It looks like you’ve correctly identified the issue. The Code 2 error in Comskip generally indicates an “Invalid Command Line Argument.”
As you noted, Comskip 0.83.x introduced changes to its command-line parser. MCEBuddy 2.7.1 is likely sending a legacy flag (like --output) that the newer Donator build no longer recognizes or expects in a different format, causing the process to crash immediately.
Here is the best advice to resolve this:
1. Use the “Internal” Donator Build (Recommended)
Starting with version 2.6.4, MCEBuddy actually includes its own custom Donator build of Comskip that is specifically tuned to work with the MCEBuddy engine.
Action: Go to your MCEBuddy Settings → General Settings → External Programs.
Check: Ensure the Comskip path is either blank or pointing to the comskip.exe inside the MCEBuddy installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\MCEBuddy2x\comskip\comskip.exe).
Why: This version supports hardware acceleration and is guaranteed to be compatible with the command-line arguments MCEBuddy 2.7.1 sends.
2. Downgrade Comskip (If you must use an external one)
If you prefer to use a standalone Comskip build, you should use version 0.82.x.
Action: Download an older 0.82.x Donator build from the Comskip donator area and replace the files in your custom folder.
3. Check for specific “Custom” flags
If you have added anything to the Comskip Custom Parameters field in your Conversion Task:
Action: Clear that field entirely and try a test run.
Why: A single typo or a deprecated flag in that box will trigger a Code 2 error.
4. Temporary Workaround: Use “ShowAnalyzer” or “Marker”
If you are in a rush and can’t swap the Comskip version immediately:
You can change the Ad Scan engine in your Conversion Task to ShowAnalyzer (if you have it) or set it to Disabled just to ensure the rest of the video converts while you fix the Comskip installation.
Summary: Your diagnosis was spot on. The newest 0.83.001 build is “too smart” for the command line 2.7.1 is generating. Switching back to the internal Comskip build provided with MCEBuddy 2.7.1 is the fastest way to get back up and running.
The custom build of Comskip included in MCEBuddy is highly optimized for MCEBuddy, it supports many more file formats and codecs which allows for faster processing without having to remux. It also supports more types of hardware acceleration which makes scanning faster for supported machines.
Would highly recommend use the built in Comskip for the best performance unless you have a specific need to use another build. We will add support for detecting the new parameters for the 0.83.x releases of Comskip starting in 2.7.2
Thanks for reply, Goose. I think that the version of Comskip is version 83_xxx. My experience, and, yes, AI states: “even the latest Comskip builds (including 0.83.001 / 03_001) do not and cannot merge, embed, or insert subtitles back into a file.” Your thoughts on how to workkaround this? I did put the 82_003 verion in a separate fold and added its location to MCEBuddy- but no luck. Chris
In short, am I able with MCEBuddy 2.7.1 and either the imbedded Comskip version, or by creating a sepoarte path for a Comskip 82-XX version, to create a file that is visable on the RECORDED TV screen in Windows Meda Center, has commecials removed,andfshows closed captions?
Thanks for all the work over many years. My wife and I are now at the age where we both could use the help with Closed Captions!!
Comskip started normally
Root Cause (confirmed)