I'm getting the following error when trying to launch the Level Editor for COD4:

couldn't load material '$default' GetLastError()=0

After I click on launch, I get the bin folder and select the cod4.prj file. When I click on open is when I get the error message. Any thoughts?

with cod2, that error would mean that you are missing an iwd file. with cod4, i would guess that you are missing a file somewhere. i would check to make sure that you copied everthing in the tools to the correct spot

I'm getting the same error, and I know I have all the files and the 1.4 patch installed. (I read that the 1.4 patch is required, so if you don't have that installed, that could be your problem.)

I have a fresh install of the game besides the update patch. No mods, nor new levels. Any ideas on that? I'm downloading the COD4 Modding 101 video tutorial, as it said that it shows how to install the mod tools in the description... I doubt it, but maybe I installed it wrong.

I'm getting the following error when trying to launch the Level Editor for COD4:

couldn't load material '$default' GetLastError()=0

After I click on launch, I get the bin folder and select the cod4.prj file. When I click on open is when I get the error message. Any thoughts?

SAME HERE!!! Ive updated all my drivers for my vid card plus check direct x for updates and downloaded frameworks 2.0 and still a no go!!

I'm getting this when trying to open the Effects Editor:


"couldn't load material '$default'"


Any ideas?
Yes I have got the 1.1 patch for the tools.


(starting to lose the will to live with these 'tools')

edited on Feb. 6, 2008 07:27 pm by jackc1990

I may have found a solution... Found at Codhq.

http://www.codhq.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=9826%239826

Pretty much states that you need to copy CoD4Radiant.exe from the tools install folder into the base install folder, where iw3mp.exe and iw3sp.exe are and double click on the CoD4Radiant.exe

Unfortunately, for me, it worked the first try, but when I closed it had an error, and now everytime I open it, I get a similar error.

So, for you guys, it may work without flaws.

Worked for me. I was having the same problem after updating to the 1.5 patch. I also tried running the level editor from the compile tools and it worked after running the radiant.exe the first time from the COD4 root directory.

Thanks for this post. Now if they can just fix the "Run Selected map" in compile tools with the loadscreens...grrr

Nope, still not doing anything.

Because 1.5 breaks the map tools (doesn't read images) I have installed the base game, put on patch 1.4, duplicated the folder, updated the original to 1.5. So effectivly I have 2 copies of the game. My proper game one is 1.5 and my mapping one is 1.4. Perhaps this is an issue but all the other compiling tools work fine. And in my materials folder I see the $default file so what gives. Yes I do run the compiling tools from the 'mapping' CoD4 installation. :)

edited on Feb. 8, 2008 10:38 pm by jackc1990

i have the same problem like jackc1990.

and from his descriptions, i installed cod4 exactly the same way!

has anyone found a solution yet??

( sry 4 my english, im from germany )

Having the same issue so I thought I'd bump instead of create a new thread.

I have had a compiling issue where it says "small hunk ran out of memory" (http://www.modsonline.com/Forums-top-91297.html) on the light grid. So I figured I'd borrow a friend's system that is faster and better then mine and try that.

Installed the game and then the MOD tools. Well I'm also getting the following error when trying to click on launch, and select the cod4.prj file. then get the error:

couldn't load material '$default' GetLastError()=0

I've uninstalled and reinstalled several times. Moved a copy of that COD4 radiant.exe file into the base folder like mentioned and nothing. So now I have an issue/error that is preventing me from attempting to fix another issue that i cant seem to figure out.

Good thing i dont listen to emo because i would have probably slit my wrists by now.