Did 18 files fail to validate in Modern Warfare 2?
Are your MW2 files not verified on Steam on your PC?
If so, the game will crash when you try to play the campaign mode.
Here’s the full error message, “18 files failed to validate and will be reacquired”.
The error message happens when you try to verify the integrity of game files on Steam.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix 18 files failed to validate in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (MW2).
Why did 18 files fail to validate in MW2?
18 files failed to validate in MW2 because there’s an issue with the latest Nvidia drivers (version 526.47).
It can also mean that your antivirus program is interfering with the files.
According to @BeenoxCODPC on Twitter, they said that there are stability issues with the latest Nvidia drivers.
They suggest keeping the 516.69 or 522.25 drivers until Nvidia or MW2 fixes the issue.
Many players are complaining about the validation issues.
“@ATVIAssist MW2 keeps flickering and steam says 18 files failed to validate. The files won’t reacquire. Need help”.
“@CallofDuty @Steam I pre-ordered the new Modern Warfare and I have been enjoying it until my game crashed and said “18 files failed to verify” and I can’t fix it. Is this a bug or is there something I need to change on my PC?”.
How to fix 18 files failed to validate in Modern Warfare 2
To fix 18 files failed to validate in Modern Warfare 2, you need to roll back your Nvidia drivers to 516.69 or 522.25.
You also need to allow the game in your antivirus program including Windows Defender Firewall and Windows Security.
If all else fails, you can contact Activision support here: https://support.activision.com/.
Fix 1: Roll back your Nvidia drivers
- Search for “Device Manager” using Windows Search and open it.
- Expand “Display adapters” and select your GPU.
- Go to the “Drivers” tab and select “Roll Back Driver”.
- Launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
Fix 2: Allow the game on Windows Security
- Open the Windows settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection > Allow an app through Controlled folder access > Add an allowed app > Browse all apps > select the cod.exe app > Open.
- Add the rest of the .exe apps to the Controlled folder access.
Fix 3: Allow the game on Windows Defender Firewall
- Open the Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall > Change settings > Allow another app… > Browse… > select the cod.exe app > Add.
- Add the rest of the .exe apps to your Firewall.
Further reading
How to Fix Lag, Stuttering, or FPS drops in Modern Warfare 2
