Fixing the problem "Error: data file corrupt. Please reinstall application"

Guide to fixing the problem "Error: data file corrupt. Please reinstall application".

Preface

The error "Error: data file corrupt. Please reinstall application" appeared for everyone on November 20, 2021. What exactly could have triggered this error for everyone is unknown, however, some say that this could have happened due to a Steam license update that happened around that time. However, the DVD and retail version of the game work fine.

Since GIANTS Software does not want to fix the problem, the players had to do it. I looked at all the methods for fixing this problem in the discussion, and out of all the methods, only two turned out to be working.

Solution

The whole problem is caused by the file AHD_91149.dat in the game saves folder, which is present in the CD/DVD version (hereinafter referred to as the original game), but for unknown reasons is absent from the Steam version of the game.

Changes to game saves

Depending on your preferences, to fix it you can either download the original game in German (thanks MadVaay for the link provided in that discussion), or just download the file itself.

Link to the CD version of the game in German:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16HkObk8O7UFOC1NzbWlywLErSTPXZG6A/view

Link to file AHD_91149.dat:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lV9evspNNMNnKJs1Uf_0VXYx37-ogG0r/view?usp=sharing

If you decide to download the game, you need to do the following:

1. Open the archive and run the installer, following its instructions. Unzipping the files is optional.
   
2. Run the game in its root folder or via a shortcut on the desktop.
   
3. The game may require an activation key before launching - in this case, right-click on the game in your Steam library, click Manage - Activation Key. You can enter the key manually or simply copy and paste it by clicking on it.
   
4. After launching, it is better to play for a few minutes. Once finished, exit the game.
   
5. Now open Explorer, go to the Documents - My Games - SkiRegionSimulator2012 directory and look for the AHD_91149.dat file. If it is there, then simply download or launch the Steam version of the game and see the result.

If you decide to download the file, then simply move it to the saves folder (the directory is indicated above).

The demo version is useless for this solution, as it creates a separate save folder without AHD_91149.dat.

I would like to point out separately that it is better not to delete the original game, but to save it for the future on some external media, since when installing the game on another or clean OS, the problem will still remain, again due to the absence of the AHD_91149.dat file in the saves folder.

Replacing game files

Alternatively, you can simply copy the original game files and transfer them to the Steam version. We are talking about the unins000.dat and unins000.msg files, which are also missing from the Steam version, but are present in the original game.

Or, to simplify things, you can transfer not these two files, but the entire folder of the original game to the Steam version, confirming the replacement. For this, in addition to the original game, you can also use the demo version, which can be downloaded here: https://www.skiregion-simulator.com/demo.php

[𝕱𝖎𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓]

I don't know, the game worked for me right after I transferred these three files. Means try copying all the files from the CD version of the game and transferring them to the Steam version, except for the .exe file from which the game starts, confirming the replacement.

As for the activation key, it only applies to the CD version of the game.

[$Roastinggasers$]

ive reinstalled the game and already tried clearing cache and I cant even get into the game btw how do you activate the game with the "activation key" I tried activating it through "add a game" (bottom left of screen) and then "activate a product on steam..." and says "invalid product code"

[𝕱𝖎𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓]

Try reinstalling the game after these steps. Personally, I immediately started reinstalling the Steam version and clearing the download cache in the Steam settings.

In addition, the AHD_91149.dat file should be dropped not into the game folder, but into the folder with its saves, in the Documents - My Games - SkiRegionSimulator2012 directory.

[$Roastinggasers$]

I cant get mine to work, just bought the game from steam when I press play it shows up with the "cd keys" and then it shows "Error: data file corrupt" popup so I downloaded the "Error: data file corrupt so then i downloaded the "AHD_91149.dat" file and dropped it in the the game file and also downloaded the demo version of the game and moved the two unins000.dat and unins000.msg files to the steam version and still does the same thing. Please tell me what im doing wrong?

[𝕱𝖎𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓]

Some people care, some don't. In my case, it's important that the entire game works stably, including its DLC.

[Boleklolo]

I don't really reckon writing anything about DLC's, did I notice their absence? Yes. Did I actually care about those? Not really.

[𝕱𝖎𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓]

Hi. I wrote below that your method, although it fixes this error, at the same time, because of it, two DLCs that are included in the Steam version of the game do not work. Because of this, I did not add it to the manual.

I know about decompiling the DLCs themselves, but I would like a minimum of actions for their normal operation together with your "fix".

[Boleklolo]

Hey, good job finding the cause, pretty cool observation, but on a side note, I also made a "fix" that bypassed the game's integrity check a year back, so there would be three methods of fixing the game.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/270950/discussions/0/3877093659890884104/

[𝕱𝖎𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓]

I'm glad you solved this problem. :)

As for DLC - there won't be any in the store, as they are included with the game.

[magn6015]

I have no Clue what I did but for some reason it works now the dlc. I was luking in the Game File changing some numbers and now it works how ? idk. but im happy :) !