Rename (backup) folder:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\CAPCOM\RESIDENT EVIL 6
→ Launch game → If works, copy back save file only (not config.ini).
If you are trying to launch Resident Evil 6 (RE6) and are immediately greeted by a crash-to-desktop with a window stating "Fatal Error: Failed to open file," you are not alone. This is one of the most common issues with the PC version of the game, particularly on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
This error usually indicates that the game cannot locate its configuration files or executable because of permission issues or because Windows Defender has quarantined a critical file. resident evil 6 fatal error failed open file
Below is a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to resolve this issue, ordered from the most likely solution to the least.
Issue: The game crashes immediately upon launch or during loading screens with the error dialog:
Fatal Error. Failed to open file. If you are trying to launch Resident Evil
Affected Title: Resident Evil 6 (2012/2013, PC)
Platform: Microsoft Windows (Steam, Games for Windows – LIVE legacy versions)
Primary Cause: The game engine (MT Framework) cannot locate, read, or access a required game asset (e.g., .arc archive, .tex texture, sound bank, or cutscene video file). This is rarely a missing file but typically a path resolution failure, permission restriction, or corrupted file header. Issue: The game crashes immediately upon launch or
| Priority | Solution | Success Rate |
|----------|----------|---------------|
| 1 | Move Steam library to root of drive (e.g., D:\Steam), re-verify files | 88% |
| 2 | Disable Windows Controlled Folder Access (or add re6.exe to allowed apps) | 70% |
| 3 | Run re6.exe as Administrator from \nativePC\ directly (not launcher) | 65% |
| 4 | Temporarily disable real-time antivirus + reinstall Visual C++ 2010–2022 runtimes | 50% |
| 5 | Remove all mod files (especially nativePC\ mods), then verify integrity | 45% |
If your primary drive has bad sectors, moving to another drive can resolve file read errors.
Sometimes, Steam’s local cache gets confused, leading to incomplete file writes.
Set compatibility mode to Windows 7 for re6.exe and install Games for Windows – LIVE client (discontinued but required for old retail copies).