Guild Wars 2

After launching the game today, the launcher started to download the latest update. Normally this progress goes just fine, but this time I can’t seem to get the launcher to work anymore. I can still see gw2.exe in processes but it does not do anything and doesn’t show up.

I tried using the -repair command, changing admin rights and compatibility options but nothing works.

I would really like to get this game to work again, hopefully anyone has a solution.

Ashley Segovia.8276:

Hi ElementaMaxima – There could be any number of different reasons why this could happen. Best to go down the list and make sure your video card drivers are updated and that you don’t have any conflicting background applications or security software interfering with the client.

Thank you for responding so quickly. All my drivers are up to date. I did not make any changes in software or security settings. I did have this problem before but I could solve it one year ago by selecting compatibility mode of windows xp service pack 3. But this time this doesn’t seem to work anymore…

After launching the game today, the launcher started to download the latest update.

Q1.
Was the launcher able to fully download the update when it was updating? You mentioned it started to download, but did it also complete the download?

I can’t seem to get the launcher to work anymore. I can still see gw2.exe in processes but it does not do anything and doesn’t show up.

Q2.
After ensuring that Gw2.exe is not running in your Task Manager (end task), are you able to load up the launcher normally or does it just fail to even load onto your screen yet still gets relisted in your running processes?

StinVec.3621:

After launching the game today, the launcher started to download the latest update.

Q1.
Was the launcher able to fully download the update when it was updating? You mentioned it started to download, but did it also complete the download?

I can’t seem to get the launcher to work anymore. I can still see gw2.exe in processes but it does not do anything and doesn’t show up.

Q2.
After ensuring that Gw2.exe is not running in your Task Manager (end task), are you able to load up the launcher normally or does it just fail to even load onto your screen yet still gets relisted in your running processes?

Q1: No it didn’t finish the download, normally the launcher downloads a few bytes and then launches again to receive all the new files. The moment it started again to download the new files it never showed up again.

Q2:It fails to load onto my screen, yet I can see it in processes.

Ah, this sounds like UAC. Can you ‘End Task’ the launcher from your processes, then go to your ‘gw2.exe’ and ensure that you have the “Run As Administrator” checkbox enabled in its properties?

Perhaps the new patch that replaced the existing ‘Gw2.exe’ needs it to be re-enabled on it.

StinVec.3621:

Ah, this sounds like UAC. Can you ‘End Task’ the launcher from your processes, then go to your ‘gw2.exe’ and ensure that you have the “Run As Administrator” checkbox enabled in its properties?

Perhaps the new patch that replaced the existing ‘Gw2.exe’ needs it to be re-enabled on it.

Already tried playing with admin rights. No success so far.

I have the exact same issue, and while I’ve fixed it previously by using compatibility with windows service pack 3, it failed to launch after the update.

In crash logs, I have the following:

Assertion: !m_buffs.Find(buffId)
File: ..\..\..\Game\Combat\Cli\CmbtCliBuff.cpp(338)

Does anyone know what this means?

Is your game currently installed to a location like:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Guild Wars 2

I recommend creating a folder on your ‘C:\’ drive called “Games” or something similar. Then can you ‘move’ the entire ‘Guild Wars 2’ folder from being in ‘Program Files’ to being there instead:
C:\Games\Guild Wars 2

Basically move your Guild Wars 2 installation to anywhere else on your hard drive. There have been many issues in the past with getting the game to launch properly when it is installed within ‘Program Files (x86)’.

Then try to launch the game again and see if it will load up properly.

StinVec.3621:

Is your game currently installed to a location like:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Guild Wars 2

I recommend creating a folder on your ‘C:\’ drive called “Games” or something similar. Then can you ‘move’ the entire ‘Guild Wars 2’ folder from being in ‘Program Files’ to being there instead:
C:\Games\Guild Wars 2

Followed your instructions, but issue still exists.

Do you happen to have a backup copy of your Gw2.exe file from before this patch stored someplace else?

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/support/tech/Launcher-won-t-launch

This person had the same issue on September 5th. They stated that they deleted their Gw2.exe and got a copy of a friend’s Gw2.exe and it solved their problem.

I’m uploading a copy of my patched Gw2.exe to mediafire. If you want to try downloading it and replacing your existing Gw2.exe with it, then this may help. I don’t know what is causing the issue, but if this has been shown to solve it, then it is worth a try. I’ll update with the link when it is done. It’s 22mb.

Here is the download link:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/1o52010z5sxk5zc/Gw2.exe

StinVec.3621:

Do you happen to have a backup copy of your Gw2.exe file from before this patch stored someplace else?

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/support/tech/Launcher-won-t-launch

This person had the same issue on September 5th. They stated that they deleted their Gw2.exe and got a copy of a friend’s Gw2.exe and it solved their problem.

I’m uploading a copy of my patched Gw2.exe to mediafire. If you want to try downloading it and replacing your existing Gw2.exe with it, then this may help. I don’t know what is causing the issue, but if this has been shown to solve it, then it is worth a try. I’ll update with the link when it is done. It’s 22mb.

I tried replacing my Gw2.exe to a previous version from a year ago. It also didn’t work.
My Guild wars folder was already outside of the program files directory so this is also not the problem. I would appreciate trying you exe file. Thanks a lot for thinking with me and finding a solution.

Happy to help you and to at least try to solve the problem.
Upload is almost done.

In the meantime, have you tried to completely disable UAC? This still sounds very much like it is related to it.

Start Menu > Control Panel
Click ‘View By’ and select ‘Icons’ in the top right
Click on ‘User Accounts’
Click the bottom option called “Change User Account Control Settings”
In the pop up window, lower the bar to the bottom and click ‘OK’

Then ensure ‘Gw2.exe’ is not still running in your Task manager, and try launching the game again.

I added the download link for my gw2.exe
http://www.mediafire.com/download/1o52010z5sxk5zc/Gw2.exe

StinVec.3621:

Happy to help you and to at least try to solve the problem.
Upload is almost done.

In the meantime, have you tried to completely disable UAC? This still sounds very much like it is related to it.

Start Menu > Control Panel
Click ‘View By’ and select ‘Icons’ in the top right
Click on ‘User Accounts’
Click the bottom option called “Change User Account Control Settings”
In the pop up window, lower the bar to the bottom and click ‘OK’

Then ensure ‘Gw2.exe’ is not still running in your Task manager, and try launching the game again.

My UAC was already completely disabled. Should be something else…

StinVec.3621:

I added the download link for my gw2.exe
http://www.mediafire.com/download/1o52010z5sxk5zc/Gw2.exe

Tried your file, same problem

:(
I’m going to throw some coffee on to brew and see if I can figure this thing out. I’ll get back to you soon on if I come up with something.

i just got home today and i clicked my gw2 shortcut multiple times and it seems like its trying to start but then nothing would happen. i opened task manager and found multiple gw2.exe in processes. tried ending process one by one and when only one gw2.exe was left, launcher popped up and started downloading the patch. hope this helps.

ElementaMaxima
In your game folder could you also make sure that your ‘Gw2.tmp’ file is not set as ‘Read Only’ in its properties?

Is the ‘Gw2.tmp’ file also larger than ‘zero’ bytes in file size?

What anti-virus software is being used? Perhaps the new Gw2.exe needs to be re-added to the exceptions/All Connections application rules.

Also make sure that the new ‘Gw2.exe’ that you downloaded from me isn’t set to ‘Read Only’ as downloaded files are sometimes set to be ‘Read Only’ when they are downloaded.

StinVec.3621:

ElementaMaxima
In your game folder could you also make sure that your ‘Gw2.tmp’ file is not set as ‘Read Only’ in its properties?

Is the ‘Gw2.tmp’ file also larger than ‘zero’ bytes in file size?

What anti-virus software is being used? Perhaps the new Gw2.exe needs to be re-added to the exceptions/All Connections application rules.

Also make sure that the new ‘Gw2.exe’ that you downloaded from me isn’t set to ‘Read Only’ as downloaded files are sometimes set to be ‘Read Only’ when they are downloaded.

All the files in my guild wars 2 folder have read only deselected. I tried disabling all my anti virus software and tried turning off the firewall as well. All without success….
The Gw2.tmp has 0 bytes. I tried deleting all files and reinstall but the GWsetup does not work either.

Are you using any other application that is running in the background like Razer GameBooster or something?

Sadly, the only thing I can think to do right now would be to do the full startup disabling and then slowly re-enable elements to see what is causing the conflict.

I would like to rule out the possibility that there is another program interfering with the game connection. To do this, we use a Windows command called “MSCONFIG.”

Please note, this command will not uninstall any applications from your computer. All MSCONFIG does is prevent these applications from automatically starting when Windows boots up.

To do this:

1. Press and hold the Windows key and then hit the R key. This should bring up the Run dialog box.

2. Type “MSCONFIG” without the quotes, and click “OK.” This should open the System Configuration Utility.

3. Click on the “Services” tab and check the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box near the bottom, then click the “Disable All” button. (You MUST click “Hide all Microsoft Services”)

4. Next go to the “Startup” tab and click the “Disable All” button.

5. Once these items are all disabled, click the “OK” button and you will get a prompt to restart your computer. Please restart your computer.

6. Once you return to Windows, please try connecting to the game again.

To reverse these settings, simply run MSCONFIG again and click “Normal Startup” on the first window labeled “General.”

Note: If you need a specific application to run with Windows but still want to use MSCONFIG, just follow the above instructions and on step 4, re-check any application you feel needs to start with Windows. Examples would be wireless connection software, mouse or keyboard applications or even security applications. Please note that security applications can often be a contributing factor to such issues. If you haven’t done so already, please also disable any Anti-virus, Firewall or other security applications for testing purposes.

StinVec.3621:

Are you using any other application that is running in the background like Razer GameBooster or something?

Sadly, the only thing I can think to do right now would be to do the full startup disabling and then slowly re-enable elements to see what is causing the conflict.

I would like to rule out the possibility that there is another program interfering with the game connection. To do this, we use a Windows command called “MSCONFIG.”

Please note, this command will not uninstall any applications from your computer. All MSCONFIG does is prevent these applications from automatically starting when Windows boots up.

To do this:

1. Press and hold the Windows key and then hit the R key. This should bring up the Run dialog box.

2. Type “MSCONFIG” without the quotes, and click “OK.” This should open the System Configuration Utility.

3. Click on the “Services” tab and check the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box near the bottom, then click the “Disable All” button. (You MUST click “Hide all Microsoft Services”)

4. Next go to the “Startup” tab and click the “Disable All” button.

5. Once these items are all disabled, click the “OK” button and you will get a prompt to restart your computer. Please restart your computer.

6. Once you return to Windows, please try connecting to the game again.

To reverse these settings, simply run MSCONFIG again and click “Normal Startup” on the first window labeled “General.”

Note: If you need a specific application to run with Windows but still want to use MSCONFIG, just follow the above instructions and on step 4, re-check any application you feel needs to start with Windows. Examples would be wireless connection software, mouse or keyboard applications or even security applications. Please note that security applications can often be a contributing factor to such issues. If you haven’t done so already, please also disable any Anti-virus, Firewall or other security applications for testing purposes.

I tried everything like you said. Even with everything turned off the problem still exists.
I’m trying not to lose hope…

I know how to fix Louncher not show up in Window but in taskmanager show up just delete Gw2.tmp and click u gw2.exe again few sec louncher redownload u file Gw2.tmp after thats solved
i hope this help for u all sorry for my bad english

So this is a late post, and the original post owner has probably fixed the problem but for anyone else reading this forum:
I had the same problem, opened for a second and then closed revealing nothing but theme music and if i used my mouse over the icon on my task bar, it would just show x, enlarge/decrease screen size and minimize. Clicking on i would not solve the problem.
I’m not sure what caused the problem as i didn’t play around with any files.

HOW TO SOLVE:
what worked for me is simply uninstalling using windows search “uninstall a program” and then simply re-installing. Yes the process takes a few hours but it fixed the problem for me. definitely worth a try if you are running out of options..
I hope this helped and good luck solving your problems with gw2 to get it running again

I can’t seem to get the client to download. It’ll appear for a split second and then disappear. I’ve turn off the firewall and I’d repair it but I can’t even get past the gw2setup. Asks permission and doesn’t proceed. Anybody have that going on?

After trying most of the methods mentioned above, I never got it working. This same issue happened to me after the September 9th feature pack. However, I found a fix that worked for me. After the download, the client ever showed up. However, when I lowered the resolution of my screen from 1600×900 to 1280×720 (resolution I use ingame on gw2), the launcher popped up. I hope this is useful for others.

Game has worked flawlessly since the first day available until latest patch that hung and hung then crashed. Uninstalled, virus issues, protection issues, internet issues, repaired, and now the game client installed after some files down loaded then freezes.

Time to get back out side and go for some walks and meet people again. read a book etc.

ElementaMaxima.3204:

StinVec.3621:

ElementaMaxima
In your game folder could you also make sure that your ‘Gw2.tmp’ file is not set as ‘Read Only’ in its properties?

Is the ‘Gw2.tmp’ file also larger than ‘zero’ bytes in file size?

What anti-virus software is being used? Perhaps the new Gw2.exe needs to be re-added to the exceptions/All Connections application rules.

Also make sure that the new ‘Gw2.exe’ that you downloaded from me isn’t set to ‘Read Only’ as downloaded files are sometimes set to be ‘Read Only’ when they are downloaded.

All the files in my guild wars 2 folder have read only deselected. I tried disabling all my anti virus software and tried turning off the firewall as well. All without success….
The Gw2.tmp has 0 bytes. I tried deleting all files and reinstall but the GWsetup does not work either.

This worked for me.. my GW2.tmp file was set as read only for the object “ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES”. I applied the write permission and it worked.

Thanks ElementaMaxima

This worked for some people, maybe worth to try:
“1. Close the Gw2.exe.
2. Install and run spotflux.
3. Executing Gw2.exe complete the remaining downloads.
4. Quit spotflux running.
5. Rerun the Gw2.exe to login. And games.
Download spotflux are on the Web.
I’ve solved the problem with this job.”

I have just tried it, and it worked perfectly. granted I only needed to download that 1 file, but yeah, it works