FFXIV Boot Error - Unable to complete version check.

[GreenDrag]

Hi there!

As of today, whenever I try to start the launcher, I get the above error message during the "Checking the FINAL FANTASY XIV Updater/Launcher version" step (That is, I get the error message before reaching the launcher). This issue was not present in any previous attempt at running the launcher (in the entire 5 days I've been playing so far).
I have managed to get past this issue a singular time by starting the game with the 64 bit launcher, however a second attempt with it fails similarly.

The issue persists after a reinstall of the launcher (unless there is data left over that I'm not aware of that could interfere with a new install, beyond those in the My Games folder).

I have tried installing the launcher on a different computer within the household, the issue is not present on that computer (meaning that the problem is isolated on the computer itself and not at the router or beyond).

I have tried several recommended methods from around the internet (probably multiple times each), obviously to no effect.
I'm on a Windows 10 PC with Kaspersky Security Cloud, using the standalone (ie: not Steam) version of the game.

Any help is appreciated.

EDIT - Since then I have tried a few things in desperation. One trick worked for the total of a single launch (but to test the persistency of the "fix", I restarted the launcher soon afterwards, which put me back to the same error).
I installed the game to a different folder than the default one and spammed opening it, which somehow pushed it through.
This did allow me to realize that each fresh install comes with a launch attempt that seemingly does nothing.

While writing the edit, I had a realization and tested it. The launcher seems to work properly when the game is installed into a completely new location. I'm currently allowing for the complete install process of the game to run to see if that ends up fixing the issue. If not, then the problem will still require an actual solution, as complete reinstalls are not something I (or I'm guessing anyone) would want to be subjected to daily.

EDIT 2 - After the install finished, the game starts, however, the error comes back on subsequent attempts at starting the launcher.

EDIT 3 - After further testing, the idea I found in my first edit seems to have been nothing but a fluke. A mere alignment of the stars that somehow allowed things to go as they should for just a moment.
In either case, I have also tested a virtual machine for the error; Everything goes as it should.
Which leads me to the unfortunate conclusion that something on the software side is causing the problem, meaning that short of figuring out what crosses the wires for the FFXIV Launcher, a clean install of Windows seems like the only solution; Which is a headache I'd rather spare myself, if at all possible.

[Mieleoneis]

Greetings GreenDrag,

I'm sorry to hear that you have been experiencing this issue, and thank you for providing us with the thorough details and updates. The "Unable to complete version check" error you are referencing is often associated with interference of game data, or a connection issue. For errors such as these, we would recommend trying out the following troubleshooting, as it may help with alleviating the issue:

1. Please make sure all background applications have been disabled and/or closed to minimize game interference before attempting to log in. This includes any anti-virus programs you may have on the computer (such as Kaspersky, as you had mentioned).

2. If you haven't done so already, please be sure to adjust the following settings in "Internet Options" within the Control Panel:
- 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"

Once these settings have been adjusted, hit "Apply", then "OK", and restart the PC after.

We hope these steps are helpful. Thank you for posting in the FINAL FANTASY XIV Technical Support Forums!

[GreenDrag]

Apologies for the late reply and thank you for the response.
By the time I realized that I received a response I already bit the bullet and reinstalled my OS (which predictably has solved the issue, hopefully for good).

As for your recommendations, the first one I've tried (I disabled everything that made sense, including the firewall on both my router and PC as well as Kaspersky), unfrotunately to no avail.
I did not try the second one however; At least not exactly in that manner (Some rather aged information instructed doing that in IE, but I don't know how applicable that was to the present state of the game); Should the issue resurface (hopefully in won't), that wil be on the list of things I check.

Again, thank you for the response and help.

[Kirika-]

(Some rather aged information instructed doing that in IE, but I don't know how applicable that was to the present state of the game); .

It is not dated nor specific to IE
Because the Windows version launcher uses Microsoft's baked-in Windows webUI and its functions/features to perform the task of checking/patching the game files and to connect and log into the game servers, that system must be operational and compatible in order to do so.
The webUI is ran on the same engine as Internet Explorer / Edge, so it uses the same settings and security profiles as those programs, of which are accessed via Internet Options in Control Panel.
Popular methods of locking down a Windows computer security, or to limit the function of the built in web browser(s) (IE, Edge) to directly effect their ability to change system data, do cause a function loss that the FF14 launcher does need. Also, some trojan and/or backdoor malware will manipulate the security and function of that system to it's own ends, which in turn causes the launcher to loose functionality.
That is why the settings in Control Panel/Internet Options are needed as above to the launcher can function correctly.

Other issues that could have been the cause of your issue could have been your Windows User Account security options, or permission levels set on your Windows account that would restrict the ability of a program to write data to certain files/folder locations.
Windows 10/11's built in Ransomware Protection will also sometimes cause issues with the Launcher's ability to write to certain files/folders.