We are still investigating the cause of this particular error, though most reports are pointing to network issues and the likely resulting file corruption. Another likely cause are programs that are trying to manage Internet data. Below are troubleshooting steps that should be attempted in the order they are presented to minimize the amount of time spent on this issue.
cFosSpeed and Related Programs
This particular application and similar apps manage your computer's Internet traffic data, known as "packets", in an attempt to optimize things for you. It is typically bundled with certain motherboards for use with their network adapters, usually MSI, Gigabyte Technology, and ASRock boards but it's also available as shareware for the more technically inclined to install. This app can sometimes cause trouble with network connections and interfere with programs communicating over the Internet due to how it prioritizes the flow of packets through the network. This issue is likely a cause of this 30003 error.
To fix this, you will need to locate an option in your computer's network adapter settings related to this app. This can appear as an option "for faster Internet connections". Depending on your motherboard, it might also be called "Gigabyte Speed" or "XFast LAN" instead of "cFosSpeed". Once found, disable that program's option, restart your computer if needed, and attempt to login to the game again.
Fix corrupted game files
It's possible you have corrupted game files, which can cause all sorts of seemingly unrelated problems. Files can sometimes get corrupted during the patching process and does not usually point to any other specific problem with your computer or the game itself. Most often it can be due to brief connection interruptions during download, old hardware, or a short interruption in the installation process, but this is not an exhaustive list. Within the RSI Launcher settings, use the option to Verify game files and let the process fully complete.
If you tried that, the next options are to fully delete the game and related files or force the data.p4k file to update.
Option 1: Completely delete your game files and reinstall.
Option 2: Force the system to rebuild your data.p4k file:
- Locate the file data.p4k in (install drive)\Program Files\Roberts Space Industries\StarCitizen\LIVE. This file should be a little over 40GB.
- Rename the file to data.p4k.backup.
- Open the Launcher.
- Go to Settings > Games > Star Citizen - LIVE > VERIFY GAME.
- Complete the verification and try launching the game again.
Troubleshoot Your Network
Network issues are sometimes very difficult to pinpoint as everyone's home network can have very different setups and circumstances than another, not to mention ISP (Internet Service Provider) issues. So here are some general troubleshooting steps.
Whitelist .exe files:
- Ensure our files are whitelisted in your firewall and anti-virus software: RSI Launcher.exe and StarCitizen.exe.
- Some players have had some success with changing their anti-virus software to the base Windows Defender.
Check Ports:
Ensure TCP 8000 - 8020 and UDP 64090 - 64110 ports are permitted out/opened in your firewall/router.
- You may need to contact your ISP to also have them update and check the ports for your account. Some players were able to get this solved with their help.
- Note: You do not need to forward these ports. Doing so may cause adverse affects such as other clients being unable to connect.
Try using a VPN:
Some users have reported that playing from a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help fix certain network issues like this one. If a VPN works, but not opening ports locally, you need to contact your ISP to have ports opened.
If you are unable to use a VPN for some reason, try selecting a different game server before pressing the Enter Universe button. In the drop-down on game the login screen, select and try EU, US or AUS instead of "Best".
Update drivers and Windows files
- Make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed. This is vital for general computer security!
- For Windows version N or KN, make sure you have the latest Media Pack for Windows. If you have Windows home or pro in the US, you do not need this pack.
- Check your various software drivers are up to date. You can also verify drivers through the Windows Device Manager.
- Check for any applications you are running that may crash Star Citizen.
- The easiest way to do this is to close and exit all other programs to see if that fixes the problem, then re-enable them one by one, attempting to login to Star Citizen after each.
Tried everything here with no change?
If none of the previous steps showed any results, gather your game and system information files and then place a support ticket.