5
Moderate
Steam · Gaming
General Steam service error, an operation could not be completed
Quick Answer
Error code 5 on your Steam Gaming means: General Steam service error, an operation could not be completed. This is usually fixable — see the step-by-step guide below.
Affected Models
Applies to all models
Likely Causes
How to Fix It
1
Restart the Steam client completely (exit from system tray)
2
Run Steam as administrator
3
Delete the appcache folder inside your Steam installation directory
4
Verify the integrity of game files if the error occurs for a specific game
5
Reinstall Steam without losing your games (delete everything in the Steam folder except steamapps and userdata)
Pro Tip
This fix requires some technical knowledge. If you're unsure about any step, consider contacting support or a qualified technician.
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