Fix Epic Games Error “Sorry There Was an Error Writing to the Database”

The Epic Games Launcher is a popular platform for PC gamers, providing access to a wide range of games developed by Epic Games. However, some users have been encountering an error message that says, “Sorry, there was an error writing to the database.” This issue can be frustrating, as it can prevent players from launching their games or accessing certain features. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various methods to fix this error and get you back to gaming.

Restart Your Computer

One of the simplest and most effective troubleshooting steps is to restart your computer. This can help resolve temporary software glitches or conflicts that may be causing the error. To restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Close the Epic Games Launcher and any other open applications.
2. Click on the Start menu in the bottom left corner of your screen.
3. Select the Power icon, and then click on Restart.

Once your computer has restarted, try launching the Epic Games Launcher again to see if the error persists.

Run Epic Games Launcher as Administrator

Running the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator can often resolve issues related to permissions and access. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
2. From the context menu, select Run as administrator.
3. If prompted for permission, click on Yes.

Running the launcher as an administrator grants it the necessary privileges to read and write to the database, potentially resolving the error.

Check for Updates

Outdated software can sometimes lead to errors and compatibility issues. It’s important to ensure that both the Epic Games Launcher and the game you’re trying to play are up to date. Here’s how you can check for updates:

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the launcher.
3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
4. In the settings menu, click on Check for updates.
5. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.

Updating the launcher and the game can often fix bugs and address known issues, including the “Sorry, there was an error writing to the database” error.

Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can cause various errors, including the database writing error. Verifying the game files can help identify and repair any issues. Follow these steps to verify the game files:

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher and go to your game library.
2. Locate the problematic game and click on the three dots next to it.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Verify.
4. The launcher will now check the integrity of the game files and repair any corrupted files if necessary.
5. Once the verification process is complete, restart your computer and try launching the game again.

Verifying the game files can often resolve the database writing error by ensuring that all necessary files are intact and functional.

Clear AppData

Clearing the AppData folder for the Epic Games Launcher can help resolve issues related to cached data or corrupted files. Follow these steps to clear the AppData folder:

1. Close the Epic Games Launcher completely.
2. Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type %appdata% in the Run box and press Enter.
4. In the AppData folder, locate the “Epic Games” folder and delete it.
5. Once the folder is deleted, restart the Epic Games Launcher and check if the error persists.

Clearing the AppData folder can remove any problematic files or settings that may be causing the database writing error.

Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewall and antivirus programs are designed to protect your computer from potential threats, but they can sometimes interfere with legitimate applications like the Epic Games Launcher. Temporarily disabling your firewall and antivirus can help determine if they are causing the database writing error. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click on Windows Defender Firewall to open the settings.
3. In the left pane, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
4. Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option for both private and public networks.
5. Click on OK to save the changes.

Additionally, you may need to disable your third-party antivirus software temporarily. Consult the documentation or support resources for your specific antivirus program to learn how to disable it.

Disabling the firewall and antivirus can help determine if they are causing the error. If the error is resolved, you can add exceptions to your firewall and antivirus settings to allow the Epic Games Launcher to function properly.

Confirm You Have Read/Write Access to the Folder

Ensuring that you have the necessary read and write access to the folder containing the Epic Games Launcher can help prevent issues related to permissions. Here’s how you can check and modify the folder permissions:

1. Navigate to the location where the Epic Games Launcher is installed on your computer.
2. Right-click on the launcher application file (exe) and select Properties.
3. In the properties window, click on the Security tab.
4. Under the Group or user names section, select your username.
5. In the Permissions section, make sure that both Read and Write access are allowed.
6. Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Confirming that you have read and write access to the folder can ensure that the Epic Games Launcher can save and update information in its database without encountering any errors.

Reinstall Epic Games Launcher

If none of the previous methods have resolved the database writing error, reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher may be necessary. Reinstalling the launcher can help fix any corrupted files or settings that may be causing the error. Follow these steps to reinstall the Epic Games Launcher:

1. Close the Epic Games Launcher completely.
2. Right-click on the system tray icon for the launcher and select Exit.
3. Open the Start menu and search for Control Panel.
4. Click on Uninstall a Program in the Control Panel.
5. Locate and select Epic Games Launcher from the list of installed programs.
6. Click on Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
7. After the Epic Games Launcher is uninstalled, visit the official Epic Games website and download the latest version of the launcher.
8. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the Epic Games Launcher.
9. Once the installation is complete, try launching the game again to see if the error persists.

Reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher can often resolve complex issues that may be causing the database writing error.

Contact Epic Games Support

If none of the previous solutions have fixed the database writing error, it may be necessary to contact Epic Games Support for further assistance. The support team can provide personalized guidance and troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue. Visit the Epic Games website and look for the support section to find contact information or submit a support ticket.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Sorry, there was an error writing to the database” error in the Epic Games Launcher can be fixed using various troubleshooting methods. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve the error and get back to enjoying your favorite games. Remember to try each method sequentially and test the launcher after each step to determine which solution works for you. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Epic Games Support for further assistance. Happy gaming!