I got this error when trying to compile any Portal 2 map using the new Authoring tools. What happens is the console appears for about half a second (appearing with this error) then disappears.

I 'googled' this problem and is a rare issue that also happens with Alien Swarm Hammer.

Just as reference: I fixed the problem by deleting vbsp.exe, vrad.exe, vvis.exe and hammer_run_map_launcher.exe located in the common/portal 2/bin folder. Then right clicked on Portal2 Authoring Tools, clicked Properties, went to the Local Files tab and clicked Verify Integrity of Cache Files. This then re-downloaded the (corrupted?) files and it worked fine.

As far as I know it could just be the Hammer launcher that is the problem not the compile executables. However if this hasn't fixed the problem you could always use an external compiler. Then use the tutorials pasted on the same site to configure it properly.

Happy mapping,
Chicken Mobile

EDIT: It is confirmed that COMODO internet security has sandboxed the hammer executables, just disable sandboxing or change vbsp.exe etc. to trusted files and it should work.

I've had the same issue. (Currently using Windows 7 64-bit if there is any issues with OS...)
In any case... I'm currently using COMODO internet security with a sand box security feature. After turning off the sand box my Hammer worked fine. Don't know if that would fix the problem for anyone else, but give it a try if your in the same situation as I was.

You have the exact operating system and using the exact Firewall I'm using. Maybe its a mix of both of these things and that's why it's so rare.

I was looking in the steam forums where I also read about this error and people also experienced it using 64 bit Windows XP. It could be a 64-bit COMODO issue? Then again, if it was the firewall it would make sense because since I re-downloaded the files the firewall would see these as different files and haven't been sand-boxed/been allowed this time through.

Your probably right. Tried your way of fixing and it seemed to work fine. I guess we can only be sure if more people most here with the same problem and same solutions.

I have the same problem. I also use Win 7 64, with COMODO. This is the second problem i have had with COMODO in a week. I guess it's time to ditch it. Thanks for the confirmation of the issue. I will let you know if ditching COMODO fixes without re-downloading the files.

Please check the date of the previous post before you reply.

You revived a 6 month old thread. Congratulations.

I still thought it was relevant. I confirmed that uninstalling COMODO fixed my issue.