Solution 1: Verifying the integrity of Steam cache
Many cases arise when the Steam cache files get corrupted. If this is the case, we can verify and replace the files to solve the problem. This solution will compare the files present on your PC with the latest ones available on the Steam servers. If the files are missing or incomplete, this will replace them after downloading from the official servers. This won’t prompt you for any login credentials after it’s finished so no need to worry.
In the dialogue box write “taskmgr”. This should open up the task manager.
Solution 2: Checking folder security permissions
Steam may not have sufficient Write privileges which may cause it to generate the Error 80. As we all know, in order for a program to work efficiently, it needs to have both privileges (read and write). Missing any one of these may cause Steam to stop in between of processes and end up giving the error. Follow the steps below.
Or if you installed Steam in another directory, you can browse to that directory and you will be good to go.
Solution 3: Changing your Regional settings
Mismatching time zone and time may also cause Steam to pop up the problem. The fix for this is pretty easy. Follow the steps mentioned below:
Solution 4: Conflict with Data Execution Prevention
There also may be a problem of Data Execution Prevention having a conflict with Steam. Data Execution Prevention is a security feature in Windows. Basically, it blocks and shuts down program which it deems can harm your computer. Obviously, Steam never harms your computer but it is very normal for it be listed as one of the programs. Follow the steps mentioned below to check if there is a conflict between Steam and DEP.
Solution 5: Disabling Windows Defender
Many users reported that unexpectedly, Windows Defender was causing the problem. Somehow, after disabling it, the fluctuation was fixed. It is advised to turn it off and try re-launching Steam. However, if this method doesn’t work, it is highly recommended for you to turn it back on.
After completing the above steps, your Windows Defender should be turned off. Restart your computer and re-launch Steam using Steam.exe. It is preferable to launch it with administrative privileges. To do so just right click on your client and select “Run as administrator”.
Solution 6: Updating your drivers
Always make sure that your drivers are up-to date. These include audio, video, graphic drivers etc. Also, update other drivers such as DirectX.
Solution 7: Deleting corrupt Steam files
Sometimes Steam’s files may get corrupted. There can be many random reasons and there is nothing to worry about. We can try deleting the Steamapps folder and let Steam download the missing files again. Please note that you can move the folder to another location for this process so we can retrieve it if the need arises.
Or if you installed Steam in another directory, you can browse to that directory and you will be good to go.
Solution 8: Disabling the anti-virus
In many situations, your antivirus may be causing the problem. It is not unusual for it to mark Steam files as potential viruses and quarantine them. Below are listed different ways to disable the antivirus until you can update your game.
McAfee Antivirus:
McAfee has no way to exclude certain files from its real time scanning. The only way is to disable the antivirus entirely until the game is updated. To do this, open McAfee and select “Virus and Spyware Protection”. Here you find the option of “Real-Time Scanning”. Click that option and turn it off.
Then follow the following instruction to verify integrity of game files. Hopefully, after performing the above steps, your Steam won’t give any issue.
ESET NOD32
NOD32 has the tendency to mark some application files as malicious and will most probably quarantine it. This often results in the error while updating a game. Browse to your current Steam directory and copy the address Press ⊞ Win + R button. This should pop-up the Run application. In the dialogue box write “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam”. Or if you installed Steam in another directory, you can browse to that directory and you can proceed with steps mentioned below. After copying the address open ESET NOD32 and paste the location in exclude from real time scanning. Follow the ‘verify integrity of game files’ method listed above and you will be all good.
Kaspersky AV
Kaspersky may sometimes flag Steam as an intruder and disable it from making any changes to the hard drive. To fix this, head over to ‘threats and exclusions’. Navigate to ‘trusted zone’ and add Steam.exe as a trusted application. Remember to change the settings to Do not restrict application activity as well as Do not scan opened files. Follow the ‘verify integrity of game files’ method listed above and restart your computer.
Final Solution: Reinstalling Steam
Since none of the normal methods seemed to work out, we can try to reinstall Steam while preserving your game data. Please note that this method may take a while and it is recommended that you continue with this solution only when you have ample of time. C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam SteamApps (folder) Userdata (folder) Steam.exe (Application) Ssfn (Number sequence)
Hopefully, after going through this guide, your problem will be solved. Remember to run Steam as administrator in all of the cases even if it isn’t mentioned in the method involved. We wish you happy gaming!
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