Fix VAL 9090 Error After Clearing TPM On Windows 10

by Alex Johnson 52 views

Experiencing the VAL 9090 error after clearing your Trusted Platform Module (TPM) on Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to get back into your favorite games like Valorant. This error typically arises due to issues with the TPM or Secure Boot settings, which are crucial for the game's anti-cheat system, Vanguard, to function correctly. But don't worry! This guide will walk you through a comprehensive set of steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, ensuring you can get back to gaming as quickly as possible. We'll explore various methods, from checking your system's BIOS settings to ensuring your Windows installation is up-to-date and compatible. So, let's dive in and get your system back on track!

Understanding the VAL 9090 Error

Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to understand what the VAL 9090 error signifies. This error primarily occurs in Valorant and is related to the game's anti-cheat system, Riot Vanguard. Vanguard requires TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot to be enabled in your system's BIOS to ensure the integrity and security of the game. When you clear TPM or make changes to your BIOS settings, it can sometimes interfere with Vanguard's ability to verify your system, leading to the VAL 9090 error. Understanding this connection helps in diagnosing the root cause and applying the appropriate solutions. Think of TPM as a security chip on your motherboard that helps to securely store encryption keys, passwords, and certificates. Secure Boot, on the other hand, is a feature that ensures your system only boots using software that is trusted by the motherboard manufacturer. Both these features are crucial for maintaining a secure gaming environment, and Vanguard relies on them to prevent cheating and ensure fair gameplay. Therefore, if Vanguard detects any issues with TPM or Secure Boot, it will trigger the VAL 9090 error, preventing you from launching the game. This error is not just limited to Valorant; it can potentially affect other games and applications that rely on similar security measures. So, addressing this issue is not only about getting back into Valorant but also about ensuring the overall security and stability of your system. Now that we have a clear understanding of the error, let's move on to the troubleshooting steps.

Preliminary Checks

Before making any significant changes to your system, it's always a good idea to perform some preliminary checks. These checks can often identify simple issues that might be causing the VAL 9090 error, saving you time and effort in the long run.

  • Restart Your Computer: This might seem like an obvious step, but a simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches and software conflicts. It's a quick and easy way to refresh your system and ensure that all processes are running correctly. Sometimes, the error might be due to a temporary issue with the Vanguard service or other background processes, and a restart can clear these up.
  • Check Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for Valorant to communicate with its servers and verify your game files. Ensure that your internet connection is working correctly and that you have a stable connection. Try restarting your modem and router to refresh your network connection. You can also run a speed test to check your internet speed and ensure it meets the minimum requirements for Valorant. A poor or unstable internet connection can sometimes lead to errors that are indirectly related to the game's security features, so it's always a good idea to rule out network issues first.
  • Run Valorant as Administrator: Running the game with administrator privileges ensures that it has the necessary permissions to access system resources and make changes to files. Right-click on the Valorant shortcut and select "Run as administrator." This can help bypass any permission-related issues that might be preventing the game from launching correctly. Administrator privileges allow the game to modify files, access system settings, and interact with other programs without restrictions. This can be particularly important for games like Valorant that have anti-cheat systems that need to access various parts of your system.
  • Check Riot Vanguard Status: Riot Vanguard is Valorant's anti-cheat system, and it needs to be running correctly for the game to launch. Look for the Vanguard icon in your system tray (usually in the bottom-right corner of your screen). If it's not running, you might need to restart it manually. You can also try reinstalling Vanguard if necessary. Vanguard is designed to prevent cheating and ensure fair gameplay, and it requires certain system configurations to function correctly. If Vanguard is not running or is encountering issues, it can trigger the VAL 9090 error. Checking its status and ensuring it's running correctly is a crucial step in troubleshooting this error.

If these preliminary checks don't resolve the issue, don't worry! We have more advanced troubleshooting steps to try.

Verifying TPM and Secure Boot

One of the primary reasons for the VAL 9090 error is issues with TPM and Secure Boot. These are security features that Valorant's anti-cheat system, Vanguard, relies on. Here’s how to check and ensure they are enabled:

Checking TPM Status

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security chip on your motherboard that helps protect your system. Here’s how to check its status:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type tpm.msc and press Enter.
  3. A window will open, displaying the TPM status. If TPM is enabled and functioning correctly, it will show "The TPM is ready for use." If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found," it means either TPM is disabled in your BIOS or your system doesn't have a TPM.

If TPM is not enabled, you’ll need to access your BIOS settings to enable it. The steps for this vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer, but generally, you'll need to restart your computer and press a specific key (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc) during startup to enter the BIOS setup. Once in the BIOS, look for TPM settings, which might be under Security or Advanced settings. Enable TPM and save your changes before exiting the BIOS.

Checking Secure Boot Status

Secure Boot ensures that your computer only boots using software that is trusted by your motherboard manufacturer. Here’s how to check its status:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  3. The System Information window will open. In the right pane, look for “Secure Boot State.” If it says “Enabled,” Secure Boot is active. If it says “Disabled,” you’ll need to enable it in your BIOS settings.

To enable Secure Boot, you'll need to enter your BIOS settings, similar to enabling TPM. Look for Secure Boot settings, which might be under Boot or Security options. Enable Secure Boot and save your changes before exiting the BIOS. Keep in mind that enabling Secure Boot might require your system to be in UEFI mode, so you might need to convert your boot drive to GPT if it’s currently using MBR.

Enabling TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS

As mentioned earlier, accessing your BIOS settings is crucial for enabling both TPM and Secure Boot. The specific steps can vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer, but the general process is similar:

  1. Restart Your Computer: Start by restarting your computer.
  2. Enter BIOS Setup: During startup, press the key that allows you to enter the BIOS setup. This key is typically displayed on the screen during the boot process and is often Del, F2, F12, or Esc. If you're unsure, consult your motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website.
  3. Navigate to Security or Advanced Settings: Once in the BIOS, use your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate through the menus. Look for sections labeled Security, Advanced, or Boot. The TPM and Secure Boot settings are usually located within these sections.
  4. Enable TPM: Find the TPM setting, which might be labeled as TPM, Intel PTT, or AMD fTPM. Enable it. If there are multiple options, such as enabling or activating TPM, choose the option that fully enables the feature.
  5. Enable Secure Boot: Locate the Secure Boot setting, which is often found in the Boot or Security section. Enable Secure Boot. You might need to set the Boot Mode to UEFI if it's currently set to Legacy or CSM (Compatibility Support Module).
  6. Save Changes and Exit: After enabling TPM and Secure Boot, navigate to the Exit menu and select “Save Changes and Exit.” Your computer will restart, and the changes you made in the BIOS will be applied.

After ensuring TPM and Secure Boot are enabled, try launching Valorant again to see if the VAL 9090 error is resolved. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.

Reinstalling Riot Vanguard

If TPM and Secure Boot are enabled, but you're still encountering the VAL 9090 error, the next step is to try reinstalling Riot Vanguard, Valorant's anti-cheat system. Sometimes, Vanguard can become corrupted or encounter issues during installation, leading to errors. Reinstalling it ensures that you have a fresh, working copy of the software.

Uninstalling Riot Vanguard

  1. Close Valorant and Riot Vanguard: Make sure Valorant and any Riot-related processes are completely closed before you begin. Check the system tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen and close any Vanguard icons.
  2. Open Control Panel: Press the Windows Key, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
  3. Go to Programs and Features: In the Control Panel, click on “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
  4. Find Riot Vanguard: Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate “Riot Vanguard.”
  5. Uninstall Riot Vanguard: Select Riot Vanguard and click the “Uninstall” button at the top. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
  6. Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling Vanguard, restart your computer to ensure that all related files and processes are completely removed.

Reinstalling Riot Vanguard

  1. Launch Valorant: After restarting, launch Valorant. The game should automatically prompt you to install Riot Vanguard if it's not already installed.
  2. Follow the Installation Prompts: Follow the on-screen prompts to install Riot Vanguard. Make sure you have a stable internet connection during the installation process.
  3. Restart Your Computer: Once the installation is complete, you'll be prompted to restart your computer. Make sure you do this to finalize the installation.

After reinstalling Riot Vanguard and restarting your computer, try launching Valorant again. This should resolve any issues related to corrupted or improperly installed Vanguard files. If you're still encountering the VAL 9090 error, move on to the next set of troubleshooting steps.

Ensuring UEFI Boot Mode

Another potential cause of the VAL 9090 error is if your system is not booting in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) mode. UEFI is a modern firmware interface that offers several advantages over the older BIOS, including support for Secure Boot. Valorant and Riot Vanguard require UEFI boot mode for Secure Boot to function correctly. Here’s how to check if your system is using UEFI and how to switch to it if necessary.

Checking Boot Mode

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  3. The System Information window will open. In the right pane, look for “BIOS Mode.” If it says “UEFI,” your system is already booting in UEFI mode. If it says “Legacy,” you’ll need to convert to UEFI.

Converting to UEFI from Legacy

If your system is booting in Legacy mode, you'll need to convert your boot drive to GPT (GUID Partition Table) and switch to UEFI mode in your BIOS settings. This process involves some technical steps, but it's essential for resolving the VAL 9090 error.

Note: Before proceeding, it's highly recommended to back up your important data. Converting to UEFI can sometimes result in data loss if not done correctly.

  1. Use MBR2GPT Tool: Windows includes a built-in tool called MBR2GPT that can convert a drive from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT without data loss. Here’s how to use it:
    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Windows Key, type “cmd,” right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
    • Run the Conversion Command: Type the following command and press Enter:
      mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS
    • The tool will analyze your system and begin the conversion process. This might take a few minutes.
  2. Enter BIOS Setup: After the conversion is complete, restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup (as described earlier, typically by pressing Del, F2, F12, or Esc during startup).
  3. Change Boot Mode to UEFI: In the BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot section. Look for an option labeled “Boot Mode,” “UEFI/Legacy Boot,” or similar. Change the setting from Legacy or CSM to UEFI.
  4. Enable Secure Boot: If you haven't already, enable Secure Boot in the BIOS settings. This is usually found in the Security or Boot section.
  5. Save Changes and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup. Your computer will restart in UEFI mode.

After converting to UEFI and enabling Secure Boot, try launching Valorant again. The VAL 9090 error should now be resolved. If not, continue to the next troubleshooting steps.

Updating Windows

An outdated Windows operating system can sometimes cause compatibility issues with games and anti-cheat systems like Riot Vanguard. Ensuring that your Windows installation is up-to-date is crucial for resolving various errors, including the VAL 9090 error. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements, which can help ensure smooth gameplay.

Checking for Windows Updates

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security.”
  3. Check for Updates: In the Windows Update section, click the “Check for updates” button. Windows will scan for available updates and begin downloading and installing them.
  4. Restart Your Computer: After the updates are installed, you'll be prompted to restart your computer. Make sure you do this to finalize the update process.

It's recommended to keep your Windows operating system updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility with the latest games and software. Updates often include crucial fixes for issues that might be causing errors like the VAL 9090 error. In addition to checking for updates manually, you can also configure Windows to automatically download and install updates. This ensures that your system is always running the latest version of Windows, minimizing the chances of encountering compatibility issues.

Enabling Automatic Updates

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security.”
  3. Advanced Options: In the Windows Update section, click on “Advanced options.”
  4. Choose Update Options: Under “Choose how updates are installed,” select “Automatic (recommended).”

With automatic updates enabled, Windows will download and install updates in the background, ensuring that your system is always up-to-date. This can help prevent errors and ensure a smoother gaming experience.

After updating Windows, try launching Valorant again to see if the VAL 9090 error is resolved. If you're still encountering the error, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.

Contacting Riot Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still facing the VAL 9090 error, it might be time to contact Riot Support. They can provide personalized assistance and help you troubleshoot the issue further. Riot Support has access to advanced diagnostic tools and can offer specific solutions based on your system configuration and error logs. They can also help identify any underlying issues that might be causing the error.

How to Contact Riot Support

  1. Visit the Riot Games Support Website: Go to the official Riot Games Support website.
  2. Select Valorant: Choose Valorant from the list of games.
  3. Submit a Ticket: Click on “Submit a Ticket.”
  4. Choose a Request Type: Select the appropriate request type, such as “Technical Issues” or “Login Issues.”
  5. Provide Detailed Information: Fill out the form with as much detail as possible. Include information about the error you’re encountering, the steps you’ve already tried, and your system specifications. The more information you provide, the better Riot Support can assist you.
  6. Attach Relevant Files: If you have any screenshots or error logs, attach them to your ticket. These files can provide valuable information to the support team and help them diagnose the issue more effectively.

Riot Support is dedicated to helping players resolve technical issues and ensure a smooth gaming experience. When contacting support, be patient and provide all the necessary information to help them assist you efficiently. They might ask for additional information or suggest specific troubleshooting steps. Follow their instructions carefully and provide feedback as needed.

Conclusion

The VAL 9090 error can be a frustrating obstacle, but with the right approach, it's often resolvable. By systematically working through the steps outlined in this guide – from preliminary checks to ensuring TPM and Secure Boot are enabled, reinstalling Riot Vanguard, verifying UEFI boot mode, updating Windows, and contacting Riot Support – you can increase your chances of getting back into Valorant and enjoying your game. Remember, patience is key, and providing detailed information when seeking support can significantly expedite the resolution process.

For further information on Valorant error codes and troubleshooting, you can visit the official Valorant support page.