Several users have been reporting being unable to play NBA 2K16, NBA 2K17 or NBA 2K18 by the Error code EFEAB30C. This error prevents the user from logging into 2K servers. The player is effectively unable to play any mode that has multiplayer components (almost all available modes). This issue has been reported to affect PCs, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PS4.
What causes the Error message EFEAB30C?
Error codes EFEAB30C and 4B538E50 are usually displayed when there are problems with using the latest data available. This message is typically displayed if the user has an older version of the game than the most recent. The user will not be able to continue playing the game if this error is displayed.
However, there are other scenarios that will trigger the EFEAB30C error message. Here’s a quick rundown with potential culprits that might be responsible for the error message:
If you’re trying to get the issue resolved, this article will provide you with a series of troubleshooting steps. Below is a list of possible solutions that others have tried to avoid the problem.
Keep in mind that some of the methods below might not be applicable depending on which platform you’re encountering the issue on. For the best results, follow the potential fixes in the order that they are presented while skipping any methods that aren’t applicable. You should eventually be able find a solution that solves your problem.
Forcing the game to update
The most common scenario where this error occurs is I you’re playing the game at the moment where a new game update is deployed. This happens on all platforms: Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Ps4, and PC.
You will not be able to play online modes if this happens. If you’re on a console, you can resolve the issue by closing the game and re-opening it. When the prompt appears, you will be asked to update automatically. Additionally, you can go to the Downloads section in your console’s dashboard and install the latest NBA driver from there.
If you’re on PC, and you haven’t brought the game via a digital game store service like Steam or Origin, the game might not update as it’s supposed to. Users in a similar situation have managed to get the issue resolved by either playing a couple of games in the offline “Play Now” mode or by leaving the game idle inside the main menu. After some time you will see a pop-up telling you that a new update has been applied.
Confirming the email associated with your MyPlayer account
Another scenario that might trigger the EFEAB30C is if your email account associated with your MyPlayer account is not verified or requires an update. This is not doable from the game itself, so you’ll need to open a browser (either on your console, PC or mobile). Here’s a quick guide on confirming your account email associated with your MyPlayer account:
- Open a web browser and go to thegoneapp.com.
- Next, click the Sign In button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Click the Sign In button - Choose the platform on which you play the game. If the error is occurring on more than one platform, select the one that displays it.
- Enter your credentials (MyPlayer password and account name) to continue.
- After you log in successfully, your account will be automatically verified.
- Open the game again and see if you’re able to play the game without receiving the EFEAB30C error code. If you still get the error, try the next method.
Using the first five accounts created on the console
Another scenario in which you might encounter the EFEAB30C is if you’ve created 5 or more accounts on the same console or PC. The EFEAB30C will start popping up due to a security protocol that disallows server access to all NBA 2K accounts created after the 5 mark. This is to prevent server abuse and account spamming.
If you created more than 5 accounts on the same console or computer, keep in mind that there’s no workaround to bypass this security protocol. This scenario may be applicable to you. You can only use the five first accounts created on this particular console. In the event that this scenario is triggering the EFEAB30C, all online features should be back while using an older account.
Investigating for 3rd party interference (PC only)
If you’re encountering this issue on a PC, it’s very likely that you’re seeing the error due to an overprotective security solution. Many third-party security solutions are reported to be blocking NBA 2k’s network functions by users.
If you have a third-party security suite that is overprotective, the only way to confirm that it’s your culprit is by uninstalling the suite completely. Disabling real-time security will not yield conclusive results, as the same rules will continue to apply.
You can probably solve the error without uninstalling the 3rd party security client by adding the NBA2K executable to the exclusion list. However, this step is very different according to the security suite that you’re using. For example, on Kaspersky Internet Security, you can do it by going to Settings > Advanced > Threats and exclusions > Specify Trusted Applications and then add the NBA2k executable.
If you decide to let go of your third-party antivirus, follow our step by step guide (here) on uninstalling and removing every trace of the 3rd party antivirus. After the antivirus has been removed, restart the computer and then open the game once again. If third party interference was the cause of your issue, you should now be able to access NBA’s features without the EFEAB30C error.
Restoring the reserved space on your HDD (PC only)
The EFEAB30C error can also occur if you accidentally deleted the Reserved Space section on your HDD in an attempt to free some valuable space. Even if this section doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the actual game, keep in mind that all NBA 2K games use it to hold updates and patches.
If you deleted the Reserved Space section on your HDD right before you first started seeing the EFEAB30C error, you might be able to get the issue resolved by reinstalling the game application. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:
- Press Windows key + R to open up a new Run dialog box. Next, type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
Run dialog: thegoneapp.com Scroll through the application list, right-click on your NBA game and choose Uninstall.
- During the uninstallation process, when asked if you want to preserve your Save files, choose Yes.
- You can either insert the media or reinstall your game via Steam or Origin.
- When you see the message “Install Is Retrieving Files“, do not hit Cancel until the process is complete.
- Open the game and linger in the game menu until you see the “Update Required” message popping up. Follow the prompts to download the latest version.
- Restart your game. Now you should be able access the online features without any problems.
