Problem solved!

I'm sorry my first post is pure ignorance, but here's my problem.

I double click (or click browse for) the world model empty data box for a prop_static (or prop_dynamic) in an entirely empty map.

Hammer freezes, no world model viewer is shown.

I've restarted and google'd solutions to no avail.

I have no other problems with hammer editor and this only just started happening after mapping for a few hours.

Here's my first Portal 2 creation, an elevator for exploring outside of the test chambers. I will later use it in my first map, "Out of the Box". You all may use it freely, but it would be nice to see my name in the credits of any map that uses it:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21046021/Elevator_Out_of_the_Box.vmf

Here's something else I made, unrelated to mapping, that I hope will keep you all interested in finding a solution to my issue:

5EKEBXXHtng

I was thinking, what has minecraft got to do with hammer... And you can either click 'Browse' or double click in order for it to work.

If you cannot use the model viewer to browse any model (inluding prop_dynamic etc.) Try re-verifying the cache (Right click on Portal 2 Authoring tools in steam. Goto Properties -> Local Files tab -> Verify Integrity of Tool cache).

Thank you for responding to my problem in such a timely fashion. Neither solution worked I fear, though nine files were retrieved after validation. prop_dynamic doesn't work either...

Check my original post for a link to my first complete creation.

Could corrupted autosaves cause such an issue?

Try using the old VGUI editor by going to Tools -> Options -> General Tab -> Tick Use VGUI Model Viewer

Also it could be your Modelviewer's .res file that may be corrupt. Try going to your Portal 2/platform/resource folder and temporarily move all the .res files that have mdlpicker in the name, and re-verify your cache.

Thank you again, but no success. I removed ALL the .res files in portal 2/platform/Resource and nothing changed.

And yeah, vgui didn't work.

Here's something to show I won't just let Hammer gather dust after you help me out:

I keep getting this dialog box when I open after freezing that asks to open an autosave file of Out_of_the_Box4_001, even after deleting all my autosave files.

It will automatically tell you to open an autosave when hammer crashes (and it has autosaved before it has crashed). If you just want to load the map (not previously from an autosave) just click no and click file->open and choose your file normally.
The autosave feature is very useful if Hammer crashes unsuspectingly and you haven't saved or compiled in a while. I don't know why you would want to delete the autosaves! O.o, it's a good way to save your progress without you really noticing.

Also I don't see any dialogue box in that picture, only the 3D view...

I only said that even after I opened a different map and it froze, it still SPECIFICALLY asked me if I wanted to load that autosave file.

That screenshot was just what I've made so far of the inside of one of the test chambers, a lot of the detail is on the outside though, need to add tons of panel holes to show it.

I won't respond to your next post for about 8 and a half hours, going to bed of course, goodnight for me if not also for you!

Woozlez wrote:
I only said that even after I opened a different map and it froze, it still SPECIFICALLY asked me if I wanted to load that autosave file.

Sounds like your Hammer is pretty messed up.

Want to hear the derpiest thing you'll hear all day?

The model viewer is on my second monitor and I had it turned off yesterday.

Indeed.

Stick around, though. You seem like you've got a good head on your shoulders.

Thanks! I needed that.

Woozlez wrote:
Want to hear the derpiest thing you'll hear all day?

The model viewer is on my second monitor and I had it turned off yesterday.

LOL! At least you found an answer to your problem