Launcher Database Error "...verify if you can access the file ... \launcher-v2.sqlite"

[steampvnc1880]

Integrity​

I have verified my game files (on Steam)​

Yes

I have disabled all mods​

No

Required​

Summary​

Launcher Database Error "...verify if you can access the file ... \launcher-v2.sqlite"

Description​

the EU4 launcher prompted me to update it so I did. When it came back up it was with an error. "Database Error. Unexpected error occurred during database initialization. Please verify if you can access the file 'C:\Users\steam\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Europa Universalis IV\launcher-vt.sqlite.'"

This disabled the mods tab.

Yes that file is there and yes I can click on it so its not write protected or anything.

I have the avast antivirus software and \launcher-v2.2021.10.1\Paradox Launcher.exe was already in the allowed list.

Steps to reproduce​

update EU4 launcher when prompted.

Game Version​

Launcher 2024.1

OS​

Windows

Additional​

Bug Type​

• Other

Attachments​

Screenshot​

 

[steampvnc1880]

I just found out the same problem is happening to Stellaris and Crusader Kings 3. How the heck do I fix this? I can't play all three of these games now.

 

[steampvnc1880]

Also in the DLC tab of EU4 there's a red triangle saying "Getting UGCs failed: Failed to get a list of local UGC: Fetching UGC failed: No database connection available for a query. You need to bind the model class or the query to a knex intstance.

What the heck went wrong!? All because I updated the launcher to 2024.1?

 

[grotaclas]

These errors are usually caused by an antivirus or ransomware protection software which prevents the launcher from writing to "Documents/Paradox Interactive/Europa Universalis IV/". Each update installs a new .exe file for which you have to give access again(unless your software allows a border type of exception).

• If you have Windows Defender(also called Microsoft Defender), add the launcher and eu4 to the Ransomware "Apps Allowed Through" list(here are instructions for that).
• If you have bitdefender, add the launcher and eu4 to the list of ransomware exceptions and "give it access" to "protected files".
• If you have avast, you have to add the launcher and eu4 to the allowed list in the ransomware shield

I think the launcher in this case is "C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher/launcher-v2.2024.1/paradox launcher.exe". You may have some older launcher versions in the exception list already, but that doesn't help.