Players have reported encountering this error when attempting to enter the game. The main cause of this error is due to players attempting to login during service outages, but is generally caused by some sort of data transfer issue between a player's computer and the servers.
If you see this error, please close the game client and the launcher completely. Ensure that both programs are not showing as running in the Task Manager. Once that is done, wait about an hour and attempt to login again. This will allow time for our services to recover should that be the underlying cause.
Some players have also reported success after restarting their computer.
Possible Causes
RSI Service Issues
If it was caused by a service outage of some kind on RSI's side, the error will continue to appear until service is restored. As a reminder, you can stay up to date in real time on our Status Update page here: https://status.robertsspaceindustries.com/
Out of Date Launcher
Make certain that you are using the newest version of the launcher and that it is set to the LIVE version of the game if you are attempting to join the LIVE environment. Download the current version of the RSI Launcher by going to our download page.
Attempting to Connect to Offline Servers
If you are attempting to login to the PTU, this error can happen when the PTU is no longer active or if your account on the PTU doesn't exist. Check the PTU status here.
If it is active and you are getting this error on the PTU, click the log out button on the launcher then recopy your account on the website and then log into the launcher again once you get the copy email.
Programs Blocking Data and Connections
Double check that your Internet connection and your home network is functioning properly and there are no programs interfering with the game, such as proxy and VPN settings, antivirus programs, and firewalls. If needed, be certain to whitelist the .exe files for both the RSI Launcher and StarCitizen in the relevant programs.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Issues
Contrary to the previous point, if there are service issues with your ISP or any problems with the routers and connections through the Internet between your computer and the RSI servers, this error may appear as well. If this is the case, using a VPN service to temporarily "reroute" your connection around the problem may fix the error.
You may also need to contact your ISP and have them look into the issue on their end as well.
Incorrect Windows Hosts File
It is also possible that your Windows "hosts" file has incorrect entries for RSI's servers, though this is extremely rare. We recommend that you remove these entries (found at 'C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc') or simply reset your hosts file to default using Microsoft's guide.
All Workarounds Failed
Should none of the above workarounds resolve this error, then unfortunately you will need to do a Character Reset. Initiating a reset during a service outage will also not serve to correct the problem, as the error will continue to appear and the reset will not process properly. In this case, the reset will need to be redone once services are restored.
We highly recommend that you avoid such a drastic step until all other avenues of fixing the error are exhausted.