Ultimate Modern Warfare 2 Error Fix Guide

A definitive guide which covers fixes for all the common crashes, errors, and bugs in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.

Players were super excited for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, but it was a bit of a mess when it finally came out. Lots of folks on PCs had trouble playing because the game kept crashing and having problems, especially during playing and when starting it up. These issues seem to be coming from inside the game itself.

To help everyone dealing with these headaches, we’ve put together a bunch of fixes for the crashes, issues, and errors in Modern Warfare 2.

Tip: You can also try the following basic troubleshooting steps for some errors in Modern Warfare 2.

Key Highlights

Here are some common errors you may face while playing COD MW2:

  1. Travis Rilea error
  2. Hueneme Concord error
  3. Dev error 356
  4. “Status installing” error
  5. Launch issues
  6. Mid-game crashes
  7. NVIDIA screen flickering

Modern Warfare 2 Stuck At “Connecting” 

The ‘Stuck at “Connecting”‘ error in Modern Warfare 2 occurs when searching for a game in Call of Duty MW2 Multiplayer. When players load up the game, enter the Quick Play mode, and search for a match, the game begins to connect to a lobby.

Here is an easy workaround to avoid getting stuck at the ‘Connecting’ error. 

  1. Ask the Party Leader to disband the squad and re-invite everyone. 
  2. Simply back out of the Quick Play mode, pick any other mode (Ground War or Invasion), press Play, and let the game connect and search for a lobby.
  3. Once it clears up the ‘Connecting’ section and begins searching for a match (with an indicated ping), simply back out, return to the Quick Play mode, and Press play.

Following this method, your COD Modern Warfare 2 will easily bypass the Connecting Stuck Error. It will no longer get stuck at the Connecting loop in Multiplayer mode. 

Disconnected From Steam Error

Adding to the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 performance issues on PC, we have the ‘Disconnected from Steam Error.’ It is noteworthy that gamers who bought and launched the game through Battle.net aren’t facing such issues. The Disconnection error is only exclusive to the players who are playing Call of Duty MW2 from Steam.

Luckily, I have done the tough work for you and found some authentic fixes for the Disconnected from Steam error on MW2. 

Disable Texture Streaming

COD MW2 texture streaming
On-demand Texture streaming [Image Credit: eXputer]
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 has included the ‘On-Demand Texture Streaming‘ feature in its settings. It allows players to load up textures while they play the game. This can lead to unannounced crashes if your system cannot handle the pressure.

Therefore, it is best to turn this feature off and then run the game.

Clear Steam Web Browser Data

Web browser steam
Clearing web browser data Steam [Image Credit: eXputer]
‘Clearing Steam Web Browser Data’ is another common solution to this issue that you should try.

Step into your Steam Engine’s settings to clear the Download Cache, which can fix many other performance issues in COD MW2.

Travis Rilea Error

It is worth mentioning that server problems from the back end can cause the Travis Rilea error. Hence, it is best that you check Activision, Steam, PSN, and Xbox Server Statuses before trying to fix the issue.

  1. To fix it, try shutting down Steam completely and restarting it.
  2. Also, check your NAT Type—NAT Type 1 is best.
  3. Play the game using a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi.

These steps will help sort out the connection troubles in MW2.

Hueneme Concord Error 

call of duty mw2 connecting server
Connecting to Server in MW2 [Image Credit: eXputer]
Another common issue that players are facing is the Hueneme Concord Error in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. This error is linked to your internet connection and Call of Duty servers. Hence, fixing the issue can be a bit tedious.

The most common fix for the MW2 Hueneme Concord error is clearing your PC or gaming console cache. It won’t take long and can be done in a matter of minutes (except for on PlayStation).

Using a VPN has also proven to be an effective fix for most players. But it’s merely a short-term solution since switching servers can be a nuisance because of the lag.

Dev Error 356

steam verify files
How to verify the integrity of game files [Image Credit: eXputer]
Another issue many gamers on PC have been facing is the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Dev Error 356. The error occurs right on launch and even during game sessions.

Upon analyzing this problem, I discovered that problems in the game’s main directory files caused the error. So, verifying game files will help you get rid of this issue. 

Call Of Duty MW2 “Status Installing” Error

installing error status screen cod mw2
Status Prompt in Call of Duty MW2 [Image Credit: eXputer]
Let’s jump to the next error in my list: the Status Installing Error. It occurs while trying to enter the Multiplayer mode in MW2. This error isn’t limited to the PC platform but has been occurring on consoles such as Xbox and Playstation.

You can now use the following methods to fix the Installing issue on COD MW2.

Universal Method

  1. Cancel the prompt of the ‘Status: Installing’ bug by pressing the relevant button on your platform.
  2. Back out from the menu until you reach the first menu screen of MW2.
  3. Start up the game.
  4. A status prompt will open up; however, cancel it yet again.
  5. Choose the ‘Go Offline’ option.
  6. Click on the ‘Resume Game’ in the Campaign mode, but once it loads up, quit it.
  7. Now, go back to the first screen and load the game again.
  8. The game should work properly now without any bugs.

PS5 Specific Method

  1. Close the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 on your PS5.
  2. Then press the ‘Select’ button on top of the MW2 icon.
  3. Choose ‘Manage Game Content’ from the drop-down menu.
  4. Delete the Multiplayer and Co-op packs from the list of Packs and files.
  5. Reinstall them again and then launch Call of Duty MW2.

Now, the error should be gone for good. These makeshift fixes may be a bit tiresome, but they seem to fix the Installing Multiplayer error in Call of Duty MW2.

Modern Warfare 2 Not Launching

Players have been facing constant crashes on PC when trying to launch Modern Warfare 2. For some of them, the screen turns black whenever they open COD MW2, and it crashes after a while. While others do not even reach the black screen, the game doesn’t load up at all for them

Regardless of your category, the fixes for these issues are quite similar. Fortunately, the crashing at launch issue is non-existent for PS and Xbox players.

With that said, you can fix the issue by simply launching MW2 as an administrator.

COD MW2 as an admin on PC
Run MW2 as an Admin [Image Credit: eXputer]
Now, the PC will give the game high-level clearances against restrictions, which will fix your issue.

Modern Warfare 2 Crashing Mid-Game

Another frequent problem many players are having is Call of Duty MW2 keeps crashing for them mid-game. These gamers are not facing issues while launching the game on their PC, PS, or Xbox. However, the game instantly crashes once they get to the main menu or play a multiplayer match. 

One of the most common MW2 errors faced by players on PC was the ‘game_ship.exe‘ error. The Modern Warfare 2 subreddit was filled with users complaining about the error. Many people pointed out that Steam or Blizzard did not cause the issue. Therefore, you don’t need to ponder about the engine you are launching the game from.

Disable Parallax Effect

parallax effects cod mw2
In-game Settings [Image Credit: eXputer]
An effective fix for MW2 crashing mid-game seems to be disabling the Parallax Effect in-game.

Here’s how to do it: 

  1. Head to the MW2 in-game settings.
  2. Choose the Interface sub-option inside the settings tab.
  3. Scroll down > ‘Parallax Effects’ > Turn it Off.

Once you’re all done, simply restart MW2 and verify if the error is resolved.

Call Of Duty Screen Flickering Bug On PC

GPU driver roll back
Rolling Back GPU Drivers [Image Credit: eXputer]
Apart from all the crashes and bugs, many PC players have also noticed screen flickers while playing MW2, which is usually followed by the game crashing. Nvidia users have exclusively experienced the issue. 

All you need to do is update your graphics driver to the latest version to resolve this issue.

My Thoughts

For several players, MW2 has been problematic since its launch. From named errors to the game outright crashing to the desktop, the problem is widespread and affecting players across all platforms. 

Players are turning to forums to report their MW2 issues. Some popular threads I came across were on Battle.Net, Nvidia, Guru3D, and AMD. They all talk about how random issues prevent them from playing the game or even starting it up. 

I’ve talked about many errors in this guide, and the developers officially addressed several of them, which have been fixed. For example, a Twitter post about the popular Dev error that affected players. The issue was not only fixed by affected players, who were also compensated. 

Right now, it’s unsure if all the errors are completely fixed, and players are hoping for better solutions from the creators for a smoother gaming experience.

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Ayyoun is a Senior Writer & Editor for Error Fixes, and Game Settings guides on eXputer. He’s been passionate about games and technology since he got his hands on the PlayStation 1. He has a software engineering background and loves to play games from a technical perspective. He has a knack for uncovering solutions for the latest games and presenting them in easy-to-follow guides for his audience. You can keep up with his gaming activity on his Steam profile.

Experience: 7+ years || Worked For VeryAli Gaming and IGN || Education: B.S Software Engineering, Editing Mastery from Udemy.

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