[INFO] Common Issues and Solutions

1. Launcher issues

Here are some easy to follow steps to help with resolving issues you may have while installing/patching the client or if the launcher is not working as it should.

1. Repair Utility
2. Run as Administrator
3. Check your computer’s time and date
4. Antivirus and firewall settings
5. Redownload swtor_setup.exe
6. .NET Frameworks and Windows Update
7. Safe boot with Networking
8. Create a new User Profile
9. Launcher performance with Google Chrome

I) Repair Utility

The easiest step in order to fix a broken or corrupted launcher is to follow the advice in the Launcher Troubleshooting Guide here. 

II) Run as Administrator

In order to launch the game you need to set the launcher to run with Administrative privileges.
To do so, right click on the launcher.exe file located by default in:

• • For 32 bit Operating Systems - C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\BioWare\Star Wars - The Old Republic\
  • For 64 bit Operating Systems - C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\BioWare\Star Wars - The Old Republic\
• Select 'Properties'
• Click on the 'Compatibility' tab and check the box at the bottom under 'Privilege Level' where it says 'Run this Program as an administrator'
• Click Apply and OK.

III) Check your computer's time and date

This step is particularly recommended if you receive the “The login Service is unavailable” error message. Make sure your computer’s time and date are set correctly on both your Windows clock settings and BIOS clock. If they are not, the authentication or the necessary encryption may fail.

IV) Antivirus and Firewall settings

Anti-Virus software can also cause issues launching the game. There are a number of different anti-virus software variations out there, so we’ve included some general steps below that might help:

1. Open your anti-virus software menu and check that ‘swtor.exe’ and ‘launcher.exe’ are NOT in a quarantine list or deletion list.
2. Add swtor.exe and launcher.exe to your anti-virus ‘safelist’.

If you are unsure on how to do either of the above steps then you should contact the manufacturer of your anti-virus software.
In addition, we recommend use of Microsoft Security Essentials for virus protection. It has been tested for compatibility with the SWTOR launcher. If using other anti-virus software, please make sure you’re running the latest version of it.

You may need to allow the launcher (launcher.exe) and game client (swtor.exe) to communicate through your firewall. For the Windows firewall you can check the following guides:

• Windows Vista + XP
• Windows 7
• Windows 8 & 10

For other third-party firewalls, please refer to the software manufacturer for specific instructions on adding exceptions to those firewalls.

V) Redownload swtor_setup.exe

If you are having trouble completing the patching process or logging on to your server please visit this page. A new window will open, asking if you want to run or save a file named “SWTOR_setup.exe”. Click on “Save”. The download will then start.

Once the file is downloaded, double click on the file to launch it (SWTOR_setup.exe). A security warning may pop up asking if you want to run the file, please click on “Run”. Please then follow the instructions to install the game, this will overwrite your launcher files, but should not require a full download of the game client. Once the installation is complete, please try launching the game again.

If, after this, you are still getting an error while patching you will unfortunately need to fully uninstall the game client and then begin the process anew.

VI) .NET Frameworks and Windows Update

Please ensure that you have the latest Service Pack and Windows Updates installed for your operating system including the optional updates such as .NET Framework and Visual C++ features. This is very important to ensure the stability of the recent games.

VII) Safe boot with Networking

If you are experiencing issues during patching where one of your Main Assets seems to be stuck in a patching loop, preventing you from successfully patching the game we would recommend that you restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking enabled.

VIII) Create a new User Profile

A number of players have been encountering an issue since the recent 1.3.2. patch where the launcher will close when they attempt to open it. We have identified that some players who are affected by this issue have found that creating a new Windows User Profile will help them to resolve the issue.

If none of the above helped you with your issue, please see the Launcher Troubleshooting Guide for more in-depth troubleshooting steps.

IX) Launcher performance with Google Chrome

It has recently come to our attention that the SWTOR Launcher can be negatively impacted by certain versions of Google Chrome. If you experience the launcher running slowly and have Chrome open, please reduce the number of open tabs or close the browser completely.