Exit Code Null, Can't Launch Through Steam ?

[sharkeyyyy]

Windows 10, Using Steam. I try to launch the game and get this error when hitting the play button on the launch [it happens with/without DLC enables, no mods used]:

"the game appears to have crashed or terminated unexpectedly (exit code null). The issue may be solved by verifying the integrity of your game files and deactivating any mods. If you are using Windows, you may also need to install Visual C++ Redistributable and .NET Framework"

I fully deleted, reinstalled, and verified EUIV. The issue persists.

I downloaded these x86 and x64 installers:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170



I can bypass this error message by directly running the .exe from the game folder in steamapps/common/paradox/euiv.



This started after I wiped and reinstalled EUIV in the process of trying to fix an ongoing stuttering issue:

https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/foru...ag-when-game-is-paused.1483711/#post-28973871


which is also fixed by directly launching the .exe. I assume the launcher is the problem.

I have not updated windows/installed any new programs etc.

Thank you in advance for any help with this issue.

I will now wipe EUIV and try to reinstall it again.


Edit: I followed this advice:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/236850/discussions/0/3195868146161726644/

Delete the following folders if still present:

- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Roaming/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

- run steam.exe as the Windows Admin user

- run the game from the PLAY button in Steam

Which gave me a different error: "Database migration failed" ... "remove/rename the file" ..."'user/documents/paradox interactive/europa universalis iv/launcher-v2.sqlite' and try again"

Removing that file and trying again let me launch the game without an error. Now to try with DLC/mods.


Edit II: I'm now trying to get the game working when I roll it back to patch v.1.29.6 to play MEIOU&T.


I get the same error, but the above steps lead me to a new error when hitting the play button in Steam on the last step. A message pops up telling me that a newer version of the launcher is already installed, and to try again at a later time.

I've also noticed I can launch the paradox launcher without having Steam running. Is there any way to point the launcher to my Steam version of EUIV without going through Steam ?

The only reason I need the launcher is to select the mod MEIOU&T to make the EUIV.exe launch with it.

Is there perhaps a way to make the .exe launch with selected mods ?

MEIOU&T is the only mod I have installed at present.

 

[AndrewT]

Ah, that is usually an antivirus app getting in the way. What antivirus app do you use? You need to make sure all these apps are in its exceptions lists:

eu4.exe and dowser.exe (in the Steam EU4 folder)
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2023.7/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

IF that doesn't help, also set each of those .exe files (EXCEPT eu4.exe !) to run as the Windows Admin user.

Then the game should run from Steam/our launcher, and enable all the DLCs.