FFXIV Launcher Error

[ThatOnePerson]

Whenever I try to log in on the launcher, I get a "FFXIV Launcher Error". In the dialog box, it says:

Unable to complete version check.
[30410][30607][10009][10020]

If I try logging in multiple times before restarting the launcher, the list of numbered codes repeats itself once for each try, which is sort of fun.

I know there have been previous topics on this (usually with a [10019] instead of my [10020]), but I've tried everything on those topics short of reinstalling the game. It's only after deleting boot files, restarting my router, updating my browsers, and so forth that I can even get the launcher to a place where I can type in my username and password. Any other ideas, before I commit myself to uninstalling and reinstalling?

EDIT: After restarting my computer, I was able to log on, but then got a 2002 error while trying to access the Aether data center. While trying to fix that, I restarted my router. After restarting the router, I get a different "FFXIV Boot Error":

Version check failed. Please confirm your network settings. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to whitelist FINAL FANTASY XIV in your security software.
For further assistance, please visit the SQUARE ENIX Support Center.
http://sqex.to/x4w
[30605][10009][10020]

On the bright side, I seem to have dropped the [30410] at this point. I'm assuming that that's a positive.

[Raist]

Just to rule it out, as it is often overlooked. Make sure you are launching as admin--either by right-clicking the shortcut or setting the option to always run as an admin in the shortcut's properties.

Otherwise, there likely is a security or networking issue in play. As the message stated, add exceptions for the FFXIV executables (all of them...there are 5 or 6 in two different folders). Make sure to double check the network sections of your antivirus--some have added a seperate exception list for running processes that will need the executables white-listed as well, as it is a rule for things running in the background (some will differentiate between files launching from the hard drive and ones running that want network access). Don't forget to double-check Windows Defender as well. Many still have this running on top of their third party software and don't even know it--which can cause other issues as well, since you wind up with two AV solutions running at once.

Make sure that the Windows network properties for IE/Edge and Java have the TLS encryption options enabled. You will find them on the Advanced tabs. You can find the Java panel in your control panel (also make sure that Mozilla support is checked as well, in case there is an issue with the agent string). For the Windows internet properties, you can get to that by running inetcpl.cpl from the search/run box.

If you have configured ANY port forwarding on your router for this game, undo it. You should NOT need that for this game. That is more something for allowing unsolicited inbound connections (like for a webserver, Torrent Service, incoming VPN or remote desktop type services, etc.). The game initiates an outbound connection first, and uses that same session for the inbound traffic as well. Your router's and Windows' SIP firewall features will manage that on it's own, and the router's NAT will direct the packets appropriately. If your router is using UPNP, turn it off as well---it has been known to cause issues in the past for both PC and consoles. You may want to double check the security/NAT options on the router too. Some have some options you can toggle to loosen security slightly that may resolve issues.

Those are the more common culprits. Beyond that, you could have some malware interfering with the protocol stack somehow or an actual routing issue across the internet that your ISP would need to resolve. You can look into that by pinging/tracing some of the servers to see how stable the sessions are:

neolobby02.ffxiv.com (Aether lobby)
neolobby04.ffxiv.com (Primal)
neolobby06.ffxiv.com (Chaos)
(lobbies in Japan use the odd numbers 01,03, 05...haven't had a reason to verify which is what lobby yet)

frontier.ffxiv.com (where the core launcher page pulls from)
patch-gamever.ffxiv.com
secure.square-enix.com
124.150.158.117

(those last four are SE addresses I've seen in use through the launcher in the past)