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

We apologize for the delay in our response, please try the following troubleshooting steps:

- The game will use the Internet Explorer web browser to connect to the internet. Open Internet Explorer, then open the "Tools" setting, go to "Internet Options" and adjust the following settings:
- 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

We would also like to recommend several other troubleshooting steps:

1) Make sure that your hardware is not overheating and remove any overclocks you may have on your graphics card or processor. Please check that any fans or vents are clear of blocks.
2) Disable any additional programs that could cause interference with the game itself including chat programs. Also, remove any custom configurations made using graphics driver-level programs.
3) Turn off Fullscreen Optimizations. Find the executable file for the game (normally found in the install folder), right-click it and select 'Properties'. Under the 'Compatibility' tab, check the box labeled 'Disable Fullscreen Optimizations', then click 'Apply'.
4) Remove any unnecessary USB or audio devices (controllers, headphones, flash drives etc.)

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.