5 Ways to Fix the “CreateFile Failed With 32” Error for Fortnite and Other PC Games

Error 30005 is a common gaming issue that affects numerous Windows PC games, such as Fortnite, Rust, and Apex Legends. The message for that error code says, “CreateFile failed with 32.” Some players encounter that launch error when they try to start Fortnite and other games for which Easy Anti-Cheat is required. Thus, error 30005 is an Easy Anti-Cheat issue that prevents Windows PC games from starting. This is how you can fix the “CreateFile failed with 32” error for Fortnite and other games on a Windows PC.

Delete the EasyAntiCheat.sys File

A widely confirmed way to fix the “CreateFile failed with 32” error is to delete the EasyAntiCheat.sys file. This file then gets recreated when you restart a game. You can delete the EasyAntiCheat.sys file like this.

1. Utilize the Windows logo + E keyboard shortcut to view File Explorer.
2. Go to the EasyAntiCheat folder that’s typically at this path: C:Program Files (86)EasyAntiCheat. Steam players might need to open that folder at this location: C:Program Files (x86) Steamsteamappscommon<Game Name>EasyAntiCheat.
   
   

   The EasyAntiCheat.sys file

3. Right-click the EasyAntiCheat.sys file to select Delete.
4. Double-click the Recycle Bin on the desktop.
5. Click Empty Recycle Bin to completely clear it.

Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat

Reinstalling Easy Anti-Cheat is another resolution that can work for fixing the “CreateFile failed with 32” error. You can do that by selecting to uninstall and install EAC within the Easy Anti-Cheat Service Setup window. This is how you can reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat for the Fortnite game.

1. Bring up File Explorer and go to this default EasyAntiCheat folder path for the Fortnite game: C:Program FilesEpic GamesFortniteFortniteGameBinariesWin64EasyAntiCheat.
2. Next, double-click the Easy AntiCheat_Setup.exe file inside the EasyAntiCheat folder.
3. Select Easy Anti-Cheat’s Uninstall option.
   
   

   The Uninstall option for Easy Anti-Cheat Setup

4. Press the Install Easy Anti-Cheat button.
5. Click Finish after the reinstallation.

The path specified for step one is only applicable to the Fortnite game. However, you can find the same EasyAntiCheat folder within other games’ installation directories. So, open the installation directory for a different game and look for the EasyAntiCheat in it. You may need to open some subfolders within the installation folder to find it.

Enable the Easy Anti-Cheat Service

Easy Anti-Cheat has an EAC service that needs to be enabled. EAC errors will occur if that service is not running. These are the steps for enabling the Easy Anti-Cheat service.

1. Click the Start taskbar icon with the right mouse button and select Run.
2. Enter services.msc inside Run and click on the OK option.
3. Double-click the Easy Anti-Cheat service to view a properties window for it.
4. Next, select Automatic within the Startup drop-down menu.
5. Click Start (in the properties window) to run Easy Anti-Cheat if that service is stopped.
6. Select Apply and press OK to set the new settings for Easy Anti-Cheat.

Add Easy Anti-Cheat to Firewall and Antivirus Shield Exclusion Lists

Firewalls and anti-virus shields can potentially cause the “CreateFile failed with 32” by blocking or flagging Easy Anti-Cheat. So, try adding Easy Anti-Cheat to Windows Defender Firewall’s allowed list and Microsoft Defender’s exclusions. Microsoft’s website includes instructions for allowing apps through the firewall and adding antivirus exceptions on these Windows Defender Firewall and Windows Security pages.

Windows Defender Firewall’s allowed list

Add the whole Easy Anti-Cheat folder to Microsoft Defender’s exclusions. You’ll need to select to add the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe file to your firewall’s allowed list. Private and Public checkboxes should also be selected for Easy Anti-Cheat within the firewall’s allowed list.

Reinstall the Affected Game

Reinstall the game for which the “CreateFile failed with 32” error occurs if none of the above solutions work for you. Doing this will also reinstall the Easy Anti-Cheat software along with the game. You can reinstall games with Epic Games and Steam clients like this.

Epic Games

1. Start Epic Games and select Library to view installed games.
2. Next, click the menu button for Fortnite or other game you need to reinstall.
3. Select Uninstall to remove the game.
   
   

   The Uninstall option in Epic Games

4. Click the game’s picture in Epic Games and select Install to reinstall.

Steam

1. Start the Steam client to access its Library tab.
2. Right-click a game to reinstall and select Manage.
3. Click Uninstall to remove the game.
   
   

   The Uninstall option in Steam

4. Press the blue Install button for the removed game in the Library tab.

The potential fixes above usually resolve the “CreateFile failed with 32” error. They are fixes widely confirmed to fix that issue for games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rust, and Battlefield 2042. So, you probably won’t need any further potential resolutions, but consider contacting the support services for affected games if you do.