Paradox Launcher v2 doesn't run

[Sesqui]

I hope it isn't a duplicate the "Launcher won't start" thread, but I can't read the small print on the first post on that thread, so I don't know what the question was.

Anyway, I can't run Vic3, or any Paradox game for that matter, on Steam (the games downloaded just fine). The Paradox Launcher v2 Setup app gives an error message that says "Another installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one. " Non-Paradox Steam games don't have this problem, and can be played. "Retry" just gives you the same error message.

Technical specs: I have the Windows 11 OS, and a 12th generation Intel Core i9-12900HK. (I only cursorily read the 12/13 generation thread, but I don't think it discusses this). I doubt the graphic card is relevant., and I don't know where it is in the control panel anyway.

 

[AndrewT]

Please try this:

- uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present. Then use this MS tool to make sure it is 100% gone

Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed - Microsoft Support

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs.

support.microsoft.com

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.

- exit the Steam app entirely
- run steam.exe as the Windows Admin user
- run the game from the PLAY button in Steam
OR
- exit the Epic app entirely
- run EpicGamesLauncher.exe as the Windows Admin user
- run the game from the Epic client

IF that doesn't help, in this folder are some .log files:
C:/users/{userName}/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
Please attach them here.
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

 

[Sesqui]

I tried the above fix and it didn't work. BTW I had to Run as Administrator from the Task Manager just to download the troubleshooting app.

I did find the .log files though.

 

[AndrewT]

Looks like the same issue. Did the MS tool find anything?

If not you may need to use the free Revo Uninstaller and Ccleaner to remove all trace of our launcher, and/or whatever else has a stuck install, then do the above process again.

You can also try making a new Windows user on this machine and log into it with that.

 

[Sesqui]

The MS tool in Installing mode, Not listed says "troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem".
The MS tool in Installing mode, Name not available says "Cannot install or uninstall a program".
The MS tool in Uninstalling mode, Not listed asks for a product code [for Victoria 3? IDK].
The MS tool in Uninstalling mode, Name not available, says "Cannot install of uninstall a program".
There is no paradox launcher on the list of programs.

The Revo tool also does not list any paradox launcher in the list of programs that can be uninstalled.

I'm a bit afraid of Ccleaner since apparently there is a fake Ccleaner that is malware. Is the https://ccleaner.com a safe site to download it from?

I may have tried this already, but should I uninstall and reinstall Steam? I had tried removing and redownloading VIc3 from within Steam and that did not help.

 

[AndrewT]

I don't think a Steam reinstall will help, as they have nothing to do with the Windows installation utility.

Did you try making a new Windows user on this machine and log into it with that?

 

[Sesqui]

I did try that. Surprisingly, the game now loads not only for the guest Windows account I created, but for my own account as well.