Possible solution for Error 11018 (File access failed during version check)

[Riemenschneider]

Most of the information you find on google does not really help, so I am posting a solution that worked for me.

If you get this error message:
"File access failed during version check. [11018]"

That means the launcher (ffxivboot.exe) can't access your 'My Documents' folder.

There can be many reasons for this, for example an over protective anti virus\anti adware or a similar program that blocks access to your user folder. (usually C:\Users\{YourUserName]\)

Another possible reason is that you or your Windows somehow screwed up your 'My Documents' folder.

The reason for this might be a change in your hard disk setup (installing an SSD, connecting a USB hard drive that has a different 'My Documents' folder on it). In my case, Windows had changed the folder's location to a path on my USB hard drive.

To repair the folder, you have to search your registry (Windows key + R, regedit, enter) for

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

in both of these folders, look for the key "Personal",
now type in your preferred folder location (usually C:\Users\{YourUserName}\My Documents}

After this, you should be able to start the launcher/game again.

[Squa11_Leonhart]

Most of the information you find on google does not really help, so I am posting a solution that worked for me.

If you get this error message:
"File access failed during version check. [11018]"

That means the launcher (ffxivboot.exe) can't access your 'My Documents' folder.

There can be many reasons for this, for example an over protective anti virus\anti adware or a similar program that blocks access to your user folder. (usually C:\Users\{YourUserName]\)

Another possible reason is that you or your Windows somehow screwed up your 'My Documents' folder.

The reason for this might be a change in your hard disk setup (installing an SSD, connecting a USB hard drive that has a different 'My Documents' folder on it). In my case, Windows had changed the folder's location to a path on my USB hard drive.

To repair the folder, you have to search your registry (Windows key + R, regedit, enter) for

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

in both of these folders, look for the key "Personal",
now type in your preferred folder location (usually C:\Users\{YourUserName}\My Documents}

After this, you should be able to start the launcher/game again.

You can change the path by opening the My Documents properties and clicking the 'Location' tab