Bug #1398

Game Launch Blocked by Bitdefender Firewall: 'Onboarding 4/21 Network Error'

Status:	Open
Priority:	Medium
Added by:	kanovalov on June 26, '26
Assigned to:	Unassigned
Due date:
Reported for:	Forefront - v3.0.102 Auto

Steps to Reproduce

1. Turn Bitdefender's Firewall On
2. Attempt to play the game
3. Observe if you can enter the game with Firewall On
4. Turn Bitdefender's Firewall Off
5. Attempt to play the game again
6. Observe if you can enter the game with Firewall Off

Explanation

Bug Description:

The game is completely blocked on launch by Bitdefender security software, resulting in a persistent "Onboarding 4/21 Network Error." This appears to be a niche conflict affecting a handful of users running Bitdefender's Firewall and security modules.

Reproduction Steps:

1. Launch the game with Bitdefender active.
2. Observe the loading screen freezing at "Onboarding 4/21" with a Network Error.
3. Temporarily disable the Bitdefender Firewall to bypass the error and access the game.

Working Solution / Workaround:
The issue is triggered because Bitdefender blocks the internal game executable. To fix it permanently without leaving the firewall disabled, users must manually add firewall rules and advanced exceptions pointing to the specific file address for: forefront_internal.exe

Note: Adding an exception for forefront.exe does not work; it must specifically target forefront_internal.exe. The address needs to be added as an exception across these three distinct areas in Bitdefender:

1. Antivirus
2. Advanced Threat Defense
3. Online Threat Prevention

Additional Information:
I have already submitted a false-positive ticket directly to Bitdefender to notify them of the conflict, but the game's network onboarding configuration likely needs a direct adjustment to prevent future user blocks.

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