Far Cry 4 Filelistxmltxt Error Fix 2021
The "filelist.xml.txt" error in usually pops up when the game's file system can't find or access specific engine assets, often during startup. This is frequently tied to corrupted installation files, permission issues, or the game looking for data in the wrong directory. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Fixes 1. Verify Game Integrity
This is the most common fix for missing .txt or .xml engine files.
Steam: Right-click Far Cry 4 > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Ubisoft Connect: Go to Games > Far Cry 4 > Properties > Verify files. 2. The "bin" Folder Drag-and-Drop
Some users found that the game looks for files in a subfolder that doesn't exist or was incorrectly placed during installation.
Go to your game installation folder (e.g., Steam\steamapps\common\Far Cry 4). Look for a folder named data_win32 inside the bin folder.
If it exists, try moving the contents of data_win32 directly into the main bin folder, or vice versa, to see if the engine recognizes the path. 3. Clear Temp Files and Restart
Lingering temporary data can sometimes cause pathing errors in the Ubisoft launcher.
Press Win + R, type %TEMP%, and delete all files in that folder.
Restart your PC and try launching the game as an Administrator by right-clicking the .exe file. 4. Delete Ubisoft Registry Keys
If the launcher is "stuck" looking for a specific file version: Press Win + R, type regedit. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Ubisoft.
Right-click and delete the Far Cry 4 folder (this forces the game to rebuild its configuration on the next launch).
💡 Pro Tip: If you're on a newer PC with a high-core-count CPU (like Ryzen 9 or Intel i9), this error can sometimes be a byproduct of the game failing to initialize on too many cores. Try limiting the game to 4 or 8 cores in the Task Manager under the Affinity settings while the game is attempting to launch. If you'd like, let me know: Are you using Steam, Ubisoft Connect, or Epic Games?
Does the error happen immediately or after the splash screen? What Windows version are you running?
I can give you more specific instructions based on your setup! How to FIX Far Cry 4 All Errors
To fix the "filelist.xml.txt" error in Far Cry 4, which typically occurs at startup and points to a missing or misplaced file in the materialdescriptors folder, follow these steps: 1. Verify Game Files
The most common and effective solution is to let the game launcher detect and repair missing files.
Introduction
Far Cry 4, an action-adventure first-person shooter game developed by Ubisoft Montreal, was released in 2014 to critical acclaim. However, some players encountered a frustrating error while playing the game, known as the "FileListXML.txt" error. This error prevented players from accessing the game's content, causing disappointment and frustration. In this essay, we will explore the causes of the FileListXML.txt error and provide a comprehensive guide on how to fix it.
What is the FileListXML.txt error?
The FileListXML.txt error occurs when the game fails to read the FileListXML.txt file, which is a crucial file required for the game to function properly. This file contains a list of all the game's files, and the game uses it to verify the integrity of its content. When the game encounters an error while reading this file, it displays an error message, preventing players from accessing the game's content. far cry 4 filelistxmltxt error fix
Causes of the FileListXML.txt error
Several factors can cause the FileListXML.txt error, including:
- Corrupted game files: Corrupted game files can cause the FileListXML.txt file to become damaged, leading to the error.
- Incomplete game installation: An incomplete game installation can result in missing files, including the FileListXML.txt file.
- Mod conflicts: Conflicts with mods or third-party software can cause the game to fail to read the FileListXML.txt file.
- System file corruption: Corruption of system files, such as those related to the Microsoft .NET Framework or Visual C++ Redistributable, can also cause the error.
Fixing the FileListXML.txt error
Fortunately, there are several solutions to fix the FileListXML.txt error in Far Cry 4. Here are some steps to resolve the issue:
- Verify game files: Verify the integrity of the game's files by using the built-in verification tool in the Uplay client. This will check for any corrupted files and download any missing files.
- Reinstall the game: If verifying game files does not work, try reinstalling the game. This will ensure that all game files, including the FileListXML.txt file, are properly installed.
- Disable mods: If you have mods installed, try disabling them or uninstalling them. Mods can sometimes conflict with the game's files, causing the error.
- Update system files: Ensure that your system files, such as the Microsoft .NET Framework and Visual C++ Redistributable, are up to date.
- Run the game as administrator: Running the game as an administrator can sometimes resolve the issue.
- Delete FileListXML.txt: In some cases, deleting the FileListXML.txt file can resolve the issue. However, be cautious when doing this, as it may cause other issues with the game.
Conclusion
The FileListXML.txt error in Far Cry 4 can be frustrating, but it can be resolved by following the steps outlined above. By verifying game files, reinstalling the game, disabling mods, updating system files, running the game as administrator, or deleting the FileListXML.txt file, players can fix the error and enjoy the game's content. Ubisoft's support team and online forums also provide valuable resources for players experiencing this issue. With these solutions, players can overcome the FileListXML.txt error and immerse themselves in the game's vast open world.
The filelist.xml.txt error in typically occurs during startup and points to a missing or corrupted file in the bin\data_win32 or engine\shaders directories. This error is often a result of incomplete game installation or file pathing issues. Primary Fix: Move "data_win32" Folder
The most successful community-reported fix involves manually moving a specific data folder to the correct directory.
Navigate to your Far Cry 4 installation directory (e.g., Steam\steamapps\common\Far Cry 4). Open the bin folder.
Locate the data_win32 folder inside the root "Far Cry 4" folder if it is not already in the "bin" folder.
Drag and drop the entire data_win32 folder into the bin folder. Alternative Troubleshooting Steps
If the folder move does not resolve the issue, try these secondary solutions: Verify Game Files:
Steam: Right-click Far Cry 4 > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Ubisoft Connect: Select the game > Properties > Local Files > Verify Files. Disable Conflicting Startup Apps: Press Win + R, type MSCONFIG, and go to the Startup tab.
Disable all non-essential programs and reboot your computer. Clear Temporary Files:
Press Win + R, type %TEMP%, and delete all files in the folder before restarting. Check OneDrive Conflicts:
Ensure the game's save folder in Documents\My Games\Far Cry 4 is not being synced or blocked by Microsoft OneDrive. Some users fixed the error by disabling OneDrive or moving the game to a drive not monitored by it. Create Missing Distribution File:
If the game is still failing, some players found success by creating a blank file named distribution.steam using Notepad and saving it directly into the game's root directory. Community Experience
“The "data_win 32" file into the "bin" folder... just drag and drop all folder. Such a simple solution, but Ubisoft couldn't sort it out.” Steam Community · 11 years ago
“My problem was OneDrive... I deleted the OneDrive folder from c\Users and the game worked after.” Reddit · r/farcry · 5 months ago The "filelist
Did these steps allow you to launch the game, or are you still seeing a specific file path in the error message?
Error with : materialdescript ors\filelist.xml.txt - Steam Community
The Far Cry 4 filelistxml.txt error, often occurring with the "File system failure: Aborting execution" message, is typically caused by the game looking for a specific folder path that doesn't exist or is misnamed after an update or installation. Primary Fix: Move and Rename Folders
According to solutions on the Steam Community, you can manually re-link the folder paths:
Navigate to your game's installation directory (e.g., ...\Steam\steamapps\common\Far Cry 4\data_win32).
Look for a folder named "G". If it contains a my games folder, this is likely where the game is failing. Create a new folder in the same directory and name it "Ä".
To get the "Ä" character: Hold ALT and type 0196 on your number pad.
Copy the my games folder from the "G" folder into the new "Ä" folder. Delete the original "G" folder and restart the game. Alternative Solutions
Error with : materialdescript ors\filelist.xml.txt - Steam Community
To fix the filelist.xml.txt error in , you typically need to move misplaced data files or address permission issues that prevent the game from reading its directory structure. 1. Move the "data_win32" Folder
The most common cause for this specific error is a file path mismatch where the game looks in the bin folder for files that are actually located one level up .
Navigate to your Far Cry 4 installation directory (e.g., Steam\steamapps\common\Far Cry 4\). Open the bin folder. Locate the folder named data_win32.
Drag and drop (move) the entire data_win32 folder from the bin folder into the main Far Cry 4 root directory . 2. Verify Game Files
If files are missing or corrupted, your game launcher can automatically redownload the specific filelist.xml.txt file.
Steam: Right-click Far Cry 4 > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files .
Ubisoft Connect: Select Far Cry 4 > Properties > Local Files > Verify files. 3. Disable OneDrive Syncing
Far Cry 4 often fails to read or write XML files if they are being synced by cloud services like OneDrive, which can lock the files .
Check your Documents\My Games\Far Cry 4 folder. If there is a green checkmark or blue sync icon on it, OneDrive is likely interfering .
Fix: Right-click the folder and select "Always keep on this device" or temporarily Disable OneDrive while playing . 4. Compatibility and Admin Privileges
The game may lack the necessary permissions to access its own XML data files. Corrupted game files : Corrupted game files can
Error with : materialdescript ors\filelist.xml.txt - Steam Community
The Far Cry 4 filelist.xml.txt error typically occurs when the game fails to locate or read essential shader and material description files within the engine\shaders\materialdescriptors\ directory. This error often presents as an "Aborting Execution" crash at startup. Primary Fixes for filelist.xml.txt
The most effective ways to resolve this specific file path error involve manual file restructuring or platform-based repair tools. 1. The "data_win32" Folder Relocation
Many users have found that the game expects certain data folders to be in a different sub-directory than where they are installed.
The Fix: Navigate to your Far Cry 4 installation folder (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Far Cry 4\). Locate the data_win32 folder.
Drag and drop the entire data_win32 folder into the bin folder.
Note: If the folder already exists there, ensure it contains the engine sub-folders mentioned in the error message. 2. Verify Integrity of Game Files
If the file is missing or corrupted, the official launchers can re-download it automatically.
Steam: Right-click Far Cry 4 in your Library > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Ubisoft Connect: Select the game > Properties > Verify files. Secondary Troubleshooting & Conflict Resolution
If manual file moving does not work, the error may be caused by environmental factors like cloud syncing or administrative permissions. How to FIX Far Cry 4 All Errors
This error typically occurs when the game cannot locate or read the filelist.xml file, or when file extensions are mishandled during mod installation.
✅ Fix 4: Clear Launcher Cache & Reinstall Prerequisites
For Steam:
- Delete
appcachefolder in Steam installation directory → restart Steam
For Uplay/Ubisoft Connect:
- Close launcher → delete
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\cache→ restart
Reinstall VC++ Redistributables & DirectX (found in _CommonRedist folder inside game directory)
1. Restore original filelist.xml
If you modded the game:
- Delete
filelist.xmlorfilelist.xml.txtin:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Far Cry 4\data_win32\ - Verify game files via Steam/Uplay/Epic:
- Steam: Right-click Far Cry 4 → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.
- Ubisoft Connect: Go to Games → Far Cry 4 → Properties → Verify files.
Primary Causes of the Error
- Corrupted Game Files: The most common cause. A bad sector on your hard drive, a sudden shutdown during an update, or a faulty download can corrupt
filelistxml.txt. - Antivirus Interference: Overzealous antivirus software (looking at you, Avast and McAfee) often quarantines or locks
.txtfiles associated with games, mistaking them for malicious scripts. - Mod Conflicts: Far Cry 4 has a vibrant modding community. However, many mods replace the
filelistxml.txtwith a modified version. If you uninstall a mod incorrectly, the original file may be missing. - Windows User Permissions: If Far Cry 4 is installed in
C:\Program Files (x86), Windows UAC (User Account Control) can block the game from reading or writing to its own files. - Incomplete Patches: Ubisoft released several patches for Far Cry 4. If your game updated in the middle of a patch installation, the
filelistxml.txtmight be only half-written.
3. Disable antivirus temporarily
- Antivirus (especially Avast, AVG, Bitdefender) sometimes quarantines or renames
filelist.xml.
Add the entireFar Cry 4folder to antivirus exclusions → then verify game files again.
Common Symptoms of the Error
You may see the error manifest in different ways:
- Explicit error box: "The data is corrupted. Please verify your installation. (filelistxml.txt)"
- Silent crash: The game launches to a black screen for 2 seconds, then closes.
- Missing executable error: The system claims
FarCry4.exeis missing (because the launcher can't parse the filelist). - Infinite loading: The game hangs on the initial loading screen with the rotating '4' icon.
Guide: How to Fix the "filelist.xml.txt" Error in Far Cry 4
The Ultimate Guide to Fixing the "filelistxml.txt" Error in Far Cry 4
Introduction: The Frustrating Roadblock
You’ve just installed Far Cry 4, excited to explore the Himalayan kingdom of Kyrat. You double-click the icon. The screen goes black for a second... then nothing. Or, perhaps a cryptic error box pops up mentioning something about filelistxml.txt. Maybe the game launches, but crashes immediately after the splash screen.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. The filelistxml.txt error is one of the most notorious and frustrating issues plaguing Far Cry 4 on PC. This error is essentially the game’s way of saying, "I cannot verify my own game files, so I refuse to run."
But don't worry. This guide will walk you through exactly what causes this error and provide nine proven methods to fix it permanently. By the end of this article, you will be riding elephants and liberating outposts.