Elite Dangerous: Launcher 'root element is missing'

[Atton Rand]

Hi all,

I bought Elite Dangerous in 2018. I'm trying to get it to launch but it says 'application startup exception: root element is missing etc etc'. 0.46453.0

I've tried to reinstall from my Frontier account on a number of occasions. To no avail.

Has anyone else come across this problem?

 

[Para Handy]

Sounds like you need to download and install the new client (it has been replaced several times since 2018). Go to the frontier store - My Account - Downloadable Products - download and install the game - that will give you the current launcher - run that, log in, "upgrade" (or install).

 

[Atton Rand]

Sounds like you need to download and install the new client (it has been replaced several times since 2018). Go to the frontier store - My Account - Downloadable Products - download and install the game - that will give you the current launcher - run that, log in, "upgrade" (or install).

Hi, I deleted and uploaded the Elite launcher from the Frontier store. It now says Configuration Parser Error. Something wrong with the Framwork64. I went into the registry and tried to delete the config file Google says is causing the problem and replacing it but it doesn't work. Please see pic below. Anyone else come across this issue?

 

[Para Handy]

How to fix common problems with the Elite Dangerous launcher :: Frontier Customer Support

Troubleshooting steps for the most common problems with the Elite Dangerous launcher.

support.frontier.co.uk

In particular the part:

"Repair/reinstall Microsoft .NET
If the launcher is unable to run, or is encountering regular errors preventing it from working normally, you may need to re-install Microsoft .NET. TechHit have created a complete and handy guide on how to reinstall and repair .NET on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10: https://www.techhit.com/how-to/install-.net-3.5.1/ "

(Many people aparrently don't have Net framework v2.0.50727 installed, I don't know why it messes the launcher as if you remove the test for it in the launcher config file, the game still seems to run with no issues. - probable some sloppy coding my F D in not removing an old requirement.)

N.B. The linked article about installing Net framework 3.5 explains that this also includes Net 2 and 3:

Install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows - .NET Framework

Learn how to install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows and Windows Server. .NET Framework 3.5 can run apps that target .NET Framework 1.0 through 3.5.

docs.microsoft.com