[Windows 10] Paradox Launcher not Starting

[Salec]

Hey there. Short version, Paradox Launcher is corrupted but is unable to reinstall due to old files being present on the computer but I'm having trouble hunting down those old files.

Long version: I'm on Windows 10 and recently purchased Victoria 3 not realizing that my processor did not support ATX. So when the launch issue occurred, I followed instructions and got assistance in that forum until it was pointed out to me that my processor did not support ATX (I have a very old gen i7, but since minimum specs identify i3, I thought I had ATX by default on an i7). During that process, I had to uninstall and delete Paradox Launcher files from my computer multiple times and I think somewhere in that process, something bugged out. I've attached the log as indicated in the error message I got which appears as follows:

I've tried to resolve by going in and deleting the files like I did to allow the game to reinstall. I've been operating via the workaround of just launching EU4 directly rather than through Steam and the Launcher, but I just got Lions of the North and I had heard that if I don't go through the Launcher, the game won't recognize that I now own it and activate the DLC. If that's not the case, I can just use the workaround and be happy, but I'd like to have this working properly in its entirety if at all possible.

-Thank You

 

[AndrewT]

Please try this:

- uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present.
- if you have any trouble uninstalling , try this MS tool for that purpose:

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

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.

 

[Salec]

Hey Andrew, that's got it. Thank you very much for your help. Not sure if it was the source of the issue, but I forgot that my son had launched EU4 on his profile so I went in and deleted the same files from his user filepath as well just to be certain. Thanks for the help.

 

[Salec]

Okay, curious. For anyone who finds this thread at a later time, I apparently have to always use Steam in Admin mode to get the launcher to function correctly. Not sure if that's working as intended Andrew. Let me know if there's any way I can get you additional data if this should be functioning in a different way.

 

[AndrewT]

We sometimes need to do that to get the launcher installed, but normally not to run it after that.