Error code 12009 (aka purgatory) is usually encountered by online players attempting to install a new game patch or version. The error code is common to PC game players; the installation usually stops around 99%, quite annoying right?

Black Desert Error code 12009 is one of the most frequent error codes on Black Desert. It is however easy to diagnose and resolve.  In this post, we will identify what causes it and how to fix it. We have put together a list of possible solutions that were most helpful in eradicating the error for most users.

What Causes the “Black desert Error Code 12009?

Below, we will take a quick look at a few reasons why you are facing this error.

1.Third party firewall or antivirus

An overprotective third-party firewall or antivirus can be a reason for the error code. There is a possibility that there is a false positive interference with your system’s connection to the game server. This is because the security suite is flagging some of the files the game installer needs to run.

Administrative Privileges

In many cases, the game usually involves administrative privileges before particular tasks that are considered to be sensitive by Windows can be performed. If the game doesn’t have Administrative Privileges, it might malfunction, thereby triggering an error code.

2.DNS inconsistency

This is common when there is a communication problem between the end-client and the game server. An inconsistent DNS (domain name server) could be the problem affecting the communication between the server and your pc. If you suspect this, you could level(flush) your current DNS value to fix the problem.

3.Old version.dat file

This is a common cause prompting the error code 12009. The installer relies on old version.dat file when crosschecking the current version against the new one being installed. The installer can be forced to create a new file by renaming the old version.dat file. 

The game might be missing essential files for the connection process to occur. During startup, the requirement of all the data is not that important in the game.

However, when the game is loaded with a recognized connection, it requires all the files to be intact to load the maps. In other words, if there is an absence or when a particular file is missing, it might prompt the error code 12009.

4.VPN or proxy connection issues

Connection could be denied when you try to connect through VPN network or proxy server. Black Desert is notoriously known to encounter myriads of problem when it is forced to work through VPN or proxy. Black Desert Online Launcher is quite choosy when it comes to connection with a VPN network or proxy server. 

The Ip Ban 

This happens whenever there’s an IP Address associated with your internet connection that has been blacklisted by the game’s server. This could lead to an issue which sets off the error code. In most cases, the connection that was made available by the ISP is not a static one; which means the IP Address is frequently being changed.

As a result of this, one IP Address might get associated with multiple users. If this occurs, any terrible act being carried out by the other user might get you blacklisted through the game’s server. Don’t be mad; it’s the robots at work.

5.Ping booster interference

Error code 12009 has been reported by some users to occur when they use a Ping Booster Servicer. Servicers like WTFast, Haste and Ping Booster have been reported by users to cause error code 12009. You can simply fix this by turning off the utility while updating to a newer version.

6.Game port closed

This is a common trigger for error code 12009 in Black Desert Online Launcher. This occurs when the main ports used by the game are closed.  The closed port affects the communication between the download server and your PC. 

8 Ways  To Fix Black Desert Error Code 12009

Solution 1: Disabling The Third-party Antivirus or Firewall

Overprotective firewall can block the communication between the server and the end-user computer. This can be corrected by disabling the real-time protection of your firewall or antivirus. Follow these simple steps to disable real-time protection on windows.

Select the start button then click on settings > updates and security > windows security. Then select virus & threat protection > manage settings

Switch the real-time protection off.

The step is pretty much the same for third-party firewall and antivirus. Simply turn it off directly from the tray icon of your security suite.  There is a high possibility that switching off real-time protection in a third party suite might not be enough.

In the case just uninstall the third party suite and run the black Desert Online, this should solve the problem.

Solution 2: Flush Your DNS

As explained earlier, an inconsistent DNS could be the reason for the error code. In this case, the best solution is to reset your domain name server. The steps are easy to follow.

• Press the windows key + R; this will open the run dialog. Open an elevated command prompt by typing ‘cmd’ and then pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Grant administration access by clicking on ‘yes’ when prompted by the user account control.
• Once you’ve gained access into the elevated type “ipconfig/flushdns” and then click enter. This will clear the DNS cache and your router will have to assign fresh DNS information.
• Open the black desert online and rerun it. This should fix the problem and the game should be able to run now.

Solution 3: Rename The Version.dat file

Having a remnant version.dat file could be the reason for prompting error code 12009. This is fixed by renaming the older version.dat file so the installer is forced to compare it to a new file. The steps are easy and are broken down for easy comprehension. 

• Close the game and the game launcher; make sure they are not running even in the background. You will not be able to rename the file if the game is still running
• Go to my computer and navigate to the location where the black desert online is installed. Default location is my computer > local disk > X86 > Black Desert.
• Locate the file named version.dat, right-click on the file and click on rename. You can choose to rename the file as you wish what you name it to do not really matter. 
• After renaming the file, try installing the black desert online. The problem should be fixed now.

Verifying Integrity of Game Files

If there are some missing essential files from the game’s installation, it won’t run as it should. The simple fix to this is to inspect the files to see if there are any missing ones and how they can replace them.

Open Steam and log in to your account.
Under the library tab, Black Desert Online should be visible.
Use the “Properties” option and then select the “Local Files” tab.
Press the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” option and wait for the process to be completed.
Restart your console.

PRO TIP: If the problem is with your PC or device, you should troubleshoot it using Restoro Repair, which scans the repositories and replaces damaged and missing files. This method works in most cases where the problem is due to a system corruption. 

Solution 4: Disabling Proxy or VPN

Black desert online is very picky when it comes to running on a VPN network or proxy server. Many users have confirmed that they were able to update without error code 12009 after disabling the VPN. You can also decide to uninstall it entirely, uninstallation is quite simple; just follow these steps:

• Press the windows key + R to open the run box, then type ‘appwiz.cpl’. Scroll down the program and feature menu to find the VPN or proxy application
• Right-click on it and choose uninstall on the ping booster and follow the steps to complete. You should restart your computer after this. 
• Start Black Desert online again, the problem should be resolved now. 

Solution 5: Disabling Any Ping Booster Service

This is applicable when you are using a ping booster service. The problem can be resolved by uninstalling the ping booster till after installing the new game version at least.  You can uninstall by following the simple steps

• Press the windows key + R to open the run box, then type ‘appwiz.cpl’. Scroll down the program and feature menu to find the ping booster application
• Click on uninstall on the ping booster and follow the steps to complete. It is advisable to restart your computer after this
• Start black desert online again, the problem should be resolved now. 

Solution 6: Granting Administrative Privileges

In some situations, the game needs to be granted administrative privileges for sensitive tasks. The absence of these privileges may cause the error to popup So, in this method, we will be providing the game with Administrative Privileges. To do this:

First, click on the Game icon, you should see the “Open File Location” button.
Open the “Open File Location” menu.
When there, press the game executable and click on “Properties.”
The next thing to do is click on the “Compatibility” tab.
Using your mouse, check the ‘Run as Administrator’ Box.
 Press the apply button and then run a diagnostics to see if the issue persists.

Solution 7: Power cycling Internet Router

If the internet connection provided by your Internet service provider (ISP) is a static one; There is a possibility that the game server may have banned the IP Address that you are currently using. To do this, we will completely reinitialize the internet configurations by totally power cycling the internet router. The steps are listed below

Start by unplugging the power cord from the source. 
Wait for at least 5 minutes, and then proceed to plug the cord back in.
Allow for internet access to be granted and launch your game.

Solution 7: Granting Access in Firewall

At times, Microsoft Window’s firewall might be blocking the game from connecting to the servers. Here, we will be granting the game access in the Firewall. Follow these steps:

On your keyboard, Hold down the “Windows” + “S” Keys at the same time and type in “Firewall. “
You then select the first option that reads, “Allow an app or feature Through Firewall.”
Press the “Change Settings” option.
Use your mouse to navigate the list and ensure you check both the “Public” and “Private” option for “Black desert error” and “Steam. “
Press apply and then run a check to see if the problem is solved.

Solution 8: Forcing Steam Update

There is also a probability that the Steam client may not have been updated when the game starts. There is a need for the latest version of the Steam update for Black Desert to function properly.

Therefore, in this step, we will be forcing it to update. To do this, You need to have granted the application administrative privileges. You could read option 1 to see how to do that.

Start by navigating to the “Steam” menu on the top left corner of your screen.
You should see the option “Check for Steam Client Update.”
If updates are available, updates will automatically be downloaded and installed.
Your game should reboot immediately.

Conclusion

These are the various solutions that You could use to clear the Black desert error code 12009. However, If you are still unable to troubleshoot the error successfully, kindly contact your internet service provider (ISP) to ensure there are no issues with your router’s connection to the local network.

Finally, if all method fails, do not hesitate to contact the Black desert customer service for further guidance.

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