What should I do if I receive the error message "Error 102 DownloadError_InvalidMetafile" when downloading the latest ESO game update?

This error appears when the launcher cannot find a meta data file online needed for patching. This usually indicates a server-side error.

If a patch recently came out, you should wait a few minutes and try again.

If you continue to experience this issue, you should try the troubleshooting steps below:

Step 1: Test for Connection Issues

  • Test whether you have a connection issue with our patcher servers by attempting to reach the following link.
    • After the page loads, the text "Download Test File" should display on a blank white page.
      • If it does, then your computer is able to connect to our patcher servers. If you are still getting the same error message, proceed to Step 2.  
      • If you do not see that text, this indicates a network connectivity issue between your network and our patcher servers. In this case, if you are using a wireless connection switch to a wired connection instead and vice-versa. After switching, click here to test your connection again. 
  • You can find additional Windows connection troubleshooting steps that include both wired and wireless connections below:

Step 2: Run the ESO Launcher as an Administrator

We recommend that you run the launcher as an Administrator by following the steps below:

  1. Right click on the ESO launcher and select to Properties.
  2. From there, navigate to the Compatibility tab.
    • If you have Windows 8, we advise you to click in the Compatibility box and to select Windows 7.
  3. At the bottom of the screen, check the box Run As Administrator.
  4. Hit Apply, then Ok.
  5. Right click on the launcher and select Run As Administrator.

The game should now download any updates and install them. Once that completes, you should be able to play the game.

Note: If you do not have the ability to do the steps above, your profile on your Windows machine does not have administrator privileges. See here for more information. 

Step 3: Ensure the ESO files are added to your firewall and anti-virus programs.

The application files that may require exceptions are:

  • Bethesda.net_launcher: C:\Program Files (x86)\ZenimaxOnline\Launcher
  • ESO64.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\ZenimaxOnline\The Elder Scrolls Online\game\client\ESO64.exe
  • Steam.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steam.exe
  • ESO64.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\The Elder Scrolls Online\game\client\eso64.exe

Some antivirus programs require entire folders to be selected instead of a single file.When this is the case, the file paths below are what players should use. If required by the anti-virus program, include all subfolders since every file is critical to run the game.

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\The Elder Scrolls Online\
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\

Step 4: Delete the ProgramData Folder

  1. Make sure to close out the ESO Launcher before proceeding. 
  2. Navigate to the patch installation folder and delete the ProgramData folder. By default, this folder will be located at the following directories: 
    • PC: C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\Launcher\ProgramData
    • Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Zenimax Online\Launcher\ProgramData
  3. Restart the ESO Launcher.  

The Launcher should now display "Creating Download." This is normal as the launcher begins the regeneration process. It can take anywhere between 21-30% before the launcher switches to "Downloading Game Files." 

Step 5: Repair the Game Client

To repair the ESO game client:

  1. Open the ESO launcher.
  2. Click on Game Options (located under the News section)

    game options
     
  3. Click Repair and wait for the process to finish.

More information on repairing the ESO game client can be found here.