Trying to get the game to work

[Rudolfus]

I've been trying to get the game to work via Steam. It downloads fine, but when I try to play the game and it begins to update, I get an error message saying: Error occured while writing to [PREREQ_INSTALLER_1.exe], update failed!

Any idea on why this is and what I can do about it?

[NavFamG]

It's been reported here that some files don't download if you do it via steam so your choice is to downloaded the missing files or just say to heck with steam and download direct from lotro.com.

Couldn't tell you which files as I've never had that problem but if you search here in this forum for say 'missing files' you should see which one's you need.

[Kormach]

The Steam download consistently causes people issues. All the download from Steam does is launch the normal LoTRO launcher anyway, so you're better off skipping Steam and downloading direct from LoTRO.com.

Also, depending on you version of Windows, you may need .Net and the DirectX downloads from Microsoft.

[PrplGrl]

Yeah, definitely would recommend not to use the steam version, it's very broken and incompatible with lotro. Better to download it directly from the link NavFanmG gave, cause I had the same issue just a few weeks ago. Steam would just not let me play the game anymore, even though I had been playing it for years without problems, so re-downloaded it from the site, and it not only lets me play it like normal, my progress was also all there, too. Trying to deal with corrupted files with steam is too complex and just not worth the trouble, I found this out the hard way.

[Running-Target]

- If your game client not running on Windows 10, try: Loading C++ 2005 and .Net Framework 1.1. Right click the LOTRO game link in your Steam game list, pick Manage from list, then pick Browse Local Files, this brings up the Window explorer for LOTRO. Look in the LOTRO directory for the 3rdParty folder, look inside that folder and run all the .exes you find there while the game launcher Not running and under Admin rights account.

- Make sure your Firewall and active defending anti-malware programs have LOTRO directory or game exes in exceptions.

- Make sure you are running the game as Administrator or an account with administrator rights.

- Use the troubleshooting compatibility options in Windows 10 or 11 OS.

- Game crashes or not runs after pressing "Play" button on launcher. > https://help.standingstonegames.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002036287--Nothing-happens-after-clicking-Play-on-the-launcher-OR-Game-crashes-after-clicking-play-on-the-launcher-

- Many problems with the game stem from poor or faulty Network connection between your computer and the game servers near Boston, MA, USA. Read the sticky thread on the official forum, > Network and Game Connection Troubleshooting - Updated 1/19/2016

https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?107727-Network-and-Game-Connection-Troubleshooting-Updated-1-19-2016

https://help.standingstonegames.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015989067-LOTRO-Firewall-Help

- LOTRO uses Akamai Content Delivery Network still so that could be a problem that you need to allow Akamai to work. Even Updating the launcher calls to Akamai.

https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?646126-Is-it-possible-to-not-use-Akamai

- Here is a good guide to new LOTRO installs >
https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?658230-INSTALL-New-LotRO-Installs-One-Guide-to-Rule-Them-All&p=7770623#post7770623

- Try using DX 11, DX 10 or DX 9 if you are having problems with DX 12. Might have to install DX 10, 9 and 11 on a new Windows 10 or 11 OS load. Here is link to Microsoft DirectX download page. You need to load Direct X 11 and 9 on a new Win 10 or Win 11 OS install. >
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/179113/how-to-install-the-latest-version-of-directx