I initially began having a random issue all of a sudden in which whenever i pressed 'submit' on the log in i would get a random crash error. technical support told me to reinstall the game so i did. now when i click the icon it brings up that side window that says 'the cryptic launcher is updating please be patient'. the thing is ive let it run for like 30 hrs before with no change. has someone else experienced this problem? what can i do? technical support basically told me they didnt know.

basicly something is blocking the launcer from accessing the server.
either
firewall or antivirus or some other net guarding program not allowing the launcher
router or firewll blocking the ports for the game (7000-7500)
if using win 7 or vista the program is not set to run as admin

The launcher uses parts or IE browser (MSHTML) so having the IE browser set to work offline or to have IE internet options Communications tab lan setting set to use a proxy


certain programs like teamviewer will prevent the launcher from working right.

After having crahses with the launcher I deactivated all apps that uses special ports or network connectivities like: Teamviewer and skype and my laucher stopped crashing.
Also update your video driver.

I'm also having problems with the launcher. Have tried disabling windows firewall and running as admin. From my pcl log:

101231 17:19:31 1 [1]: Syncing required files
101231 17:19:31 2 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/bins3.hogg
101231 17:19:31 3 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/bins2.hogg
101231 17:19:31 4 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/bins.hogg
101231 17:19:32 5 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/character.hogg
101231 17:19:32 6 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/object.hogg
101231 17:19:32 7 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/sound.hogg
101231 17:19:32 8 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/texture3.hogg
101231 17:19:32 9 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/texture2.hogg
101231 17:19:32 10 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/texture.hogg
101231 17:19:32 11 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/data.hogg
101231 17:19:32 12 [1]: Scanning hogg H:/Games/Cryptic Studios/Star Trek Online/Live/piggs/exes.hogg
110101 03:47:22 1 [1]: Using HTTP patching: server stohttppatch.crypticstudios.com port 80 prefix Startrek
110101 11:48:58 1 [1]: Using HTTP patching: server stohttppatch.crypticstudios.com port 80 prefix Startrek
110101 12:23:12 1 [1]: Using HTTP patching: server stohttppatch.crypticstudios.com port 80 prefix Startrek
110101 12:28:41 1 [1]: Using HTTP patching: server stohttppatch.crypticstudios.com port 80 prefix Startrek
110101 12:37:27 1 [1]: Using HTTP patching: server stohttppatch.crypticstudios.com port 80 prefix Startrek

It seems that the problems started when things rolled form 2010 to 2011 - I've tried logging in this morning, and last night.

Based on schmiddi's suggestion, not sure if that's relevant to me. I have my mac setup to dual boot into windows for the express purpose of playing STO. Other than STO, I have installed Avast AV and some adobe reader/air.

Well, I figured out my problem. I have STO installed on a secondary drive, and for some reason known only to Microsoft, Windows decided to reassign my drive letters. Fixed the drive letters, presto, all better. So if you've got windows on a secondary drive and the launcher crashes when it tries to patch, I suggest checking your drive letters and make sure they're what you think they ought to be. If they aren't, fix 'em.