What are app_generic.vdf Error Messages?

General app_generic.vdf Runtime Errors

app_generic.vdf file errors often occur during the startup phase of Steam, but can also occur while the program is running. These types VDF errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while Steam is running. Here are some of the most common app_generic.vdf runtime errors:

• app_generic.vdf could not be found.
• app_generic.vdf error.
• app_generic.vdf failed to load.
• Error loading app_generic.vdf.
• Failed to register app_generic.vdf / Cannot register app_generic.vdf.
• Runtime Error - app_generic.vdf.
• The file app_generic.vdf is missing or corrupt.

Most VDF errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your app_generic.vdf file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Steam), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, app_generic.vdf file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Steam, system crash while loading or saving app_generic.vdf, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

How to Fix app_generic.vdf Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your app_generic.vdf issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the app_generic.vdf error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

You can uninstall Steam software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
4. Find the entry for Steam API v018 and click "Uninstall"
5. Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall Steam software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

Steam API v018

Valve

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many app_generic.vdf error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the app_generic.vdf error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your app_generic.vdf File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate app_generic.vdf file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free app_generic.vdf files for every applicable version of Steam. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download app_generic.vdf Files".
2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
3. Copy this file to the appropriate Steam folder location:
   
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\controller_base\
   
4. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.

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