The game suddenly stopped working

[BadOrc]

Which AV app do you use?

Do these files physically exist in these locations?

dowser.exe (in the Steam Eu4 folder)
C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2020.17/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

I use the standard Windows Defender. Yeah they are in the Eu4 Folder. The game works if i bypass the Paradox launcher,and run the eu4.exe from its location in the Steam folder.

 

[Pterinochilus]

We now have reports of this on AVG, Avast and possibly Kaspersky.

You need to make sure all these apps are in its exceptions lists:

dowser.exe (in the Steam Eu4 folder)
C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2020.17/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

Good luck!

I only use the one from Windows. With that being said I doubt that's the issue. Everything was working fine until yesterday's update of the launcher.

Is there any plans of fixing this in a new update?

 

[Emre Yigit]

For me this started after updating to Java v281 yesterday. But still continues after uninstalling v281 and installing v271 in its place.

Common to all games using the new launcher, I suspect; the same issue occurs in Imperator and HOI4, but not in CK2.

 

[Comrade Chunky]

Got the same problem, i have tried all the paradox games i own, which include Stellaris, Hoi4, Imperator Rome, EU4 and all of them dont work at all even after trying what you have been suggesting. My friend has even been trying to help me with has vast knowledge of computers XD. Nothings working and im just hoping that Paradox has something up their sleeve to save me, because i dont wanna miss my weekly Eu4 multiplayer game tomorrow.

 

[Pterinochilus]

For me this started after updating to Java v281 yesterday. But still continues after uninstalling v281 and installing v271 in its place.

Common to all games using the new launcher, I suspect; the same issue occurs in Imperator and HOI4, but not in CK2.

I found this thread. Apparently Paradox released the new launcher by mistake: https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/unplanned-launcher-release-of-2020-17.1453117/

 

[AndrewT]

This is a problem with the new launcher 202017 version. Can you please download the latest C++ bundle and install it:

The latest supported Visual C++ downloads

This article lists the download links for the latest versions of Visual C++.

support.microsoft.com

And run the x86 and x64 installers there.



Sorry about that!

 

[Pterinochilus]

This is a problem with the new launcher 202017 version. Can you please download the latest C++ bundle and install it:

The latest supported Visual C++ downloads

This article lists the download links for the latest versions of Visual C++.

support.microsoft.com

And run the x86 and x64 installers there.



Sorry about that!

I installed the C++ x64 bundle yesterday and it fixed the problems for me. Now the launcher have been reverted back to 2020.16.

Oh, and are you sure that people should install both the x86 and x64 installers? I only installed the x64 one as one of the administrators warned against installing the x86 one in the thread I linked to above.

Anyways, thanks for your help!

 

[AndrewT]

Oh, and are you sure that people should install both the x86 and x64 installers? I only installed the x64 one as one of the administrators warned against installing the x86 one in the thread I linked to above.

I've been doing that for years with no negative consequence whatsoever. The x86 version is needed for any 32bit apps you might use, I don't see any reason not to update it.

 

[AirikrStrife]

I also have this, is this something we will have to fix ourselves manually? or can we expect an update which will solve issues with the launcher?

 

[AndrewT]

I also have this, is this something we will have to fix ourselves manually? or can we expect an update which will solve issues with the launcher?

Installing those MS updates is a good idea regardless of this problem, our later games like CK3 require them anyway.

As it stands the problem launcher 2020.17 has been withdrawn so a reinstall of the launcher will see you back on 2020.16 without this issue.