Steam is an incredibly popular game distribution platform that allows gamers to access and play their favorite titles. However, like any software, it is not without its faults. One common issue that users encounter is the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error. This error message appears when users attempt to verify the integrity of a game that frequently crashes on Steam.
Many games, including popular titles like CSGO, Fallout: New Vegas, Skyrim, Terraria, and more, can be affected by this error. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll explore the possible causes of the error and provide you with step-by-step solutions to fix it.
Understanding the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” Error
When you encounter the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error, it means that during the game integrity verification process, Steam compares all the files from your installed game to the ones on the server. If one or more files fail to meet the required criteria, they are considered corrupted or mismatched, leading to the error message.
Possible Reasons for Steam Files Not Validating
There are several reasons why your Steam game files may fail to validate. Some common causes include:
File Corruption: Files may become corrupted due to various factors, such as incomplete downloads, power outages, or system crashes.
Bad Sectors on Your Drive: Hard drives can develop bad sectors over time, leading to data corruption and file validation errors.
Accidental File Renaming: If you accidentally rename or modify game files, Steam may fail to validate them.
Firewall Interference: Windows Defender Firewall, or other third-party firewalls, can sometimes block Steam’s verification process, resulting in validation errors.
Now that we understand the possible causes let’s explore some solutions to fix the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error on Steam.
Solutions to Fix the Error
1. Run a CHKDSK Scan
A CHKDSK scan can help identify and repair bad sectors on your hard drive, potentially resolving the file validation error. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key +E to open File Explorer.
- Click on This PC on the left-hand side.
- Right-click on the drive you want to scan and select Properties.
- Go to the Tools tab and click on the Check button.
- Even if the system states that no scan is required, select the Scan drive option.
Running a CHKDSK scan can help fix any bad sectors on your drive, which may be causing the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error.
2. Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall
Sometimes, Windows Defender Firewall can interfere with Steam’s verification process, leading to validation errors. To turn off the firewall, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and search for Windows Firewall.
- Select Windows Defender Firewall from the search results.
- Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off in the left-hand menu.
- Choose the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option for both private and public networks.
- Click OK to save the changes.
By turning off Windows Defender Firewall, you can eliminate any potential interference that may be causing the file validation error.
3. Perform a Clean Boot
Performing a clean boot can help identify if third-party software or services are conflicting with Steam, causing the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error. Here’s how to do it:
Press the Windows key +R to open the Run console.
Type msconfig and press Enter or click OK.
In the General tab, select the Selective startup option.
Uncheck Load startup items and check Load system services and Use original boot configuration.
Go to the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services.
Click on Disable all to deselect third-party services.
Press Apply and OK, then click Restart to apply the changes.
If the clean boot resolves the issue, you may need to remove certain third-party antivirus or system optimization software from your startup. Alternatively, you can add Steam to the exception list of your antivirus utility.
4. Reinstall Steam and Scan the Registry
If all else fails, you can try reinstalling Steam and scanning the registry to fix the file validation error. Here’s what you need to do:
Note: Before proceeding with the reinstallation process, we recommend saving your Steamapps folder to another location to prevent any potential loss of game data.
Press the Windows key +R to open the Run console.
Enter appwiz.cpl in the box and click OK or press Enter.
Select Steam from the list of installed programs and click Uninstall.
Confirm the uninstallation by selecting Yes.
Restart your computer after uninstalling Steam.
Download and install a registry cleaner like Fortect.
Run a scan on your PC to detect any broken registry files.
Select all the registry checkboxes for the repairing process.
Click the Start Repair button to fix all the selected issues.
Finally, reinstall the Steam application from the official Steam website.
Reinstalling Steam and scanning the registry can help refresh the software and remove any leftover registry entries that may be causing the file validation error.
Additional Tips and Considerations
In addition to the solutions provided above, here are a few extra tips to consider when dealing with the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error on Steam:
Launch the Game from the Steamapps Folder: If the game you’re experiencing issues with usually crashes, try launching it directly from the Steamapps common folder. Look for the game launcher in the win32 or win64 subfolder within the game’s folder structure.
Update Your System Drivers: Outdated or corrupt system drivers can cause various issues, including file validation errors. Make sure to keep your drivers up to date by visiting the manufacturers’ websites or using driver update software.
Verify Game Cache: In addition to the file integrity verification option within Steam, you can also try verifying the game cache. This process checks for missing or corrupted game files and downloads any necessary updates.
Conclusion
By following these tips and solutions, you should be able to resolve the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error on Steam and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Remember, if you have any further questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy gaming!
