Diagnostic Matrix: Anti-Cheat Hardware Security Errors
| Error Code / Prompt | Underlying Security Failure | Root Architectural Barrier | Safe Definitive Remediation | Destructive Action to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAN9001 (Vanguard) | This build of Vanguard requires Secure Boot to be enabled | Windows is running on legacy CSM/MBR partition scheme | Convert system drive via mbr2gpt.exe; disable CSM in BIOS | Do not format drive or reinstall Windows blindly |
| VAN9003 (Vanguard) | TPM 2.0 is not enabled or attested | AMD fTPM or Intel PTT is disabled in motherboard firmware | Enable Firmware TPM (fTPM/PTT) in BIOS Security menu | Do not buy a discrete hardware TPM module |
| EA Anti-Cheat Error 115 | Kernel-level driver signature verification failed | Secure Boot state is set to "Setup Mode" or "Custom" | Reset Secure Boot keys to "Factory Default / Standard" | Do not disable Hyper-V or Windows Core Isolation |
| Black screen after turning CSM Off | Display GPU lacks UEFI GOP firmware | Legacy graphics card cannot display video in native UEFI | Flash GPU UEFI GOP update before disabling CSM | Do not disable CSM if using ancient GPU (GTX 600/700) |
Modern kernel-level anti-cheat platforms (such as Riot Vanguard for Valorant/League of Legends, EA Anti-Cheat for FC 25/Battlefield, and Call of Duty Ricochet) enforce hardware-rooted trust. Under Windows 11, running these games requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be actively verified by the kernel.
Phase 1: Checking Partition Style (MBR vs GPT)
Secure Boot cannot function on legacy Master Boot Record (MBR) partition tables. It requires GUID Partition Table (GPT) and native UEFI mode.
- Press
Win + Xand select Disk Management. - Right-click Disk 0 (your Windows C: system drive) and click Properties.
- Select the Volumes tab.
- Check Partition style:
- If it says GUID Partition Table (GPT): Skip straight to Phase 3 (BIOS toggles).
- If it says Master Boot Record (MBR): Proceed to Phase 2 to convert without losing data.
Phase 2: Converting MBR to GPT Without Data Loss via Windows Built-in Tool
Windows includes a safe, lossless native converter tool:
- Hold
Shiftand click Restart from the Windows Start menu to access Advanced Startup. - Select
Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Command Prompt. - Validate your disk layout for conversion:
mbr2gpt /validate - If validation returns "Validation completed successfully", execute the conversion:
mbr2gpt /convert - In roughly 10 seconds, the tool converts the MBR partition map into a modern GPT layout, creates the EFI System Partition, and rebuilds the BCD bootloader.
- Type
exitand reboot straight into your motherboard BIOS.
Phase 3: BIOS Configuration for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
- Upon restarting, mash
DelorF2to enter BIOS. - Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module):
- Navigate to the Boot menu.
- Set CSM Support to Disabled (this switches the motherboard to pure UEFI).
- Enable Firmware TPM:
- For Intel CPUs: Navigate to Security / Advanced and enable Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT).
- For AMD CPUs: Enable AMD fTPM (Firmware TPM).
- Enable Secure Boot:
- In the Boot / Security menu, set Secure Boot to Enabled.
- If Secure Boot Mode says "Custom" or keys are missing, select Restore Factory Keys or set OS Type to Windows UEFI Mode.
- Press
F10to save and reboot into Windows.
Verification Checklist
- Press
Win + R, typetpm.msc, and verify status reports: "The TPM is ready for use (Specification Version: 2.0)". - Press
Win + R, typemsinfo32, and confirm:- BIOS Mode:
UEFI - Secure Boot State:
On
- BIOS Mode:
- Launch Valorant or EA titles without encountering VAN9001 / VAN9003 alerts.