This error is often caused by conflicts with antivirus software or improper permissions in the Steam folder, which prevent game files from loading correctly. Other causes include incorrect antivirus settings or installing the game outside standard directories. Now that you know the causes, lets discuss the solutions.
1. Verify the Game’s Integrity
Verifying the game’s integrity checks for any missing or corrupted files in the game’s installation and fixes them by downloading and replacing those files. This process ensures the game has all the necessary data, which can resolve launch issues by restoring the game files to their original condition.
2. Reinstall Steam
Sometimes, reinstalling Steam can resolve the error by replacing broken files with new, clean ones. This process clears errors from the previous setup and reorganizes Steam’s file structure, potentially fixing issues that prevent games from loading. Additionally, starting fresh can address problems that have accumulated over time with the old version. After reinstalling, check if the game still shows the error. If it does, try the next fix.
3. Disable DeepGuard Feature of F-Secure
Disabling F-Secure’s DeepGuard feature may resolve the issue, as this tool monitors installed software for unusual behavior and might mistakenly flag a legitimate game or app from Steam as dangerous, blocking or interfering with its operation. By turning off DeepGuard, you stop real-time monitoring, which could prevent false alerts and allow the game to start without errors.
4. Investigate Third-Party AV Interference (if applicable)
Third-party antivirus (AV) programs can sometimes cause disk errors or boot issues by blocking essential system files or processes. If an AV is overly aggressive, disabling or uninstalling it temporarily might resolve these conflicts and restore normal disk and boot functions.
After turning off the third-party antivirus, open the game to see if the error is gone. Keep in mind that an external firewall might cause similar issues. Unlike antivirus software, which suspends its security rules when you disable real-time protection, firewalls maintain their rules. To fully rule out a third-party firewall as the cause, you might need to uninstall it. Note: Uninstalling your third-party security software won’t leave your system unprotected. Windows Defender will automatically activate and is known to be less intrusive while providing good protection.
