commun HTC Vive
Virtual reality (VC) headsets
are trendy these days
.They provide a more immersive experience to the gaming world and the ability to move around — if everything is working properly.HTC's latest Vive headsets, including
the impressive Cosmos
and
new Vive Pro 2
, are more stable than ever, but sometimes things can still go wrong.
From "headset not found" errors to pairing issues, we'll cover common issues that HTC Vive users face. Next, we'll suggest possible fixes and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix any problems you might meet with your HTC Vive.
Problems presented with an error code
(Error 108) Headset not found
This error can manifest itself in several ways, either as an error message (error 108) or as a flashing red light on the headset. This is usually the result of a USB problem or of a pilot.
Possible fixes
:
First, make sure the headset is properly plugged in. If in doubt, remove everything and plug it back in.
The headset's power, USB and HDMI cables should be plugged into the appropriate slots on the link box; from there, the link box's USB and HDMI ports should be plugged into the PC and the power cord plugged into a power outlet.
When properly plugged in, the headset's light should be green, indicating that it's ready to use.
If everything is plugged in but the headset does not turn on, try another outlet.
Once you've done that, if the problem persists, there are a number of other things to try:
Restart the headset
Step 1:
In SteamVR, right click on the headset icon and select
Restart the Vive headset.
2nd step:
Wait for the reboot to complete.
Restart the link box
Step 1:
Close SteamVR.
2nd step:
Unplug the power cord and USB cord from the PC side of the link box (i.e. NOT the orange side of the link box).
Step 3:
After a few minutes, plug the power supply and USB cord back into the Link Box. If you see a notification in the taskbar that a driver is installing, wait for it to finish.
Step 4:
Relaunch SteamVR. Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this process more than once for the error to stop appearing.
Restart your computer
Step 1:
Exit SteamVR and restart your computer.
Use another USB port
Sometimes plugging into USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports can cause errors. In that case, try using a USB 2.0 port instead. or your mouse is plugged in - try moving the Vive connection there. If after trying all possible USB ports you still have no connection, try resetting your USB devices using the following steps.
Step 1:
Disconnect the connecting cables from your PC.
2nd step:
Move towards
SteamVR > Settings > General
, and make sure the
Developer Settings
the box is checked.
Step 3:
Click on
Reset
in the sidebar.
Step 4:
Check if the link box USB cable is unplugged from the PC. Click
Delete all SteamVR devices
and
Click on
Yes
when prompted.
Step 5:
Exit SteamVR, reconnect the link box to your PC, and relaunch SteamVR.
If you've tried all the fixes detailed above, your USB chipset may be causing the problem. Check with
The Steam Support Page
for more explanation on compatible USB chipsets.
Chuong Nguyen/Digital Trends
(Error 113) Path register not writable
This is usually caused by a lack of proper installation permissions. You will need to change your permissions in Windows.
Change permissions
Step 1:
Navigate to the folder for which you want to change permissions.
2nd step:
Right click on it and select
Properties
.
Step 3:
Click on the
Security
tongue.
Step 4:
Check the names given in the
Username group
box. If the account you are using does not appear, click
Add
and type the name of the user you want to add. Skip this step if the user name already appears.
Step 5:
To change permissions, click the
To permit
Where
To refuse
checkbox in the
Permissions for user or group
box. In order to resolve error 113 with the Vive, you will need to allow access.
(Error 200) Driver failed
This error message indicates that the OpenVR driver failed. If you added a file or folder to the SteamVR driver directory, deleting it should fix the problem. If not, you may not have not have permission to write to the user directory.
Change permissions
Step 1:
Right-click in Windows Explorer and select the folder for which you want to change permissions.
2nd step:
Click on
Properties
.
Step 3:
Click on the
Security
tongue.
Step 4:
Check the names given in the
Group or usernames
box. If the account you are using does not appear, click
Add
and type the name of the user you want to add. Skip this step if the user name already appears.
Step 5:
To change permissions, click the
To permit
Where
To refuse
checkbox in the
Permissions for user or group
box. In order to resolve error 200 with the Vive, you will need to allow access.
Error 109/400
If you see this code, it's usually because your headset isn't connecting your GPU properly. Check that the link box and your main display are connected to the same GPU in your setup. If you need to use a laptop, make sure sure the connection is using a discrete GPU. Sometimes changing to "prefer maximum performance" or similar settings will force the computer to make the correct change.
(Error 206) Driver not calibrated
Error 206 means that SteamVR was unable to load your headset calibration. To resolve the issue, you will need to reset your headset to force the drivers to be reinstalled.
Reinstall headset drivers
Step 1:
Unplug the headphones.
2nd step:
In SteamVR, navigate to
Settings > Reset
, and click
Delete all SteamVR devices
.Wait a minute.
Step 3:
Plug your headset back in and wait for the drivers to install.
Step 4:
If repeated attempts do not resolve the issue, Valve's support website states that you may have a faulty unit and encourages users to
contact HTC through the company's website
.
(Error 207) Invalid Driver Calibration
This error is similar to error 206, in that it indicates a failure to calibrate the headset to be loaded by SteamVR. As such, the steps to resolve the issue are the same.
Reinstall headset drivers
Step 1:
Unplug the headphones.
2nd step:
In SteamVR, navigate to
Settings > Reset
, and click
Delete all SteamVR devices
.Wait a minute.
Step 3:
Plug your headset back in and wait for the drivers to install.
If repeated attempts do not resolve the issue, Valve's support website states that you may have a faulty unit and encourages users to
contact HTC through the company's website
.
(Error 208) HMD display not found/(Error 208) HMD found via USB, but monitor not found
If you encounter error 208 with the message “HMD display not found” or “HMD found via USB, but monitor not found”, try these potential fixes.
Update your graphics card drivers.
Check the connections of all cables - those from the headset to the link box and from the link box to the PC and the power outlet. The power cord in particular can come loose after heavy use. This can be checked by removing the removable cable panel on the MHD by pushing it forward.
Make sure the orange-tipped headset cords are plugged into the orange ports on the link box.
(Error 215) GPU connection failed
This usually happens when your graphics card has an important update that hasn't been installed yet. Make sure your GPU is fully updated. If you have multiple GPUs, it's a good idea to disable or remove all but the one you are using for Vive if this issue continues to reoccur. Sometimes DisplayPort adapters can also cause this issue and need to be removed to fix it.
(Error 301) Connection failed
This indicates that vrserver.exe failed to start or fail to connect. Sometimes this is caused by multiple instances of the program running at the same time.
Kill VRServer processes
Step 1:
Exit SteamVR.
2nd step:
Type
Task Manager
in the Windows search bar and open the
Task Manager.
Step 3:
Locate all instances of
vrserver.exe
which may be running and quit the process.
Step 4:
To run
SteamVR
.
If this does not resolve the issue, Valve's support page asks users to submit a system report as detailed in the introduction to this article.
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
(Error 302) Initialization failed
This error means that vrserver.exe is having problems starting.
Usually this can be fixed by simply restarting your computer and trying again.
If this does not resolve the issue, Valve's support page asks users to submit a system report as detailed in the introduction to this article.
(1101 to 1112) USB error
Any error messages between 1101 and 1112 are related to USB failures. Reinstalling the headset USB drivers may do the trick.
Reinstall headset drivers
Step 1:
Unplug your headset/link box, controllers, and any other VR devices you have plugged into your PC.
2nd step:
In SteamVR, navigate to
Settings > Reset,
and click
Remove all SteamVR USB devices
.
Step 3:
Click on
Yes
.
Step 4:
Exit SteamVR.
Step 5:
Reconnect your headset, this time using a different USB port, and wait for the drivers to install.
Step 6:
Restart SteamVR.
If this does not resolve the issue, Valve's support page asks users to submit a system report as detailed in the introduction to this article.
Vive headset issues
Dan Baker/Digital Trends
Reverse tracking keeps messing up
The upside-down tracking used in the Cosmos does not require any configuration, but some players have found that the tracking seems to jump around a lot or develop inaccuracies. The key is probably somewhere in the environment itself. If you're using a Cosmos in a dark room, try turning on brighter ceiling lights. If there are mirrors or reflective surfaces around, try removing them and covering the windows to improve the experience. Also, completely empty walls can actually disrupting the headset's data collection, so having a few basic objects (outside the trigger range) might even be a good idea.
Unable to play an older title on a Cosmos headset
Not all Vive games work with Cosmos models, and sometimes bugs prevent them from working properly. HTC reports that approximately 90% of Viveport's most popular titles are compatible, but results may vary depending on what you're playing. enjoy playing. Keep checking for updates to see if bugs are fixed or greater compatibility is added.
The Vive Pro 2 has flickering or artifacts, especially around the edges
Are you using a wired connection? Try going wireless. If this improves the problem, your headset may have a faulty cable or possibly a software bug. This is a fairly common issue that is still under investigation .Contact HTC to report the issue, keep SteamVR updated and play wirelessly for now.
Controller batteries keep dying
Cosmos controllers last between four and eight hours. This is a
plot
of variance, depending on how often the controller's sensors need to recalibrate, the lighting, and the content you're reading. For now, the best idea is to keep some AA batteries on hand in case the controllers start to die unexpectedly. HTC would like to offer built-in rechargeable batteries in the future, but that hasn't happened yet.
Audio keeps breaking or dropping out
Cosmos models use built-in headphones that rely on the USB 3.0 connection. If the headphones are having issues, there's probably a problem with that connection: make sure you're using an up-to-date USB 3.0 port and the connections are secure .Check cables for damage to make sure nothing has gone wrong - the motion-oriented VR experience can be harder on USB cables than many other uses.
Controller and base station issues
Controller not connected
If you find that your controller is not recognized by SteamVR, the color of the LED should give you an idea of what to do.
so blue
When the controller light is solid blue, it means the controller is not connecting properly to the PC. You will need to re-pair your controllers. To do this, go to
SteamVR > Settings > Devices > Pair Controller.
so red
If the controller LED is solid red and the controller is not responding, try resetting your controller.
Step 1:
Simultaneously press and hold the trigger, menu button, trackpad button, and grip buttons.
2nd step:
While holding down these buttons, plug your controller into your PC via Micro USB.
Step 3:
After plugging it in, wait five seconds and then release the buttons. Your PC will appear to find a new storage device. Ignore this prompt and unplug the controller.
Step 4:
After that, the controller will be reset and should now work fine.
If the light is not on at all
If the LED shows no color, it means the controller is not turned on. Press the system button to turn on the controller. If the controller does not turn on, your controller needs to be charged. Plug your controllers into a taken via micro USB and power adapter. While the controllers are plugged in and charging, the LED will show different colors:
Orange — the controller is charging.
Green — fully charged, controller on.
White - fully charged, controller off.
The controller's trackpad is jittery or oversensitive.
If your controller is a bit complicated or difficult to use, it probably needs to be calibrated or the firmware needs to be updated.
Step 1:
In SteamVR, navigate to
SteamVR > Devices > Update Firmware
.
2nd step:
Power off the controller by holding down the System button until the LED turns off.
Step 3:
With the controller off, press and hold the trigger and grip button.
Step 4:
While continuing to hold the trigger and grip button, press the system button. The controller should turn back on. When it does, it will make a sound different from the usual power-up sound.
One or both base station LEDs will not turn blue
This usually means that the Vive base station is having difficulty stabilizing. Vibrations or movement can cause this error.
Make sure the bases are firmly fixed. If it is stuck to the wall, tighten all the screws and the retaining nut. If you are on tripods, make sure that the movements on the ground do not send vibrations through the frame.
Base stations do not exit sleep mode (LEDs dim green)
If your Vive Lighthouse base stations are not coming out of sleep mode, try this:
Unplug the base stations, then plug them back in.
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
Base station lights are on or flashing purple
This means that the base stations have trouble seeing each other.
Try to move anything that may be blocking Vive Base Stations. Including yourself. Follow the Steam VR on-screen instructions if necessary.
Make sure the Base Stations are tilted at an angle that allows them to see each other and the play space.
The base light is off
If the Vive base station light is not on, the base station has no power.
Make sure the power cord is plugged in.
If the base station is plugged into an outlet but does not turn on, try another outlet.
Base station optical synchronization issues
There may be issues with your base station when trying to sync. Here are some tips to make sure they're set up correctly for optical sync.
Check that your base station firmware is up to date. Go to
SteamVR > Devices > Update Firmware.
Make sure the path between base stations is not blocked, so they can see each other.
Do not place stations too far apart. They should be within 16 feet of each other.
Make sure the base stations are set to the correct modes. Press the mode button on the back of the stations so that one station is set to 'b' and the other to 'c'.
Consider mounting base stations higher, to ensure that your movement through the space of the venue does not interrupt their view.
If all of the above criteria are met, the base station light should turn solid green when syncing. If still not, try using the sync cable.
Step 1:
An optional long cable is supplied with the Vive box. Plug this cable into the base stations.
2nd step:
Press the mode buttons on the back of the stations until one station displays 'a' and the other 'b'.
Step 3:
If done correctly, the base station LEDs should now be solid green.
Software and headset issues
Device icon flashes green in Steam VR
This means that one or more of your devices is not tracking correctly (or at all). It should be easy to rectify the problem.
All devices must be in view of at least one base station. If not, adjust your configuration so that all devices are visible.
Make sure the base station is fully powered on and in sync. The base station LEDs will be green if everything is on and working properly.
Make sure the controllers are powered on and charged. The LEDs should be green.
Make sure the headset is properly plugged in. The LED should be green.
Check that all firmware is up to date. If not, consider upgrading. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
Corrupt or missing SteamVR files
Incomplete installation can result in corrupted or missing files. You need to ensure that your installation is fully intact.
Step 1:
Exit SteamVR.
2nd step:
Access the Steam desktop client.
Step 3:
Move towards
Library > Tools
, and right click on SteamVR.Select
Properties
.
Step 4:
Open the
Local files
tongue.
Step 5:
To select
Check the integrity of the tool cache.
No sound when using Vive headset port
If you're not getting any sound from your headphones, headphones, or speakers, you're not alone. There are a lot of things you can try to get your Vive audio working.
Make sure SteamVR is still open and running.
Check that the earphones are properly plugged in. If you are using the Deluxe Audio Headband, make sure the headphones connect to the headset extension cable and the extension cable connects to the headset itself.
The headset may be sleeping. Move it to make sure it wakes up.
In steam VR, right click and select
Settings > Audio
.Of
Mirror audio to device
drop-down menu, select the device of your choice.
Make sure the Vive is receiving audio from Steam VR. In Steam VR, right-click, select
Settings > Audio
.In the
Set playback device
drop-down list, choose
HTC VIVE
.
If you are using speakers, right click in SteamVR and select
Settings > Audio
.In the
Set playback device
drop-down list, choose
Speakers
Where
USB audio device
.
Windows may not be sending audio to the Vive headset. Right-click the Volume icon on the Windows taskbar, then click
playback devices
.To select
HTC-VIVE-0
and set it as the default device. If the Vive does not appear in this list, try selecting
Show deactivated devices
and
Show disconnected devices
.
Make sure the Vive's volume slider in the Windows Volume Mixer is up. Right-click the Volume icon in the Windows taskbar and click
Open volume mixer
.Locate the cursor to
HTC-VIVE-0
and set its volume to around 50%.
Check the volume of the application or games. Right-click the Volume icon in the Windows taskbar and open the volume mixer. Find the game or program you are running and make sure its volume is set to at least about 50%.
No sound when using a USB headset with the Vive's extra USB port
If you find that no sound is coming out of your headphones and you're plugged into the extra USB port, here's what to do:
Make sure the Vive is receiving audio from Steam VR. In Steam VR, right-click and select
Settings > Audio
.In the Set playback device drop-down list, select
HTC VIVE
.
Windows may not be sending audio to the Vive headset. Right-click the Volume icon in the Windows taskbar and select
playback devices
.To select
HTC-VIVE-0
and set it as the default device. If the Vive does not appear in this list, try selecting
Show deactivated devices
and
Show disconnected devices
.
Sound stops playing when plugged into Vive headphone jack
A few people had issues with the sound cutting out when plugged into the Vive headphone jack. There are a few things to check to get it back.
Make sure SteamVR is still open and running.
The headset may be in sleep mode. Move it to make sure it wakes up.
To keep audio playing, even when the headphones are in standby, right-click the Volume icon in the Windows taskbar, then select
playback devices
.To select
2-USB audio device
, and set it as the default device. If the Vive does not appear in this list, try selecting
Show deactivated devices
and
Show disconnected devices
.
If the above methods do not resolve the issue, try using a USB headset with the Vive's extra USB port.
Static electricity when using headphones
If you receive a surprise shock from your Vive while using headphones, it may just be static. This normally does not indicate a problem, as a minor static or static shock buildup does not necessarily mean that your Vive is malfunctioning and is not a cause for concern. However, it can be annoying.
Valve notes on its support page that this generally happens the same way static shock happens from something like, say, socks on carpet or a ball rubbing on hair.
Try using anti-static sprays and lotions and wear natural fiber clothing to reduce static buildup.
Dry environments are especially susceptible to this, but using a humidifier should be enough to add moisture to the air and prevent any static buildup.
Vive shows up as your computer's primary monitor after an upgrade
Many people have found that after upgrading to Windows 10, Vive appears as the computer's primary monitor, which isn't exactly an ideal situation. Luckily, it's very easy to fix. Just disconnect your headset to the link box and restart your computer. When your computer has finished restarting, reconnect your headset cable to the link box. Everything should be fine now!
Your Vive keeps skipping frames no matter what you try
If this happens with anything you try, it's probably because of the way your computer controls the display. Many settings can cause this, but one of the most common is night mode. Check your computer and make sure that no night mode settings are enabled. Also make sure that you are not running any other type of software that deliberately alters the appearance of your computer's display.
Variable brightness or images that keep going dark
Newer headsets like the Vive Pro 2 may have issues with their automatic brightness adjustments. Users may find that the screen changes levels of brightness in an annoying way or dims immediately when looking in a specific direction , which makes visibility an issue.
If you find this to be an issue, visit the SteamVR settings. SteamVR recently added a universal brightness slider to control the brightness manually. You might also want to see if there are any in-game options to adjust the brightness.
Vive wireless adapter issues
The HTC Vive Wireless Adapter is one of the best upgrades you can make to your VR experience for room-scale gaming, but the experience isn't error-free.
No power to headphones
If you find that your headset won't work or turn on at all with Vive wireless installed, try these fixes.
Make sure the battery is plugged into the Vive Wireless Adapter via the USB cable.
Make sure the Vive Wireless adapter is plugged into the Vive headset with all three cables.
Make sure the battery is charged. Press the button to check.
Press the button on the battery, then the button on the Vive Wireless Adapter to turn them both on.
If you've done all of the above, try running the Vive Wireless connection software again, then launch SteamVR.
Initialization blocked
If you find that the Vive Wireless connection app hangs on “Initializing” or any of its other intermediate steps, there are a few things you can try that should fix the problem.
Be sure not to over extend the wireless transmitter/receiver. The coaxial cable for the wireless transmitter/receiver can be extended an additional 2M, but beyond that you may encounter problems. It's worth making sure you're using high quality coaxial cable.
Make sure the Vive wireless adapter is within visual range of the wireless transmitter/receiver. 30 feet is about the maximum distance they should be apart.
Try replacing the PCI-Express card with another PCIe slot.
If none of that works, try the following:
Step 1:
To research
Device Manager
in the Windows search box and select the corresponding result.
2nd step:
Find it
Intel Wireless Gigabit VR Adapters
and click on the arrow next to it. Right-click on the
Intel Wireless Gigabit W11100 VR Device
and select
Disable.
Step 3:
Now right-click on the Intel Wireless Gigabit W11100 VR device and select the “Enable” option.
After that, you can try running the Vive Wireless app again. If everything goes as expected, it should now find your headset.
Gray screen while gaming
Check the Vive wireless adapter to make sure it's not too hot. If the adapter exceeds the maximum temperature limits, it will shut down and stop your RV from operating until it cools down enough to restart. You maintain cool temperatures by setting your thermostat to a lower temperature, pointing a portable fan directly at the adapter, or strategically scheduling breaks in use.
Give your batteries a full charge. If your batteries quickly approach a low charge, your gaming experience will become slow and erratic.
Make sure there is a clear, visible path between your headset, receiver, and transmitter.
Despite the problems with connecting VR headsets to your devices, VR headsets are in high demand and growing in popularity minute by minute. have with the HTC Vive.
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