rFactor 2 Not Detecting rfactor2.exe + Plugin Failing to Load (Asetek Wheel, Fresh Install)

[phdweb]

Hi all,

I’m running into a persistent issue with rFactor 2 and could use some guidance. After several reinstalls and file validations, the problem remains exactly the same.

System Setup
• Windows 11
• Steam version of rFactor 2
• OS + apps on C:
• Steam games installed on D:
• Wheelbase: Asetek La Prima 12 Nm, Asetek pedals
• Fresh install of both rF2 and Asetek software

The Core Issue

When I try to point rFactor 2 or a plugin to the executable, the folder opens correctly but rfactor2.exe never appears in the file selection window.

However:
• The EXE is physically present in:
D:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\Bin64\rfactor2.exe
• Windows Explorer shows the file normally
• The file picker inside Steam/rF2 does not show it

Gameplay Symptoms

Once in-game:
• Steering registers nothing at all (wheel rotates but no movement on-screen)
• All inputs show up as JoyX / JoyY instead of proper axis detection
• Throttle + gears work, brake is inconsistent
• rFactor 2 shows a plugin failed to load message on start
• Controller wizard will not detect steering left/right
• Removing controller.json makes no difference

What I Have Tried
• Full reinstall of rFactor 2 (twice)
• File verification in Steam (100% OK)
• Deleted controller.json and let the game recreate it
• Disabled Steam Input
• Checked library folders under Steam > Settings > Storage
• Reinstalled Asetek software
• Tried Beta and Release builds of rFactor 2
• Checked for hidden/system files
• Confirmed folders and file permissions

The Two Problems I Need Help With
1. Why does rfactor2.exe appear in Explorer but NOT appear in the file-selection dialog?
2. Why does the rF2 controller plugin fail to load, leaving the wheel undetected?

If anyone here has encountered this behaviour — especially the missing EXE in the file picker or plugin load failure — I’d appreciate any insight.

Happy to provide logs, screenshots, or additional details if needed.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[ThomasJohansen]

I have no idea but from AI:

If your Asetek wheelbase isn't showing in rFactor 2, ensure RaceHub is updated with latest drivers, check USB connections (direct to PC, different port/cable), disable Steam Input, use Windows Device Manager to remove old drivers, restart PC, and verify Asetek software settings before launching rFactor 2 for device detection and calibration.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Check Asetek Software & Connections

• Update RaceHub: Make sure you have the latest RaceHub software and firmware installed from Asetek's website.
• Power & USB: Disconnect the wheel, turn it off, then reconnect it. Plug the wheelbase USB directly into your PC (not a hub) and try different USB ports, using another cable if possible.
• Windows Power Settings: Disable "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" for all USB Root Hubs in Device Manager.

2. rFactor 2 & Steam Settings

• Disable Steam Input: In Steam, right-click rFactor 2 > Properties > Controller > Disable Steam Input to prevent conflicts.
• Restart: Reboot your PC after changing settings.
• Launch & Detect: Open RaceHub first, then launch rFactor 2 and check the controls settings to see if it detects the wheel.

3. Windows Device Manager Cleanup

• Remove Virtual Drivers: Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc). Look for any 'virtual' drivers related to your wheel (like from previous brands) under Human Interface Devices or Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click and Uninstall.
• Restart: Restart your computer.
• Reinstall Drivers: Run RaceHub again; it should install the correct driver automatically.

4. In-Game Calibration

• Check Settings: If detected but not working, check for incorrect settings like "Reverse Force Feedback" (sometimes shown as negative values like -80) in the rFactor 2 controller settings, as suggested in this forum post.

If these steps fail, contact Asetek support directly, as per their knowledge base





and or for when you get it to work:

Wheelbase settings for rFactor 2 - Asetek Simsports

Settings for rFactor 2. How to set up your wheelbase for the most realistic feeling. Works perfect as a baseline setup.

www.asetek.com

 

[trichens]

When I try to point rFactor 2 or a plugin to the executable, the folder opens correctly but rfactor2.exe never appears in the file selection window.

The file picker inside Steam/rF2 does not show it

What exactly do you mean by this?
Which file selection window/picker?

Can you post your controller.json file here please?

 

[woohookid]

Hi all,

I’m running into a persistent issue with rFactor 2 and could use some guidance. After several reinstalls and file validations, the problem remains exactly the same.

System Setup
• Windows 11
• Steam version of rFactor 2
• OS + apps on C:
• Steam games installed on D:
• Wheelbase: Asetek La Prima 12 Nm, Asetek pedals
• Fresh install of both rF2 and Asetek software

The Core Issue

When I try to point rFactor 2 or a plugin to the executable, the folder opens correctly but rfactor2.exe never appears in the file selection window.

However:
• The EXE is physically present in:
D:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\Bin64\rfactor2.exe
• Windows Explorer shows the file normally
• The file picker inside Steam/rF2 does not show it

Gameplay Symptoms

Once in-game:
• Steering registers nothing at all (wheel rotates but no movement on-screen)
• All inputs show up as JoyX / JoyY instead of proper axis detection
• Throttle + gears work, brake is inconsistent
• rFactor 2 shows a plugin failed to load message on start
• Controller wizard will not detect steering left/right
• Removing controller.json makes no difference

What I Have Tried
• Full reinstall of rFactor 2 (twice)
• File verification in Steam (100% OK)
• Deleted controller.json and let the game recreate it
• Disabled Steam Input
• Checked library folders under Steam > Settings > Storage
• Reinstalled Asetek software
• Tried Beta and Release builds of rFactor 2
• Checked for hidden/system files
• Confirmed folders and file permissions

The Two Problems I Need Help With
1. Why does rfactor2.exe appear in Explorer but NOT appear in the file-selection dialog?
2. Why does the rF2 controller plugin fail to load, leaving the wheel undetected?

If anyone here has encountered this behaviour — especially the missing EXE in the file picker or plugin load failure — I’d appreciate any insight.

Happy to provide logs, screenshots, or additional details if needed.

Thanks,

Paul

Are you smoking Marijuana ?

Nothing you posted makes any sense whatsoever !!!

 

[8Ball]

What I Have Tried
• Full reinstall of rFactor 2 (twice)

Did you check that the rFactor folder in Steam was completely removed before reinstall.

Lots of people click uninstall then click install

Like saving changes you do offline only, never online.