Star Citizen is an ambitious game that has captivated space enthusiasts around the world. With its stunning graphics, immersive storyline, and dynamic economy, it provides an experience that few other games can match. However, like every other game, Star Citizen is not immune to bugs and errors. Recently, many players have been encountering the Error Code 15008/16008, which displays an error message that says “Account data update failed”. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you were in the middle of an engaging gaming session. Nevertheless, players need not be too concerned, as there are various ways to to Fix Star Citizen Error Code 15008/16008 “Account data update failed” issue.
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Fixing Star Citizen Error Code 15008/16008: A Step-by-Step Guide
The causes of the “Account data update failed” error can be varied and can include server outages, outdated launchers, firewall or antivirus issues, internet connection problems, router issues, and incorrect Windows host files. Here are some possible fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay.
Restart Your PC
The first and easiest solution is to restart your PC. Often, errors like this can be caused by temporary issues with your computer’s connection to the internet or the game servers. Restarting your PC can clear these issues and help you connect to the game server seamlessly. After restarting, try launching Star Citizen again and see if the error persists.
Relaunch Your Game
One such solution involves relaunching the game without closing the launcher, which has worked well for many players. To do this, launch the game first, and then wait for the error message to appear. Once it does, head to the Task Bar, right-click on the game’s icon, and then close the program. After this, the launcher will appear. Now, you need to relaunch the game again, without closing the launcher. Many players have had success with this method, so you can try it too.
Check Start Citizen Server Outage
Check if the Star Citizen servers are online and not undergoing maintenance. It is not uncommon for game servers to go down for maintenance or experience unexpected outages, and Star Citizen is no exception. To check the status of the Star Citizen servers, head to the RSI Status Update page, which provides real-time updates on server outages and maintenance.
If the game servers are not working, you can’t play the game until they start working again. But if the servers are working and not under maintenance, then the error may be caused by other problems on this list. If the servers are down, you have to wait until they start working again to play the game.
Update The Launcher To Latest Version
Updating your launcher to the latest version can also resolve the error. Make sure to download the latest version of the RSI launcher from the official Star Citizen website and install it before launching the game.
Update Outdated GPU To Latest Version
One of the most common causes of this error is outdated graphics card drivers. This is because the game’s Easy Anti-Cheat program may conflict with outdated drivers, leading to the error. Therefore, updating your GPU drivers to the latest version is crucial. This will not only resolve the issue but also improve the game’s overall performance.
To update your graphics card drivers, you can visit the manufacturer’s website and search for the latest drivers available for your GPU model. You can also use third-party software like Driver Booster or Driver Easy, which can automatically detect and install the latest drivers for your GPU.
Reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher
Another solution you can try is reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher. This may seem like a simple fix, but sometimes a corrupt or outdated installation of the launcher can cause issues with the game. To reinstall it, simply uninstall the launcher from your computer and download the latest version from the Epic Games website.
Don’t Use A Cheat Software
One of the primary reasons behind this error code is the use of cheat software, which can give you an unfair advantage over other players in the game. Using cheat software is not only unethical but also violates the terms and conditions of the game, which can result in a permanent ban of your account.
The game developers have installed advanced tools to detect cheating software, and if they detect any such software running in the background, it can trigger error codes like 16008 & 15008, disrupting your gameplay. In some cases, the anti-cheat system may not give you any warnings, and the error codes may appear suddenly, causing frustration and annoyance.
To fix this issue, it is essential uninstall any cheat software and terminate all processes related to it before launching the game. This will ensure that the game runs smoothly without any interference from the anti-cheat system. Even if you have used cheat software in the past, it is essential to remove it from your system and ensure that it is no longer running in the background.
It is crucial to note that using cheat software can not only ruin your gaming experience but also get your account banned permanently from the platform. Therefore, it is best to play the game fairly and enjoy it without any unethical practices.
Firewall And Antivirus Blocking Issues
Firewalls and antivirus programs are designed to protect your computer from external threats, but they can also inadvertently block legitimate programs like Star Citizen from connecting to the internet. To resolve this issue, you will need to whitelist both the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen executable files in your firewall and antivirus software.
Whitelisting these files will allow them to bypass your firewall and antivirus programs and connect to the internet without being blocked. Once you have added these files to your whitelist, try launching the game again to see if the error has been resolved.
To whitelist the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen executable files, you will need to access the settings of your firewall and antivirus software. The process for doing this can vary depending on the software you are using, but in most cases, you should be able to find the whitelist settings in the security or firewall section of the software.
Unstable Internet Connection, Wireless Connection And Router Issue
One of the most common reasons for this error is an unstable internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can cause data loss, resulting in the error message. If you suspect that your internet connection is the culprit, resetting your modem or router may help. Ensuring that your connection is stable can also fix the issue.
Another potential cause of the error is a wireless connection or router issue. Some routers are known to cause connection issues and data loss, which can trigger the error message. If you have a separate modem and router setup, try bypassing your router temporarily and connecting your computer directly to the modem using a wired connection. This can help determine whether the router is the cause of the problem.
Finally, disabling VPNs or proxy servers may also help fix the issue. These services can sometimes interfere with your internet connection, causing data loss and connection issues.
Double Check Windows Host Files
This error can occur due to a number of reasons, such as network connectivity issues or server problems. However, in some rare cases, the error may be caused by incorrect entries in your Windows host file. The Windows host file is a system file that maps IP addresses to domain names.
To fix this issue, the first step is to double-check the Windows host file. You can find the host file in ‘C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc’. Open the host file in a text editor and carefully review its contents for any incorrect entries. Incorrect entries may include misspelled domain names, IP addresses that no longer exist, or even entries inserted by malicious software. If you find any such entries, simply remove them and save the changes.
It’s important to note that the Windows host file is a sensitive system file and any incorrect changes can cause serious issues with your system. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to create a backup of the host file before making any changes. This way, you can always revert to the original file if anything goes wrong.
Connect Through PTU Servers
One possible solution is to connect through the PTU servers. The PTU, or Public Test Universe, is a separate server environment where players can test upcoming features and changes to the game before they are released to the Live environment. By connecting to the PTU servers, players may be able to bypass the Error Code 15008/16008 and log in to the game.
To check the status of the PTU, players can visit the PTU status page. This page provides updates on the status of the PTU, including whether it is active or not. If the PTU is no longer active, players will need to wait for the next round of testing to access it. However, if the PTU is currently active, players can connect to the PTU servers and enjoy the latest features and changes to the game.
Contact Star Citizen Support
If none of these steps resolves the error, it may be time to contact Star Citizen support for additional assistance. They have a team of experts who can provide more specific guidance based on your individual situation and help you troubleshoot the issue further. You can submit a ticket through the game’s website or reach out to their support team through email or social media. With their help, you should be able to fix the error and get back to exploring the vast universe of Star Citizen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Account data update failed” error with error code 15008/16008 in Star Citizen can be caused by various issues, but these workarounds should help you fix the problem and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay. By following these steps and staying patient, you can get back to exploring the vast universe of Star Citizen without any further interruptions.
