If you’re an avid gamer, you’ve likely encountered the dreaded “EA Anti Cheat Encountered a System Error” message at some point. This frustrating error can prevent you from accessing your favorite EA games, such as Apex Legends, FIFA, and Battlefield. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of this error and provide a comprehensive guide to fixing it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual gamer, this article will help you get back to gaming in no time.
One of the most common causes of the “EA Anti Cheat Encountered a System Error” message is a corrupted installation of the EA Anti Cheat software. This software is responsible for ensuring the integrity of your game files and preventing cheating. If the software is damaged or corrupted, it can trigger the error message. To resolve this issue, you can try reinstalling the EA Anti Cheat software. First, navigate to the “Control Panel” in Windows and select “Uninstall a Program.” Find “EA Anti Cheat” in the list of installed programs and click “Uninstall.” Once the software has been uninstalled, restart your computer and download the latest version of EA Anti Cheat from the EA website. After the software has been reinstalled, try launching your EA game again to see if the error message has been resolved.
Identifying the Cause of the Error
The “EA Anti Cheat Encountered a System Error” message is a common issue that can occur when attempting to launch or run games that utilize the EA Anti-Cheat (EAC) system. EAC is a security measure implemented by EA to prevent cheating and ensure fair gameplay in multiplayer titles. When EAC encounters an error, it can block access to the game or cause it to crash.
Pinpointing the exact cause of the EAC system error can be challenging due to various potential factors. However, understanding the root causes and following troubleshooting steps can help resolve the issue.
One of the primary reasons for this error is a conflict between EAC and other software or drivers on your system. These conflicts can arise from antivirus or anti-malware programs, outdated graphics drivers, or incompatible hardware components. Additionally, corrupted or missing game files can also trigger the EAC system error.
| Possible Causes | Description |
|---|---|
| Conflicting Software | Antivirus or anti-malware programs, outdated drivers, or incompatible hardware can interfere with EAC. |
| Corrupted Game Files | Missing or damaged game files can prevent EAC from initializing properly. |
| Outdated EAC | An outdated version of EAC may cause compatibility issues. |
| System Issues | General system errors or permissions issues can affect EAC functionality. |
Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues
Check if your internet connection is stable and working properly. Run a network speed test or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to confirm if there are any issues with your connection.
Make sure your firewall is not blocking the connection to the EA servers. Temporarily disable any antivirus software or firewalls you have running to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, make sure to add an exception for the EA Anti-Cheat service in your security settings.
Advanced Network Troubleshooting
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, try the following advanced techniques:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Flush DNS Cache |
|
| Reset Network Adapter |
|
| Check for VPN or Proxy Interference |
|
Verifying Game File Integrity
Verifying the integrity of your game files is a crucial step when encountering the “EA Anti Cheat Encountered a System Error” issue. Corrupted or missing game files can cause the anti-cheat system to malfunction, resulting in the error message. Here’s a detailed guide on verifying game file integrity for different platforms:
Origin
- Open the Origin client and select “My Game Library” from the menu.
- Right-click on the game title and select “Repair.”
- Origin will scan the game files and automatically download and replace any corrupted or missing files, which should resolve the issue.
| Platform | Steps |
|---|---|
| Steam | – Open the Steam client and go to your Library. – Right-click on the game and select “Properties.” – Navigate to the “Local Files” tab and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.” |
| Origin | – Open the Origin client and select “My Game Library.” – Right-click on the game and choose “Repair.” – Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the repair process. |
| Epic Games Launcher | – Open the Epic Games Launcher and go to your Library. – Click on the three dots next to the game and select “Verify.” – Wait for the verification process to finish. |
Steam
- Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- Right-click on the game title and select “Properties.”
- Under the “Local Files” tab, click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
- Steam will verify the game files and download any missing or corrupted files. Once complete, the issue should be resolved.
Epic Games Launcher
- Open the Epic Games Launcher and go to your Library.
- Click on the three dots next to the game title and select “Verify.”
- The Epic Games Launcher will scan and repair any corrupted or missing game files, potentially resolving the anti-cheat error.
Updating or Reinstalling EA Anti-Cheat
Step 1: Uninstall EA Anti-Cheat
- Close all running games and applications.
- Go to the Control Panel.
- Select "Uninstall a program."
- Find "EA Anti-Cheat" in the list and uninstall it.
Step 2: Download the Latest EA Anti-Cheat
- Visit the EA website and download the latest version of EA Anti-Cheat.
- Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to install EA Anti-Cheat.
Step 3: Repair the EA Anti-Cheat Service
- Press the "Windows Key + R" to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "services.msc" and press Enter.
- Find "EAAntiCheat Service" in the list of services.
- Right-click on the service and select "Restart."
Step 4: Advanced Troubleshooting
- Reset Network Configurations: Restart your modem or router. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Disable Antivirus and Firewall Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software.
- Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date.
- Scan for Malware: Perform a full system scan to identify and remove any potential malware infections.
- Reinstall Origin: Uninstall and reinstall the Origin client.
- Contact EA Support: If you are still experiencing issues, contact EA support for further assistance.
Adjusting User Account Control Settings
User Account Control (UAC) is a Windows security feature that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. By default, UAC is set to the highest level, which requires you to approve any changes that might affect your system. However, this can sometimes interfere with the installation or operation of software, including EA Anti Cheat.
To adjust UAC settings, follow these steps:
- In the Windows search bar, type “UAC” and select “Change User Account Control settings”.
- Drag the slider to the desired level. The recommended setting for most users is the second level from the bottom, “Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default)”.
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
After adjusting UAC settings, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Here is a table summarizing the different UAC levels:
| UAC Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Always notify | Requires approval for all changes that affect your computer. |
| Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default) | Notifies you when apps try to make changes that could affect your computer. |
| Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop) | Like the previous setting, but does not dim your desktop when an app requests approval. |
| Never notify | Does not notify you when apps make changes to your computer. |
Checking for Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables are essential system components required for many applications and games to run properly, including EA Anti-Cheat. Corrupted or missing Visual C++ Redistributables can trigger the “EA Anti-Cheat encountered a system error” issue. To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
- Determine your system’s architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) by pressing Windows Key + R, typing “msinfo32,” and checking under “System Type.”
- Download the appropriate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 from the official Microsoft website.
- For 32-bit systems:
Version Download Link 2015 Download 2017 Download 2019 Download 2022 Download - For 64-bit systems:
Version Download Link 2015 Download 2017 Download 2019 Download 2022 Download - Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
- Restart your computer and try launching the game again to check if the issue is resolved.
Disabling Antivirus and Firewall Software
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with EA Anti-Cheat, causing it to trigger the “System Error” message. To resolve this issue, temporarily disable your antivirus software and try launching the game again. Remember to re-enable your antivirus software afterward for continued protection.
Firewall Software
Firewall software, similar to antivirus software, can also block EA Anti-Cheat from functioning properly. To address this, temporarily disable your firewall and attempt to launch the game. If the problem persists, you may need to add an exception for EA Anti-Cheat in your firewall settings. Refer to your firewall documentation for specific instructions on how to do this.
Excluding Game Files from Antivirus Scans
You can also exclude the game files and folders from your antivirus scans. This prevents the antivirus from interfering with the game’s operation. Locate the game’s installation directory and add it to the exclusion list or trusted zone within your antivirus software settings. Doing this ensures that your antivirus won’t scan or quarantine the game files, potentially resolving the issue.
| Antivirus Software | Firewall Software |
|---|---|
|
Norton |
Windows Defender Firewall |
|
Bitdefender |
Comodo Firewall |
|
Kaspersky |
Avira Firewall |
Performing a System Restore or Reset
If none of the previous steps resolve the “EA Anti Cheat Encountered a System Error” issue, you may need to perform a more drastic measure: a system restore or reset.
System Restore
A system restore reverts your computer to an earlier point in time, before the error occurred. This can potentially fix any corrupted system files or settings that may be causing the issue.
To perform a system restore, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu and search for “Create a restore point”.
- Select “System Protection” from the search results.
- Click the “System Restore” button.
- Select a restore point that was created before the error started occurring.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.
System Reset
If a system restore does not resolve the issue, you may need to perform a system reset. This will wipe your computer and reinstall Windows, which can be a more effective solution but also a more time-consuming one.
To perform a system reset, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu and search for “Reset this PC”.
- Select “Reset this PC” from the search results.
- Choose the “Remove everything” option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Once the system restore or reset is complete, try launching the game again to see if the error has been resolved.
Contacting EA Support for Assistance
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still encountering the “EA Anti Cheat Encountered a System Error” error, you may need to contact EA Support for assistance.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to contact EA Support:
1. Visit the EA Help website:
Go to https://help.ea.com/en/ in your web browser.
2. Select your game:
Click on the “Select a game” dropdown menu and choose the game you are having trouble with.
3. Choose the topic “Technical issues”:
From the list of topics, select “Technical issues”.
4. Describe your issue:
In the “Search for specific help” field, type in “EA Anti Cheat Encountered a System Error”.
5. Click “Contact Us”:
Click on the “Contact Us” button at the bottom of the page.
6. Choose your contact method:
You can choose to contact EA Support via live chat, phone, or email.
7. Provide your account information:
You will need to provide your EA account information, including your email address and password.
8. Describe your issue in detail:
In the “Describe your issue” field, provide a detailed description of the error you are encountering, including any steps you have already taken to troubleshoot the issue.
9. Attach supporting documentation (optional):
If you have any supporting documentation, such as screenshots or error logs, you can attach them to your case by clicking on the “Attach a file” button. Be sure to provide detailed explanations for each file you attach, explaining how they relate to your issue. You can attach up to 5 files, with a maximum file size of 5MB each. Supported file formats include: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, RTF, DOC, DOCX, PDF, TXT, RAR, and ZIP.
10. Submit your request:
Once you have provided all the necessary information, click on the “Submit” button to send your request to EA Support.
Alternative Solutions and Workarounds
- Updating Windows: Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date with the latest updates and patches. Go to the Windows Update settings or use the Windows Update Assistant tool to check for and install any pending updates.
- Restarting the PC: A simple restart can resolve system errors by clearing temporary files and refreshing the system. Close all open programs and restart your computer to see if the error persists.
- Repairing Corrupted System Files: Using the System File Checker (SFC) tool can identify and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command "sfc /scannow" to start the scan and repair process.
- Disabling Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software to rule out any conflicts with the EA Anti Cheat service. Disable the antivirus program and check if the error still occurs. Enable the antivirus software once you have finished troubleshooting.
- Checking Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly. Run a speed test to check your internet speed and resolve any connectivity issues if necessary.
- Reinstalling EA Anti Cheat: Uninstall EA Anti Cheat from the Control Panel, restart your PC, and then reinstall it from the official EA website. This will ensure that you have the latest version of the software.
- Run the Diagnostic Tool: Use the EA Anti Cheat Diagnostic Tool to diagnose and fix potential issues. Download the tool from the EA website, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions to identify and resolve any problems.
- Disable and Re-enable EA Anti Cheat: In the Origin application, navigate to the game settings for the affected game, disable EA Anti Cheat, restart the game, and then re-enable EA Anti Cheat.
- Clear Origin Cache: Go to the Origin application settings, click the Advanced tab, and select Clear Cache. Close and restart Origin to refresh the cache and potentially resolve the error.
- Troubleshooting Advanced Networking Issues: If the previous steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to troubleshoot advanced networking settings such as port forwarding or firewall configurations. Refer to your router’s documentation or contact your ISP for assistance with these settings.
|
System Error Code |
Description |
|---|---|
|
0x0001903f |
EA Anti Cheat installation failed. |
|
0x00019021 |
Failed to initialize EA Anti Cheat. |
|
0x0001902d |
Failed to create device. How to Fix "EA Anti-Cheat Encountered a System Error"The “EA Anti-Cheat Encountered a System Error” message can occur for various reasons. Here are some potential solutions:
People Also AskHow can I update my graphics drivers?Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD) to download the latest drivers. How do I reinstall EA Anti-Cheat?Go to the EA Help website (https://help.ea.com/en/), search for “EA Anti-Cheat,” and follow the instructions to download and reinstall. What are the minimum system requirements for my game?Check the game’s product page or EA’s website for the specific requirements. Can I disable EA Anti-Cheat?No, EA Anti-Cheat is an essential component of the game and cannot be disabled. |
