FM24 "Database could not be loaded" error appears inconsistently

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csDaniel
6 years ago
6 days ago
4
Premium
18 Jun 2025 12:15:20

Hi everyone,

 

I’ve been facing an ongoing issue with Football Manager 2024 where the game fails to load the database when starting a new game, but not always. Here’s what I’ve observed:

When I launch FM24 and click "New Game":

  • Sometimes it works fine and loads the database normally.
  • Other times, I get the error “Database could not be loaded.”
    • If I try again within the same session (clicking "New Game" a second or third time), the result can vary – sometimes it suddenly works again.
    • It feels completely random and inconsistent, but it always happens within the same game session. Sometimes the database loads on the first try, sometimes on the third. But it never stays reliably functional.

 

Additional Notes:

  • I’ve fully reinstalled FM24, deleted the Sports Interactive folders in Documents and AppData, verified the files via Steam, and updated my system.
  • I tried it with another Windows user with admin rights, but with the same problems.
  • I’ve also installed .NET Framework 4.8.1 and verified that both .NET 8.0 and 9.0 runtimes are installed and active.
  • I had problems with XML errors but for now I don't get them anymore.
  • I ran FM22 for comparison, and that game loads the database flawlessly every time.
  • I don't have OneDrive. So this is not the problem.
  • I found this thread from 2024 describing a similar issue: https://community.sports-interactive.com/forums/topic/587444-game-will-not-load-any-databases/ . But unfortunately, there was no solution posted.

 

Is anyone else having the same issue in FM24? Or has anyone found a workaround or solution?

Any help or insight would be appreciated!

Joe5p
13 years ago
1 day ago
6,204
20 Jun 2025 22:21:07

Sometimes this occurs when your disk space is running low, had same problem, and when I checked C drive capacity at load times, it triggered if very low. Problem I had was too many email pst or ost files saved via Outlook on desktop. Once I sorted that, no issues, but same error and due to disk space. 

csDaniel
6 years ago
6 days ago
4
Premium
20 Jun 2025 22:28:45
By Joe5p 20 June 2025 - 22:21 PM UTC 

Sometimes this occurs when your disk space is running low, had same problem, and when I checked C drive capacity at load times, it triggered if very low. Problem I had was too many email pst or ost files saved via Outlook on desktop. Once I sorted that, no issues, but same error and due to disk space. 

 

I’ve checked both of my drives:

My C: drive, where the Documents/Sports Interactive folder is located, has over 500 GB of free space.

My D: drive, where Steam and FM24 are installed, also has more than 500 GB free.

 

So it doesn’t seem to be a disk space issue in my case.

Still appreciate you sharing your experience!

Guy_Incognito
10 years ago
2 months ago
1
Premium
11 Jul 2025 23:33:40

I have the same problem. I have tried re-installing the game, deleting files etc, but this error appears every time I try to start a game

happyonefriend
8 years ago
1 week ago
1
12 Jul 2025 09:09:52

I have the same problem. I also tried every solution which you described, I have reinstalled my OS Windows 10 a few times, I tried Windows 11 - and still I have that error, no way I could start a new game or load some of my old saves. Does anyone find a hidden solution for that?

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