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Steam: Fallout 3 failed to start (error code 80)



Here’s a really quick one: I kept getting this error when I tried to launch my recently purchased copy of Fallout 3. I googled around a bit, and while I found people with the same problem, no fixes were available.

"Steam - Game Launch Failed" error dialog

Fallout 3 failed to start (error code 80).

Solution

While not an actual solution, I’ve been able to circumvent this problem by closing Steam, and re-opening it. This will allow you to launch the game successfully, but only once. If you quit the game, and try to launch it again, it won’t work. To get it to launch again, simply repeat the process – close Steam, re-open it.

I’ll try and figure out how to fix this once and for all.

See Also

Steam Forum Post - Fallout 3 fell over and went boom :(

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  • Aaron

    I am having the exact same issue with Bad Company 2…except that it does not work whether or not i re-start steam ;(

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/mrefghi Matt Refghi

      Try:
      - Activating the beta or normal UI, whichever you're not using. (Steam > Settings > Beta Participation)
      - Creating a shortcut to the game executable on your desktop. Find the executable within the Steam directory. Make sure sure to enable the "Run this program as an administrator" field in the Properties > Compatibility section of the desktop shortcut. (applicable to vista/7 only).

      I'll take another look at this tonight.

  • Dwarfenman

    Well all my steam games are doing it and i have about 500 $ of steam games i now cant play

    • Anonymous

      Try deleting clientregistry.blob fixes alot, might help you, helped me, common fix.

  • Taylor

    im still having troubles. ive tried opening then closing and it doenst work

  • Eddies1214

    i have issue with skyrim, i think i have the cause: i had skyrim running but my sister pressed the power button. when i reopened skyrim, error 80.