Difference between revisions of "Games for Windows - LIVE"
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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# Remove any existing versions of the GFWL Marketplace and LIVE Redistributable. | # Remove any existing versions of the GFWL Marketplace and LIVE Redistributable. | ||
# Download and install the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1012-microsoft-games-for-windows-live/ Games for Windows - LIVE software]. | # Download and install the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1012-microsoft-games-for-windows-live/ Games for Windows - LIVE software]. | ||
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==Issues unresolved== | ==Issues unresolved== | ||
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# Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace. | # Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace. | ||
# Reinstall [[#Download|latest version]]. | # Reinstall [[#Download|latest version]]. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | ==== | + | ====Can't connect to LIVE. A DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers==== |
{{ii}} These instructions are written with Windows 10 in mind but are probably largely the same for Win 7/8/8.1 | {{ii}} These instructions are written with Windows 10 in mind but are probably largely the same for Win 7/8/8.1 | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Flush all DNS entries in cache & change default DNS servers to OpenDNS servers|ref=<ref>[https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/529115/dns-lookup-failed-i-have-no-idea-what-this-is-or-how-to-fix-it-what-do-i-do/?p=3327400 DNS lookup failed? I have no idea what this is or how to fix it. What do I do?]</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Flush all DNS entries in cache & change default DNS servers to OpenDNS servers|ref=<ref>[https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/529115/dns-lookup-failed-i-have-no-idea-what-this-is-or-how-to-fix-it-what-do-i-do/?p=3327400 DNS lookup failed? I have no idea what this is or how to fix it. What do I do?]</ref>|fix= | ||
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# Now run the installer. | # Now run the installer. | ||
# Once installed run your GFWL game and retrieve your Gamertag profile if necessary. | # Once installed run your GFWL game and retrieve your Gamertag profile if necessary. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Other information== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Creating a local profile=== | ||
+ | {{++}} Local profiles don't need internet access. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Multiplayer, achievements, DLC downloading and in-game patching are unavailable (many games can be patched manually; refer to the individual game pages for details). | ||
+ | {{ii}} Local profiles can't be used for games that are multiplayer-only or always-online (e.g. [[Age of Empires Online]]). | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Create local profile|ref={{cn|date=April 2017}}|fix= | ||
+ | # While in any game sign out of your existing profile (if you are signed in), then choose Create New Profile. | ||
+ | # Choose Create New Profile again. | ||
+ | # At the Create Gamer Profile screen, scroll down and click the "create a local profile" blue link. | ||
+ | # Name your profile and click Submit. | ||
+ | # Customize the profile now if you want to, then click Done to save your profile. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Backing up saves=== | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Back up XLive folder|ref={{cn|date=April 2017}}|fix= | ||
+ | # Back up the game's normal save folder. | ||
+ | # Back up the XLive folder: <code>{{p|localappdata}}\Microsoft\XLive</code> | ||
+ | # Restore everything to the same locations. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Moving saves between gamertags=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} If you rename your gamertag or switch to a different one your existing saves won't be shown in-game.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/vs0zd/psa_if_you_change_your_windows_live_gamer_tag/ PSA: If you change your Windows Live gamer tag name, all of your GFWL save games will disappear.]</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Move saves to new gamertag|fix= | ||
+ | # Log into the game with your new gamertag and save the game to make the new folder, then exit the game. | ||
+ | # Go to the game's save folder, e.g. for [[Fallout 3]] this is <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\My Games\Fallout3\Saves\</code>. | ||
+ | # Move everything from the old gamertag's folder to the new one, replacing all existing files. | ||
+ | # If it worked your saves will now show up in-game under the new gamertag. | ||
+ | {{--}} Some games specifically block saves being moved between profiles so this may not work for all games. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Backing up installers=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Installation files are normally deleted after installation is complete; you can back them up to avoid having to download them again. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Games reinstalled from backups will not show up as installed in the Marketplace client but will otherwise work normally. | ||
+ | {{ii}} You may also want to keep a copy of your game keys, accessible from the Marketplace client by going to the item and then choosing View Game Keys. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Backing up installers for games purchased through the Marketplace|ref={{cn|date=April 2017}}|fix= | ||
+ | # Download the game through the Marketplace client but do not install it yet. | ||
+ | # Go to the downloads folder, found in the following location by default: | ||
+ | #* Vista and later: <code>{{p|localappdata}}\Microsoft\GFWLive\Downloads</code> | ||
+ | #* Windows XP: <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\GFWLive\Downloads</code> | ||
+ | # Copy the installation files somewhere else then install the game normally if you wish. | ||
+ | # To reinstall the game from your backup extract the CAB file(s) and run the MSI inside. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Backing up patch update installers|ref={{cn|date=April 2017}}|fix= | ||
+ | # Allow the game to download the update in-game when prompted. | ||
+ | # Cancel the UAC prompt or installer window when it appears. | ||
+ | # Go to the updates folder, found in the following location by default: | ||
+ | #* Vista and later: <code>{{p|localappdata}}\Microsoft\XLive\Updates</code> | ||
+ | #* Windows XP: <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\XLive\Updates</code> | ||
+ | # Copy the installation files somewhere else then allow the game to retry the update installation if you wish. | ||
+ | # To reinstall the update from your backup extract the CAB file(s) and run the EXE (or MSI if there is no EXE). | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 22:14, 19 May 2019
Developers | |
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Microsoft | |
Release dates | |
Windows | May 29, 2007 |
Key points
- Requires installation of the latest version to function on Windows 8 and later.
- The Marketplace was closed on August 25, 2013 for new purchases; existing purchases can still be downloaded,[1] although the service is prone to outages.[2][3][4]
- DRM varies; see List of Games for Windows - LIVE games.
- Use the same Microsoft account and gamertag across other Xbox services.
- Only available in Xbox Live Countries and Regions; players outside these areas must use a local profile.
- Most games are region-locked on Steam, Latin America users cannot view or purchase these games.
Download
- Remove any existing versions of the GFWL Marketplace and LIVE Redistributable.
- Download and install the Games for Windows - LIVE software.
Issues unresolved
- If you still have any issues with GFWL, use XLiveLess
Issues fixed
Crashes, errors, impossible to log-in
Reinstall updated client[citation needed] |
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Sign-in problems
In-game interface does not open
Reinstall client[citation needed] |
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Make sure you logged in the desktop client at least once[citation needed] |
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Install the Sign-in Assistant[citation needed] |
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Notes
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Ensure Sign-in Assistant service is running[citation needed] |
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Code: 8015403A error
Try to log in website[citation needed] |
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Code: 80048821 error
If two-factor authentication is enabled, create a new app password[5] |
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Try "Sign in with a different gamertag" in the Windows Live ID dropdown menu[citation needed] |
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Password contains special characters
Change incompatible password[citation needed] |
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Cannot connect in-game
Your Microsoft account might be able to log into other Microsoft services but not GfWL.
Attempt workarounds[citation needed] |
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Can't connect to LIVE. A DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers
- These instructions are written with Windows 10 in mind but are probably largely the same for Win 7/8/8.1
Flush all DNS entries in cache & change default DNS servers to OpenDNS servers[8] |
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Flush the DNS entries from your DNS cache
Change your DNS servers to OpenDNS servers
|
"Games for Windows – LIVE has encountered a corrupted file" error during ZDPP check
Run Zdp.exe[9] |
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Games not saving under Windows 8/8.1/10
Uninstall & reinstall client with Windows 7 compatibility and as Admin[10] |
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|
Other information
Creating a local profile
- Local profiles don't need internet access.
- Multiplayer, achievements, DLC downloading and in-game patching are unavailable (many games can be patched manually; refer to the individual game pages for details).
- Local profiles can't be used for games that are multiplayer-only or always-online (e.g. Age of Empires Online).
Create local profile[citation needed] |
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|
Backing up saves
Back up XLive folder[citation needed] |
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|
Moving saves between gamertags
- If you rename your gamertag or switch to a different one your existing saves won't be shown in-game.[11]
Move saves to new gamertag |
---|
|
Backing up installers
- Installation files are normally deleted after installation is complete; you can back them up to avoid having to download them again.
- Games reinstalled from backups will not show up as installed in the Marketplace client but will otherwise work normally.
- You may also want to keep a copy of your game keys, accessible from the Marketplace client by going to the item and then choosing View Game Keys.
Backing up installers for games purchased through the Marketplace[citation needed] |
---|
|
Backing up patch update installers[citation needed] |
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|
References
- ↑ Wayback Machine: PC Marketplace closing | PC Marketplace - Xbox.com
- ↑ NeoGAF - Games for Windows Live purchases no longer downloadable from client [Edit: Fixed] - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ Microsoft Community - GFWL keeps saying there was an error retrieving your purchase history. please sign out and try again later. - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ Steam Community - There was an error retrieving your purchase history - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ Games For Windows live marketplace Code: 80048821 - Microsoft Community
- ↑ Microsoft No Longer Accepts Long Passwords, Shortens Them For You | The Next Web
- ↑ security - Is it true that Microsoft doesn't allow more than 16 characters in their Hotmail password? - Web Applications Stack Exchange
- ↑ DNS lookup failed? I have no idea what this is or how to fix it. What do I do?
- ↑ Fix: Dark Souls Prepare to Die Games for Windows Live Zero Day Protection not unlocking | Screened by Slimm
- ↑ How to fix Games for Windows Live on Windows 8 Pro x64 (And Windows 10 too!)
- ↑ PSA: If you change your Windows Live gamer tag name, all of your GFWL save games will disappear.