather and set Sol as the active weather script.
  • Activate CSP’s Lighting FX: CM > Settings > CSP > Lighting FX > Enable Dynamic Lights.

Problem: Rain Effects Not Working

✅ Solution:

  • Ensure CSP Preview Version 1.78+ is installed.
  • Enable RainFX in CM > CSP Settings > Weather FX.
  • Some tracks require RainFX config files to be added manually.

7. VR & Hardware-Specific Problems

Problem: VR is Stuttering or Not Running Smoothly

✅ Solution:

  • Enable VR Mode: CM > Settings > Assetto Corsa > Video > Enable VR Mode.
  • Lower Supersampling: Set SteamVR or Oculus to 1.2x – 1.5x instead of 2.0x+.
  • Reduce CSP Effects: Disable Extra FX, Motion Blur, and Lens Flare.
  • Lock FPS at 90 or 45 (ASW Mode).

8. General Fixes & FAQs

How do I reset Content Manager settings?

✅ Solution: Go to C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\AcTools Content Manager and delete everything. Then restart CM.

How do I update Content Manager?

✅ Solution: CM > Settings > Content Manager > Check for Updates.

Where can I get help for Content Manager issues?

✅ Solution:

This guide should help troubleshoot most issues with Assetto Corsa Content Manager. If you still have problems, try reaching out to the community forums or Discord servers for support. 🚀 Happy racing!