Several Antivirus programs can cause strange issues either while installing the list or after the list is installed, even if Wabbajack reports a successful install. This page will list some common issues that certain Antivirus programs can cause as well as known or possible solutions to fixing it.
A general google search such as "How to set Exceptions for [name of antivirus program]" Will generally return results showing you how to set exceptions for the Antivirus program you're using.
General Antivirus Advice:
- Add exceptions to your Antivirus program for your Wabbajack folder as well as your modlist installation location.
- If you have antivirus programs on your computer that are expired or no longer used, uninstall them. Antivirus programs that are not "active" can still cause issues with your modded game.
- Temporarily Disable any realtime protection from your Antivirus program and run the installation for the list again using the same installation folder. click overwrite checkbox.
- Temporarily Disable any realtime protection from your Antivirus program and test the list again to rule out Antivirus interference.
Common issues not related to specific antivirus programs can include:
- Files deleting themselves during the installation process.
- KreatE.dll reported as incompatible.
- SKSE/Trampoline.h(187) errors when running the mod list. (This error can also be caused by OneDrive)
- Crashes on trying to start the list.
- Skyrim opens then immediately closes.
- Wabbajack installation issues due to Hashes not matching.
You may not encounter some of these depending on the modlist you are running. If you do encounter any of these issues please follow the general Antivirus advice above or check the specific solutions below depending on your Antivirus program installed.
Windows Defender
Windows Defender generally causes very little issues during installations or after the list is installed. Setting exceptions for the Wabbajack folder and your modlist installation folder is generally sufficient.
Possible Symptoms
- KreatE.dll reported as incompatible.
Solutions
- Set Exceptions for the modlist installation folder in the Windows Defender settings.
Webroot
Webroot is a particularly troublesome Antivirus program as far as Wabbajack and Mod Organizer 2 is concerned.
Possible Symptoms
- Invalid BSA errors in Mod Organizer.
- List crashing on startup.
Solutions
Exceptions will not work for Webroot issues. the only option available would be to right click the taskbar icon for Webroot and click Shut Down Protection before playing the list. You may need to rerun the Wabbajack install for the list overwriting your existing installation location with Webroot disabled.
Bitdefender
Bitdefender generally causes few issues while Wabbajack is installing, it shows the most interference after the installation is completed during gameplay.
Possible Symptoms
- Crashing after clicking New Game in the main menu.
- Crashing after clicking confirm in Character Creation.
- Crashing when attempting to start the list.
Bitdefender crashes can be easily identified by looking in the "Registers" section of a crashlog for the line (char*) "usvfs::hook_DeleteFileW"
Solutions
Bit Defender is almost completely incompatible with the way Mod Organizer 2 uses it's files. It will cause constant and severe crashes while Mod Organizer 2 is running due to it's Advanced Threat Detection option.
- Set exceptions specifically for the Advanced Threat Detection module, regular exceptions will not help.
- Disable Advanced Threat Detection module.
McAfee
McAfee can cause numerous issues both with installation and gameplay. Even an expired but still installed instance of McAfee can cause issues. It is recommended to fully uninstall any expired instances of McAfee still on your system, it is commonly bundled with prebuilt computers and laptops.
Possible Symptoms
- Installation failures, particularly when installing the Stock Game files.
- Potential crashes launching the list.
- Missing exe files when running SKSE.
Solutions
- Uninstall unused instances of this program.
- Disable it's protection including while you are installing the list.
- If you have an install completed while it was active, find the Stock Game folder in your list installation directory. Delete the contents of the folder, reinstall the list from Wabbajack overwriting your existing install location with McAfee uninstalled or fully disabled. leave it disabled when you run the list.
Norton
Generally causes issues once the list is installed.
Possible Symptoms
- Error When trying to run the list and/or Mod Organizer 2: "skse64_loader.exe does not exist".
Solutions
- Set Exceptions for your modlist installation location.
- Disable active protection.
Avast
Avast will generally cause issues while installing the list, usually by quarantining the SKSE files.
Possible Symptoms
- Error When trying to run the list and/or Mod Organizer 2: "skse64_loader.exe does not exist".
- Crashes while launching the list.
Solutions
- Disable Avast completely, find the Stock Game folder in your list installation directory. Delete the contents of the folder, reinstall the list from Wabbajack overwriting your existing install location.
- Leave Avast disabled while you run the list.
Malwarebytes
Generally causes issues during the installation.
Possible Symptoms
- Error when installing the list by files deleting themselves during the installation process.
Solutions
- Set Exceptions for your modlist installation location.
So What Antivirus Program can I use?
You are free to use any program you like, it is recommended to use Windows Defender as it generally causes the least issues and respects any Exceptions to folders you set. If you'd prefer to keep using an antivirus on this list or one that is not, please follow the specific solutions listed or the general antivirus advice.
