Game Crash to Desktop

Received yesterday, "A fatal DirectX error has occurred (11000002)." and updated to slightly newer Nvidia driver. Played for a few hours without issue, but was then hit with, "Unexpected Error Has Occurred. Exiting Final Fantasy XIV." followed by:

nvwgf2umx.dll + 263271
d3d11.dll + 10678c
d3d11.dll + 1065a0
d3d11.dll + 105694
ffxiv_dx11.exe + 3f7da7
ffxiv_dx11.exe + 3fe81d
ffxiv_dx11.exe + a1ce5
ffxiv_dx11.exe + 56425

Can't help but think this is related to the Asus BIOS Update 3802 that implemented their latest microcode update for 13th and 14th gen processor issues. I only have an i5-13600k. Tech support, please help!

Does tech support even check these forums?

I'm attempting to Restore Game Data, but even that keeps failing at different times with an "unable to download patch files error". This happens with or without VPN activated. It keeps prompting me to restart and seems to be stuck in a loop. Can't even log in to the game now...

Good morning! Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

We apologize for any inconvenience experienced when trying to play Final Fantasy XIV. It appears that you are experiencing two different types of issues, to begin let us first try and assist with the connection related issue. For us to better assist you, please respond with the following information:

Are you using a VPN?
Are you using a wired or wireless connection?
What Platform are you using? (Steam/Windows/Mac/PS4 etc.)
Does the issue occur with one character or multiple characters?
At what point do you get disconnected and/or are unable to connect?
How often does the issue occur?

Internet Service Provider:
Region/State:
All steps taken to resolve the issue:

Please describe what you mean by 'Retore Game Data' in further detail.

Thank you once again for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!

VPN - Yes, ExpressVPN. Have tried the program with and without it running, and I am running the latest version.
Network connection is hard wired to ISP, and yes I have tried restarting the router. ISP is Cox Communications in the Los Angeles, CA, area.
Platform - Windows 11 Home 23H2. I have already performed a clean installation of Windows 11 from DVD, and it hasn't helped.
Issue occurs with multiple character. There is no pattern as to when the crash occurs. I could be just chilling inside the Saucer or in the middle of running a dungeon or raid. The issue was occurring two or three times within a two hour window before I performed the clean install of Windows 11. Since then it has happened once in about three hours of play.
Restore Game Data is the built-in feature of the launcher to rebuild a suspected corrupted client installation of FFXIV, no?

Good morning! Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

The issue you are describing is most associated with interference with game data. Many actions can trigger this error, such as a slow internet connection, certain security/privacy changes on the default Internet browser, an application running in the background causing interference, use of a VPN or an odd connection (EG: schools or cafes), a possible virus detected on the device, many rapid payments at once, and numerous other actions.

We advise clearing the cache/cookies/browsing data from your default web browser, disabling any web browser extensions (EG: ad-blocker) and trying again. We also suggest resetting the connection (router/modem) you are using to connect to the Internet before trying again.

Open the control panel of the PC and go to ‘Network and Internet’. Once there select ‘Internet Options’
- Under the "General" tab, please delete ALL browser history.
- Under the "Security" tab, please move the slider to the lowest possible settings or no higher than "Medium"
- Under the "Privacy" tab, click “Advanced” and select ‘Accept’ under both First Party and Third Party Cookies.
- Under the "Advanced" tab, please make sure that "Allow software to run or install even if signature is invalid" is CHECKED.
- Make sure that all SSL and TLS (EXCEPT SSL 3.0) are CHECKED. [SSL 3.0 should be UNCHECKED]
- Hit "Apply" to save the settings, and then "OK, to close the Internet Options menu.
- Right-Click on the FFXIV launcher icon and select "Properties"
- Hit "Apply", then "OK" to save the changes.
- Please RESTART your PC now. Once your PC has been restarted, Right-Click the FFXIV launcher icon once more and select "Run as Administrator"
*Make sure your fire wall or antivirus program is not interfering with the game

Lastly, check to see if the following port ranges are opened on your router. You can contact your ISP and request they open them for you:
▼TCP
54992 through 54994,
55006 through 55007,
55021 through 55040

Try disabling background applications and do a clean boot by opening the task manager and selecting the “Start up” tab. Disable everything and then restart the PC.
Lastly, we suggest to power cycle the console and router by shutting down the Router and leaving the power supply unplugged for 5-10 minutes.

The 'Restore' feature is built into the launcher for in-game configuration data, not game files. Should you suspect the game files to be corrupted unfortunately a reinstall may be in order. If you use the Steam platform, you may also use the 'Verify game file integrity' feature.

Thank you once again for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!