How to Fix 18 Files Failed to Validate in Modern Warfare 2

"18 Files Failed to Validate" Error in Modern Warfare 2: Proven Fixes for 2024

Hey there fellow gamer, are you frustrated by the dreaded "18 files failed to validate and will be reacquired" error message popping up whenever you try to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on your PC? I feel your pain. This annoying error can completely ruin your MW2 experience by preventing you from even launching the game.

But don‘t rage quit just yet! Having thoroughly researched this issue, I‘ve put together a handy troubleshooting guide to help you resolve those pesky MW2 file validation failures. We‘ll walk through exactly what causes this error and most importantly, proven step-by-step methods to get your game up and running smoothly again. Let‘s get started!

Understanding the "18 Files Failed to Validate" MW2 Error

First off, what does this error message actually mean? Whenever you see "18 files failed to validate and will be reacquired" (or a similar message with a different number of files), it indicates there was a problem verifying the integrity of certain MW2 game files on your PC.

Typically, this error rears its ugly head when you attempt to verify the game files through the Steam launcher. The validation process is meant to check that your local MW2 files match the master versions on the game‘s servers. But if the scan detects any corrupted, missing, or altered files, it will spit out this error. When the validation fails, MW2 will attempt to redownload the affected files, but often gets stuck in a loop and refuses to launch.

It‘s worth noting you may see a different number than 18 in your error message (like "5 files" or "2 files"). The exact number isn‘t really important. What matters is that for one reason or another, certain MW2 files on your system are not passing the validity check, so the game can‘t start up properly. Time to dig into what‘s causing this to happen.

Common Causes for Modern Warfare 2 Validation Failures

Through my research and testing, I‘ve found there are two main culprits that typically cause MW2 file validation errors:

1. Issues with the latest Nvidia GPU drivers
2. Interference from antivirus programs and firewalls

Since the game‘s launch, many MW2 players using PCs with Nvidia graphics cards have reported receiving the "files failed to validate" errors after updating to the most recent GPU drivers. In particular, the 526.47 driver version seems to be a troublemaker. This points to a compatibility issue between the current Nvidia drivers and MW2.

The MW2 developers have acknowledged this issue. In an Oct 28 tweet, @BeenoxCODPC wrote:
"We have identified stability issues with the latest NVIDIA drivers 526.47 on Call of Duty #MWII. For now we‘d suggest you keep the 516.59, or 522.25 drivers."

So there you have it straight from the source – rolling back your Nvidia drivers to a previous stable version is one key fix to try for MW2 file validation woes. I‘ll detail how to do that in just a bit.

Another frequent troublemaker is antivirus software or firewall settings that are a bit overzealous in "protecting" your PC. If your zealous security apps mistake important MW2 files for potential threats, they may block or quarantine the files. These missing or corrupted files then cause a validation error. To rule this out, you‘ll want to add MW2 to your antivirus and firewall exception lists.

Step-by-Step Fixes for MW2 Validation Failures

Now that you know why "18 files failed to validate" happens, let‘s get to the juicy part – how to actually resolve it! Here are the top fixes I recommend trying in order:

Fix 1: Roll back your Nvidia GPU drivers

1. Open the Windows Start menu
2. Type "Device Manager" and click the first result
3. Double-click on "Display adapters" to expand the list
4. Right-click on your Nvidia GPU and choose "Properties"
5. Go to the "Driver" tab and click "Roll Back Driver"
6. Follow the prompts to complete the rollback to a previous driver version
7. Restart your PC
8. Check if rolling back the driver fixed your MW2 validation errors

Fix 2: Allow MW2 through your antivirus software
The steps may vary slightly depending on which antivirus program you use, but in general:

1. Open your antivirus software
2. Find settings or options related to exceptions or exclusions
3. Add the main MW2 folder to the exclusions list (default location is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Modern Warfare II)
4. Add the main MW2 executable file (cod.exe) to the exclusions list
5. Save your changes
6. Restart your PC
7. Check if MW2 validates files successfully now

Fix 3: Allow MW2 through Windows Firewall

1. Open the Windows Control Panel
2. Click "System and Security"
3. Click "Windows Defender Firewall"
4. Click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall"
5. Click "Change settings"
6. Click "Allow another app…"
7. Navigate to your MW2 folder and select cod.exe and any other main .exe files
8. Click "Add" then "OK"
9. Restart your PC
10. Try verifying MW2 files again

Other MW2 Troubleshooting Tips

If you‘ve tried all three fixes above and still can‘t seem to shake the "18 files failed to validate" error, here are a few more troubleshooting tips to try:

• Verify your MW2 files directly through Steam by right-clicking the game in your library, going to Properties > Local Files > Verify
• Update your Windows operating system and make sure you have the latest patches
• Check that your DirectX version and Visual C++ Redistributables are up to date
• Temporarily disable any overclocking software or custom GPU settings you may be using
• As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall MW2

Contact Activision Support

If you‘ve exhausted all the fix options and are still beating your head against a wall trying to resolve MW2 file validation failures, your next step is to contact Activision‘s support team directly.

They have a dedicated page for Modern Warfare 2 with helpful FAQs and a service request form. Outline the troubleshooting you‘ve tried so far in detail. Hopefully their agents can offer more personalized technical support and additional fixes to try.

Hang in There and Happy Gaming!

Phew, that was a lot of ground to cover! I sincerely hope this guide helps you solve the frustrating "18 files failed to validate" Modern Warfare 2 error on your PC. PC gaming is an absolute blast, but figuring out finicky errors is definitely a patience-tester at times.

Just remember though, you‘re not alone! This is a very common issue with MW2 and there‘s a large community in the same boat. I‘m confident if you methodically work through the fixes and don‘t give up, you‘ll be back to pwning noobs in multiplayer in no time.

Now get out there and show ‘em what you‘re made of soldier! And stay frosty.

Note: If you‘re reading this guide well after it was written, make sure to also search online for any new developments or game patches related to the MW2 file validation issue. While the info here is accurate as of early 2023, games are ever-evolving and new fixes may be discovered after publication.