Installation Issue: Unable to open archive file, local.dat

#1 - Sept. 5, 2012, 6:58 a.m.
Blizzard Post

I have only been able to download the Gw2Setup.exe from the GW2 site. When I run the file, the only thing that happens is a box pops up saying it is “Unable to open archive file” and that it can’t access local.dat.

It doesn’t even begin to install, and I haven’t had the game installed on this computer before, so I don’t think this file even exists yet.

Of course I’ve tried deleting and redownloading, restarting the computer, running as admin, moving the file to my desktop, moving the file to my documents, even moving the file to an external HD.

I’m really hoping someone can help and that’s it’s just something simple I’m overlooking. :\

#18 - Sept. 11, 2012, 11:47 a.m.
Blizzard Post

@xBinkus – Could you please attach a Game Advisor report to this thread so we can look into this issue further? You can find the Game Advisor report through the link below:

http://us.ncsoft.com/gameadvisor/

Please note – you will be automatically prompted to download the application once you click the link. You can attach the report to this thread by clicking “More posting & formatting options…”

#22 - Sept. 13, 2012, 7:10 a.m.
Blizzard Post

Hi xBinkus!

Sorry I’m getting back to you so late – just got in. Anyway, first I would like to know, do you have a Guild Wars 2 folder located in your “Documents” folder? Secondly, I would like to rule out the possibility that there is another program interfering with the game connection. To do this, we use a Windows command called “MSCONFIG.”

Please note, this command will not uninstall any applications from your computer. All MSCONFIG does is prevent these applications from automatically starting when Windows boots up.

To do this:

1. Press and hold the Windows key and then hit the R key. This should bring up the Run dialog box.

2. Type “MSCONFIG” without the quotes, and click “OK.” This should open the System Configuration Utility.

3. Click on the “Services” tab and check the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box near the bottom, then click the “Disable All” button. (You MUST click “Hide all Microsoft Services”)

4. Next go to the “Startup” tab and click the “Disable All” button.

5. Once these items are all disabled, click the “OK” button and you will get a prompt to restart your computer. Please restart your computer.

6. Once you return to Windows, please try connecting to the game again. If your issue is not resolved by using MSCONFIG, please generate a new Game Advisor report prior to disabling MSCONFIG. That way, we can see what, if anything wasn’t disabled by these steps.

To reverse these settings, simply run MSCONFIG again and click “Normal Startup” on the first window labeled “General.”

Note: If you need a specific application to run with Windows but still want to use MSCONFIG, just follow the above instructions and on step 4, re-check any application you feel needs to start with Windows. Examples would be wireless connection software, mouse or keyboard applications or even security applications. Please note that security applications can often be a contributing factor to such issues. If you haven’t done so already, please also disable any Anti-virus, Firewall or other security applications for testing purposes.