[30419][19901][22] Unable to complete version check.

Having trouble logging in from Steam for some reason. I was playing earlier today perfectly fine and then closed the game to go play PUBG with my friend, when I came back in the launcher brought me to the Terms of Licsence agreement and have me choose between "I possess a Square Enix account" and "I do not...". Basically the launcher believes that I'm a new player who bought the expansion for some bloody reason and when I click on I do, they have me login and told me that "Unable to complete version update". I have the complete edition of the game and when I try to make a new account to circumvent it, they require me to enter a registration key which isn't possible. I tried again by saying that I have an account and then input my login info but they then brought me to the original loading screen with the default login/password stuff and tells me again that I'm unable to complete version update. Any idea what's going on? I was playing PUBG earlier and my steam (along with my friend) disconnected simultaenously along with the PUBG game we're playing and now this weird stuff is happening.

I have tried deleting A Realm Reborn from my documents, resetting my router, attempted to make a new account, looking for some help...

Edit: Just realized this earlier but the title is supposed to be Unable to complete version UPDATE! It seems like there are people who has the version CHECK error but mine is UPDATE error sorry.

Good afternoon and thank you for posting on the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

The information that tells the launcher that you are returning or new player is stored in the Final Fantasy XIV folder in 'My Documents'. It sounds like you already deleted this, but it will recreate itself the next time you start the game.

Usually when something like this happens, it's because of your anti-virus is blocking files from being written to that folder properly (this might happen out of the blue if your anti-virus updates in the background). The 'Unable to Complete Version Check' error means the launcher is having trouble connecting to the server to update or log in. My first thought is if your anti-virus or firewall is interfering with the other folder, it may be doing the same with the install folder, causing the connection issue.

Try making an exception on your anti-virus/firewall for the install folder and the XIV folder in 'My Documents'. This may solve both of your issues.

We hope we can be of assistance in helping you enjoy the exciting world of Final Fantasy XIV!

I've just tried reinstalling the game to no avail. I've tried allowing FFXIV through firewall as well as deleting the folder from my documents and that doesn't work either.
https://imgur.com/a/tFyqgij (images of what i went through + pic of firewall)

Update: I seem to have somehow fixed the issue, HOWEVER because I went through so many changes I cannot discern as to specific change had solved the problem.

I apologize for everyone who will one day stumble upon this thread for a fix, BUT I do believe that me fixing IE solved the problem.

It was mentioned somewhere that the launcher is essentially a masked Internet Explorer browser, so I went about deleting my current IE and installing a newer one. I am not a 'tech' guy so my perceived solution may just be pure luck to someone more experienced but this is just my 2 cents.

Thank you Einmimiria for your support and good luck to those who encounter the problem!

Thank for the update Charlin.

I am glad to hear that the issue has been fixed. If you have anymore questions or concerns please post again in the technical support forums.

As this issue has been resolved, I will be moving this thread to " Closed Concerns".

Hope to see you online!