Resolving the “Conflicting Software Detected” Error in Steam: A Comprehensive Guide
Steam, a prominent gaming platform, occasionally encounters an error that prevents users from accessing their games. This error, known as “Conflicting Software Detected: Incompatible version found in Steam,” arises due to a clash between Steam and another software or file, typically the Lavasoft Web Companion app or the LavasoftTCPService.dll file. This article delves into the causes of this error and presents a comprehensive guide to resolving it.
Understanding the Error
The “Conflicting Software Detected” error message indicates that an incompatible version of the LavasoftTCPService.dll file, associated with the Lavasoft Web Companion app, has been detected within the Steam process. This incompatibility can lead to crashes or network slowdowns while running Steam or individual games.
Potential Causes
The Lavasoft Web Companion app, if installed on the system, can cause this error. This app may have been bundled with another software installation or inadvertently installed by the user. The LavasoftTCPService.dll file, a component of the Lavasoft Web Companion app, can also conflict with Steam, causing the error.
Solutions
To resolve the “Conflicting Software Detected” error in Steam, consider the following solutions:
1. Uninstall the Lavasoft Web Companion App:
- Locate and uninstall the Lavasoft Web Companion app through the Control Panel, Windows Settings, or the Command Prompt.
- If unable to uninstall using these methods, employ third-party tools like AdwCleaner.
2. Delete the LavasoftTCPService.dll File:
- Navigate to the file location (C:\Windows\System32) and delete the LavasoftTCPService.dll file.
- Enable hidden files and folders in File Explorer if the file is not visible.
- If the file is in use by another program, boot the system in Safe Mode to delete it.
3. Perform a Winsock Reset:
- Utilize the Winsock reset to resolve internet connectivity issues in Steam.
- Employ the FixWin tool to address internet and other issues on Windows 11/10.
4. Run an Antimalware Scan:
- Utilize free antimalware software like Zemana AntiMalware or RogueKiller Anti-Malware to scan the system.
- Consider using standalone on-demand antivirus scanners for Windows.
5. Add Steam.exe as an Exception to Antivirus:
- Prevent conflicts between the antivirus and Steam by adding Steam.exe as an exception.
- Refer to the antivirus user manual for instructions on adding exceptions.
6. Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot State:
- Identify and disable conflicting startup apps by troubleshooting in a Clean Boot state.
- Disable startup applications one by one to isolate the problematic app.
- Uninstall the problematic startup app to resolve the error.
Additional Information
- Steam games are not malware. If an antimalware or antivirus suite identifies a Steam game as a virus or malware, it is likely a false positive. Add Steam.exe as an exception to the antivirus to resolve this issue.
- The LavasoftTCPService.dll file is associated with the Lavasoft Web Companion app. If this file conflicts with Steam, apply the solutions outlined in this article to resolve the error.
Conclusion
The “Conflicting Software Detected” error in Steam can be effectively resolved by following the comprehensive solutions presented in this article. By uninstalling the Lavasoft Web Companion app, deleting the LavasoftTCPService.dll file, performing a Winsock reset, running an antimalware scan, adding Steam.exe as an antivirus exception, and troubleshooting in a Clean Boot state, users can eliminate this error and enjoy uninterrupted gaming on Steam.
FAQ
What causes the “Conflicting Software Detected” error in Steam?
The error is typically caused by a conflict between Steam and the Lavasoft Web Companion app or the LavasoftTCPService.dll file associated with it. This conflict can lead to crashes or network slowdowns while running Steam or individual games.
How can I resolve the “Conflicting Software Detected” error?
To resolve the error, you can try several solutions: uninstalling the Lavasoft Web Companion app, deleting the LavasoftTCPService.dll file, performing a Winsock reset, running an antimalware scan, adding Steam.exe as an exception to your antivirus, and troubleshooting in a Clean Boot state.
Is it safe to delete the LavasoftTCPService.dll file?
Yes, it is generally safe to delete the LavasoftTCPService.dll file, especially if you are experiencing the “Conflicting Software Detected” error in Steam. However, if another program is using the file, you may not be able to delete it. In this case, boot the system in Safe Mode to delete the file.
What is a Clean Boot state, and how can it help resolve the error?
A Clean Boot state is a troubleshooting method where only essential services are active, and all other startup apps and non-Microsoft services are disabled. This helps identify and isolate conflicting startup apps that may be causing the “Conflicting Software Detected” error in Steam.
Can Steam games be malware?
No, Steam games are not malware. If your antimalware or antivirus suite identifies a Steam game as a virus or malware, it is likely a false positive. You can add Steam.exe as an exception to your antivirus to resolve this issue.
What is the LavasoftTCPService.dll file, and why does it conflict with Steam?
The LavasoftTCPService.dll file is associated with the Lavasoft Web Companion app. This file can sometimes conflict with Steam, causing the “Conflicting Software Detected” error. This conflict can lead to crashes or network slowdowns while running Steam or individual games.
I have tried all the solutions, but the error persists. What else can I do?
If you have tried all the solutions mentioned in the article and the error persists, you may need to contact Steam support for further assistance. They can help you investigate the issue further and provide additional troubleshooting steps or solutions.