Solution 1: Editing launch options
We can try launching Steam with the DirectX version 9.0. This seems to eliminate the problem instantly. To launch Steam in the required version, we have to set a launch parameter at its exe file. If you have Steam installed in another directory, change the file path to that required directory. See the picture below for reference.
There is another way you can set launch options for any game.
Solution 2: Checking for malware
There can be malware present on your PC which may be giving you different kinds of problem. Although you can scan for malware using different antivirus programs, you can also use malwarebytes. Please note that we only link other websites to help our users. We won’t be responsible to for any risks involved using that software whatsoever. Malware and virus put your computer to risk indefinitely and alter system settings. Once the system settings are altered, Steam doesn’t get to execute the processes it wanted to and end up giving the error. Scan for Malware and Virus thoroughly before moving on to the next solutions. We will be disabling your antivirus to check if they are the problem so it is very important that you are absolutely certain that your computer isn’t infected. If it is and you fail to identify it, removing the antivirus will make things worse.
Solution 3: Setting an exception to antivirus and removing Firewall
It is a very common fact that your firewall and antivirus software conflicts with Steam. Steam has a lot of processes going on at once to ensure that your gaming experience is nothing but the best. However, many antivirus software mark these processes as potential threats and quarantine them resulting in some processes/applications not working. We have put together a guide on how to put steam as an exception in antivirus. Follow the steps here. For disabling the Windows Firewall, follow the steps listed below.
Solution 4: Opening using Safemode with Networking
Safe mode is a diagnostic startup mode present in the Windows OS. It is used to gain limited access to Windows while troubleshooting as most of the unwanted processes/software gets disabled. Safe mode is developed to help pinpoint the problem or fix it in most cases. If your Steam games keep crashing and producing the error, it means that there is a conflict with a third party application/software with your Steam. You can try removing/disabling these applications to ensure that the conflict gets resolved. Starting anything in safe mode doesn’t pose any kind of thread and it is used worldwide to fix various problems. You don’t have to worry about anything. Since we already added exceptions to antivirus and disabled the firewall, it means there is a problem where a third-party program is interfering with your client. Try uninstalling these programs and start Steam using the normal computer startup. If you still face a problem and Steam refuses to start and keeps crashing when you play a game, it means that there is some other problem. Keep following the solutions listed below.
Solution 5: Verifying game files and library
It may be the case that your game files may be corrupted or may have some missing game files. Because of this your Steam client might not be working properly and keeps crashing when you play any game. Your library files can also be in the incorrect configuration which may lead to a bugged Steam overlay.
Solution 6: Disabling P2P programs
P2P programs form a direct conduit to your computer. Also, their security measures are easily avoidable. Malware writers actively exploit these programs and spread viruses and malware onto your PC. If you haven’t configured your P2P programs correctly, you may be sharing more than you realize or know. There have been many cases where a person’s information was shared through P2P programs such as his computer’s physical address, passwords, usernames, email addresses, etc. With these credentials, it is very easy for exploiters to access your computer and delete important system files which may lead you having this error. Examples of P2P programs include BitTorrent, Utorrent etc. Uninstall them, run a malware check and repair your registry files if you have to. Then start Steam again using administrative privileges and check if your game still crashes. Note: If your computer is acting weird and there are different advertisements popping up again and again on your home screen, it means that your PC is infected. Try installing a trustworthy antivirus and run a thorough check. If this isn’t the case, refer to the solutions below.
Solution 7: Repairing your Steam client
Another thing you can try before refreshing Steam files is to repair Steam using the Run application. The repair Steam option checks for corrupt Steam files and replaces them accordingly. Do note that this process may require administrative privileges. The final command will look something like this: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe /repair You can replace “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam” by another address if you have Steam installed elsewhere for example, if you have it installed in local disk E, the command will become E:\Steam\bin\steamservice.exe /repair
Solution 8: Running chkdsk on your drives
Chkdsk is short for Check Disk. It checks for any errors present on your drive and tries to correct them using the resources available. It is very useful in troubleshooting for errors that we can’t pinpoint, in this case, the AppHandB1 error. There are two main ways you can run the chkdsk command. Refer below.
Using File explorer.
Using command prompt
For example if I am checking drive D, I will write “CHKDSK D:”.
Final Solution: Refreshing Steam files
Now there is nothing left except to reinstall Steam and see if that does the trick. When we refresh your Steam files, we will preserve your downloaded games so you won’t have to download them again. Furthermore, your user data will also be preserved. What refreshing Steam files actually do is delete all the configuration files of the Steam client and then forces it to install them again. So if there were any bad files/corrupt files, they will get replaced accordingly. Do note that after this method, you would need to log in again using your credentials. Don’t follow this solution if you don’t have that information at hand. The process may take a while so avoid canceling once you start the installing process. You can follow how to refresh/reinstall your Steam files through this guide. Note: If you are having a connection error where your entire Steam client refuses to connect to the internet, refer to this guide.
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