[SOLVED] I suddenly can’t open the game anymore

[Fahrenheit]

I bought Elden Ring at launch and the game has been running perfectly fine for 300 hours. The last time I was able to run it fine was one week ago until yesterday, it refused to open. Not a single box of error information showed up on the screen when I pressed "Play" on Steam, not even the EAC splash screen which always popped up before a black screen into the game.

What I did was:
- Verified game cache on Steam (nothing was missing or corrupted).
- Installed the latest GeForce driver.
- Updated Steam client (which was already up-to-date)
- Deleted current save game and either started without a save or replaced it with an older save.
- Moved the game files to a different disk.
- Restarted Steam and my computer multiple times.
- Turned on/off Steam cloud saves.
- Ticked off Steam in-game overlay and VR-related properties.
- Reinstalled the game.
- Ran Steam offline.
- Ran the game via EAC.exe and the game executable inside the game directory as administrator.

None of those above fixed the problem.

My computer exceeded the recommended system requirements for Elden Ring so that is definitely not the issue.

Anybody got any advice please?

Edit: Windows update messed up EAC. Reset PC did the trick. Credit goes to dark-breed

[SHOCKNUTZ]

while doing any of the things you listed- did you happen to log off your user, or even restart your computer?

[Fahrenheit]

Originally posted by SHOCKNUTZ:

while doing any of the things you listed- did you happen to log off your user, or even restart your computer?

Yes I did but no dice

[♔V3RD1CT]

"Ran the game via EAC.exe and the game executable inside the game directory as administrator."

Did you try just running the game normally? I'm not joking, can confirm crashes from admin launch attempts in the past from other games.

Also would you not want/need online for running from eac executable?

[Fahrenheit]

Originally posted by IWinTTV:

"Ran the game via EAC.exe and the game executable inside the game directory as administrator."

Did you try just running the game normally? I'm not joking, can confirm crashes from admin launch attempts in the past from other games.

Also would you not want/need online for running from eac executable?

My PC is always online when I run the game in any way.
And yes, I did run it normally via Steam. When I pressed play, it turned to “stop” in blue on Steam, which meant it was about to run but quickly returned to the green play button in the library after few seconds. I tried again along with task manager and the game didn’t even show up on the on-going process

[SHOCKNUTZ]

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING
what is the size of the "Game" folder here? 49.1 GB?
how many items are inside? 21?

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game\EasyAntiCheat\Certificates
2 files inside?
sizes: 32 KB, 2 KB?

When you attempt to start the game with the Play button in Steam, does "eldenring.exe.local" show up in: drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game ?
(keep the Game folder open, maybe in another window, or bring it to the front right after you click Play. Highlight all 21 items that should be there by default, so that the local file is easier to see if it shows up. You may need to enable View Hidden Items in windows to see it.

C:\Users\you\AppData\Roaming\EasyAntiCheat
anticheatlauncher.log open this with notepad, any errors or is it all successful?


drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game
Try deleting eldenring.exe, and then verify game file integrity to have Steam replace it.

Could also try updating Microsoft VC++

Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Head over to the following path on your PC:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\vcredist

You should see the following folders:
2012\vc_redist.x64.exe
2013\vc_redist.x64.exe
2019\vc_redist.x64.exe
Just make sure to run all of these executable files that are present. (If you’ve different folders, then run the vc_redist.x64.exe file in those folders)
Finally, restart your PC.

Could try updating DirectX

Update DirectX
Go to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\DirectX folder path.
Next, run the DXSETUP.exe file to reinstall/update DirectX.
Once done, restart your computer to apply changes.

[♔V3RD1CT]

Originally posted by 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔣𝔤𝔞𝔫𝔤:

Originally posted by IWinTTV:

"Ran the game via EAC.exe and the game executable inside the game directory as administrator."

Did you try just running the game normally? I'm not joking, can confirm crashes from admin launch attempts in the past from other games.

Also would you not want/need online for running from eac executable?

My PC is always online when I run the game in any way.
And yes, I did run it normally via Steam. When I pressed play, it turned to “stop” in blue on Steam, which meant it was about to run but quickly returned to the green play button in the library after few seconds. I tried again along with task manager and the game didn’t even show up on the on-going process

Well verified. Follow the obvious answers from here on out. (Example above)

[Fahrenheit]

Originally posted by SHOCKNUTZ:

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING
what is the size of the "Game" folder here? 49.1 GB?
how many items are inside? 21?

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game\EasyAntiCheat\Certificates
2 files inside?
sizes: 32 KB, 2 KB?

When you attempt to start the game with the Play button in Steam, does "eldenring.exe.local" show up in: drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game ?
(keep the Game folder open, maybe in another window, or bring it to the front right after you click Play. Highlight all 21 items that should be there by default, so that the local file is easier to see if it shows up. You may need to enable View Hidden Items in windows to see it.

C:\Users\you\AppData\Roaming\EasyAntiCheat
anticheatlauncher.log open this with notepad, any errors or is it all successful?


drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game
Try deleting eldenring.exe, and then verify game file integrity to have Steam replace it.

Could also try updating Microsoft VC++

Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Head over to the following path on your PC:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\vcredist

You should see the following folders:
2012\vc_redist.x64.exe
2013\vc_redist.x64.exe
2019\vc_redist.x64.exe
Just make sure to run all of these executable files that are present. (If you’ve different folders, then run the vc_redist.x64.exe file in those folders)
Finally, restart your PC.

Could try updating DirectX

Update DirectX
Go to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\DirectX folder path.
Next, run the DXSETUP.exe file to reinstall/update DirectX.
Once done, restart your computer to apply changes.

Alright, lemme try this when I get back home. Thanks

[dark-breed]

Originally posted by 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔣𝔤𝔞𝔫𝔤:

Originally posted by SHOCKNUTZ:

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING
what is the size of the "Game" folder here? 49.1 GB?
how many items are inside? 21?

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game\EasyAntiCheat\Certificates
2 files inside?
sizes: 32 KB, 2 KB?

When you attempt to start the game with the Play button in Steam, does "eldenring.exe.local" show up in: drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game ?
(keep the Game folder open, maybe in another window, or bring it to the front right after you click Play. Highlight all 21 items that should be there by default, so that the local file is easier to see if it shows up. You may need to enable View Hidden Items in windows to see it.

C:\Users\you\AppData\Roaming\EasyAntiCheat
anticheatlauncher.log open this with notepad, any errors or is it all successful?


drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game
Try deleting eldenring.exe, and then verify game file integrity to have Steam replace it.

Could also try updating Microsoft VC++


Could try updating DirectX

Alright, lemme try this when I get back home. Thanks

right this is what i would do first.
i also would test if a new local admin is able to start the game to indentify if your windows user profile is broken (there are some option to try to repair it).
also a complete deinstallation of EAC and delete all EAC folders and registry keys with a new installation of EAC would be a point to test.

[Fahrenheit]

Thanks guys, I’ll update asap

[Fahrenheit]

Originally posted by SHOCKNUTZ:

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING
what is the size of the "Game" folder here? 49.1 GB?
how many items are inside? 21?

drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game\EasyAntiCheat\Certificates
2 files inside?
sizes: 32 KB, 2 KB?

When you attempt to start the game with the Play button in Steam, does "eldenring.exe.local" show up in: drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game ?
(keep the Game folder open, maybe in another window, or bring it to the front right after you click Play. Highlight all 21 items that should be there by default, so that the local file is easier to see if it shows up. You may need to enable View Hidden Items in windows to see it.

C:\Users\you\AppData\Roaming\EasyAntiCheat
anticheatlauncher.log open this with notepad, any errors or is it all successful?


drive:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ELDEN RING\Game
Try deleting eldenring.exe, and then verify game file integrity to have Steam replace it.

Could also try updating Microsoft VC++

Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Head over to the following path on your PC:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\vcredist

You should see the following folders:
2012\vc_redist.x64.exe
2013\vc_redist.x64.exe
2019\vc_redist.x64.exe
Just make sure to run all of these executable files that are present. (If you’ve different folders, then run the vc_redist.x64.exe file in those folders)
Finally, restart your PC.

Could try updating DirectX

Update DirectX
Go to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\DirectX folder path.
Next, run the DXSETUP.exe file to reinstall/update DirectX.
Once done, restart your computer to apply changes.

Well updating DirectX and vc redist doesn't work either. The anticheatlauncher log shows no error of any kind. The game size is exactly 49.1 Gb and 2 files you mentioned are in the Certificates folder as well. The exe.local file only appears in a split second then nothing happens, again.

[GH(+)ST]

Originally posted by SHOCKNUTZ:

while doing any of the things you listed- did you happen to log off your user, or even restart your computer?

intelligent sort ahead -->- Restarted Steam and my computer multiple times.

[Fahrenheit]

Originally posted by csand:

Hey man. One good place to start is this.

Launch elden ring, let it crash.

Look In your windows event viewer (easiest way to access event viewer is right click the start button, it is in the list)

Look for any events corresponding to the launch and subsequent crash of elden ring. Look under the "administrative events" category near the top. It may also be EAC related. They are all time stamped. Be aware windows generates can generate a lot of nothingburger logs so don't be alarmed if you see lots of warning events or even a few errors.

If you see something that might be related but you're not sure feel free to post it here, I'm happy to look at it.

I look at the event viewer and the game indeed crashes. This is what it shows:
Event 1001, Windows Error
General:
Fault bucket 1738010010049249039, type 1
Event Name: APPCRASH
Response: Not available
Cab Id: 0

Problem signature:
P1: start_protected_game.exe
P2: 1.3.3.0
P3: 620632ef
P4: KERNELBASE.dll
P5: 10.0.22000.675
P6: 55e50a16
P7: c00000fd
P8: 0011fbe1
P9:
P10:

Attached files:
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.22f650a6-26e5-4cec-b553-02a6806fe5f4.tmp.mdmp
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.341e789e-3881-4595-b8d4-fa68304f516a.tmp.WERInternalMetadata.xml
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.60550599-2070-4dbd-952a-6003593e079a.tmp.xml
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.4dd96ecd-97d7-42b5-8e7a-06cee5311b87.tmp.csv
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.c436498e-2496-440b-a2d9-1b06ca35bf01.tmp.txt

These files may be available here:
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\ReportArchive\AppCrash_start_protected__784646303aa1e0225dd2c07dc60d3f1401a4e5_24f61532_f9646920-e554-4a29-aa4f-5b4159f4ffc1

Analysis symbol:
Rechecking for solution: 0
Report Id: 6388d8dd-150e-439b-bbcd-39a6c636cab9
Report Status: 268435456
Hashed bucket: d1eb1679407788a8d81ea6e5510eff0f

Maybe you could help me with this?

[Fahrenheit]

Originally posted by A Certain Someone:

Originally posted by SHOCKNUTZ:

while doing any of the things you listed- did you happen to log off your user, or even restart your computer?

intelligent sort ahead -->- Restarted Steam and my computer multiple times.

I mean, you could misread stuff sometimes so that's okay

[Fahrenheit]

Originally posted by csand:

Originally posted by 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔣𝔤𝔞𝔫𝔤:

I look at the event viewer and the game indeed crashes. This is what it shows:
Event 1001, Windows Error
General:
Fault bucket 1738010010049249039, type 1
Event Name: APPCRASH
Response: Not available
Cab Id: 0

Problem signature:
P1: start_protected_game.exe
P2: 1.3.3.0
P3: 620632ef
P4: KERNELBASE.dll
P5: 10.0.22000.675
P6: 55e50a16
P7: c00000fd
P8: 0011fbe1
P9:
P10:

Attached files:
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.22f650a6-26e5-4cec-b553-02a6806fe5f4.tmp.mdmp
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.341e789e-3881-4595-b8d4-fa68304f516a.tmp.WERInternalMetadata.xml
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.60550599-2070-4dbd-952a-6003593e079a.tmp.xml
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.4dd96ecd-97d7-42b5-8e7a-06cee5311b87.tmp.csv
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\Temp\WER.c436498e-2496-440b-a2d9-1b06ca35bf01.tmp.txt

These files may be available here:
\\?\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\ReportArchive\AppCrash_start_protected__784646303aa1e0225dd2c07dc60d3f1401a4e5_24f61532_f9646920-e554-4a29-aa4f-5b4159f4ffc1

Analysis symbol:
Rechecking for solution: 0
Report Id: 6388d8dd-150e-439b-bbcd-39a6c636cab9
Report Status: 268435456
Hashed bucket: d1eb1679407788a8d81ea6e5510eff0f

Maybe you could help me with this?

Interesting it is EAC that is crashing.

Do you have Epic games launcher installed?

I don't. I also tried deleting the whole EAC folder and verified game cache again but still dead end. I submitted the report to Bandai Namco as well but I doubt they will ever respond

[RoofusGoofus]

I was running into a problem after I purged a lot of my misc files and accidentally removed EAC. Had to uninstall and remove EAC and Elden Ring. Reinstalled ER from steam and worked just fine. Elden Ring will not launch if EAC has any tampering, it will usually state that "EAC is not installed".

Probably not a problem but also double check your disk space/SSD