Cannot open blob archive file: CMultiFieldBlob(mem-mapped file): Failed to open file

Article ID: 3845-QXVB-8312 FAQ ID: 240 Updated: October 21st, 2008

Please see the ClientRegistry.blob topic to troubleshoot this issue.

If renaming the ClientRegistry.blob file does not resolve the error and "SteamIDGetEncryptedUserIDTicket() failed with error1: cannot open blob archive file: CMultiFieldBlob(mem-mapped file): Failed to open file" appears in your game console when you attempt to connect to a server, further troubleshooting will be required.

Change Security Settings for Steam

Windows XP

Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to perform this task.

1. Exit and log out of Steam
2. Open Windows Explorer and go to Tools > Folder Options > View
3. Scroll to the bottom of the list and make sure that Use simple file sharing is unchecked
4. Click the Apply button
5. Navigate to your the folder holding your Steam installation (by default, C:\Program Files\)
6. Right-click on the Steam folder and select Sharing and Security
7. Switch to the Security tab
8. Grant all users full control of the Steam folder, files, and subfolders
9. Restart Steam

Windows Vista

Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to perform this task.

1. Navigate to the folder which contains your Steam installation folder
2. Right-click on the Steam folder and select Sharing and Security
3. Switch to the Security tab
4. Grant all users full control of the Steam folder, files, and subfolders
5. Restart Steam and test

Operating System Issue

If the above instructions fail to resolve your issue, you should reformat your hard drive, reinstall your operating system, and reinstall Steam to resolve the issue.

Note: Using any portion of your old files might very well cause this problem to happen again.