Capture the complete code and Windows message, confirm whether the game reaches the menu on another machine or account, then try only reversible checks. Do not delete game files, edit the registry, or permanently disable Smart App Control based on one forum reply.
1. Identify the exact failure
- Save a screenshot. Record the complete `0x11C7` text, whether it appears before Steam launches the game or after the game window opens, and the Windows version.
- Record the boundary. Note v1.0.9, Steam launch or shortcut, solo or co-op, and whether the same account can open another game.
- Separate launch from join. If solo reaches the menu but joining a friend fails, use the co-op black-screen checklist instead of treating the symptom as a Windows launch error.
2. Low-risk checks
| Check | What to record | Evidence boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Steam files and updates | Game build, update state and whether the error repeats after a normal restart | Standard diagnostic |
| Windows Security notification | Exact product name, blocked file path and action offered by Windows | Do not infer cause |
| Overlay and shortcut test | Steam launch, desktop shortcut, overlay state and result | Reproduction needed |
| Another Windows account or machine | Whether the error follows the account, device or install | Useful isolation test |
3. Smart App Control boundary
Smart App Control and other Windows security features can show messages that look like game errors, but a community description does not prove that the feature caused this particular launch failure. Check the Windows Security message first. If the device is managed, ask the administrator before changing policy.
If you choose to test a security setting, use a temporary, documented test and restore the original state immediately. This page does not recommend a permanent disable, an unknown exception, or downloading a replacement executable.
When to stop testing
- Stop if the only proposed fix is deleting an unknown file, editing the registry or disabling security permanently.
- Stop if the code changes between launches; keep each screenshot and timestamp instead of merging different symptoms.
- Use the official Steam support/community route when the game will not start after ordinary updates and the error is reproducible.
- For missing equipment or a crash while selecting a weapon, use save and weapon safety; do not overwrite a potentially recoverable save.