Overview

When using the Softdrive Linux client on Ubuntu, a computer connection may fail immediately with the following error:

Computer connect failed: Abrupt Disconnect Error 127

This usually means the Softdrive Launcher opened successfully, but the underlying SoftdriveClient process could not start because one or more required Linux libraries are missing.

Applies To

• Softdrive Linux Client
• Ubuntu / Ubuntu GNOME
• Softdrive Launcher
• Error 127 during computer connection

Symptoms

• The Softdrive Launcher opens successfully
• The user can see available Softdrive computers
• When clicking Connect, the session fails immediately
• The app displays:

  Computer connect failed: Abrupt Disconnect Error 127

• The Softdrive logs may show entries similar to:

  launched softdrive client
  softdrive-client-started
  exited softdrive client with unsigned int code: 127
  exited softdrive client with code: 127
  softdrive-client-closed

Possible Causes

On Linux, exit code 127 commonly indicates that a required command, executable, or dependency could not be found.

In this case, the Softdrive Launcher may be working correctly, but the SoftdriveClient binary is missing one or more required system libraries.

The most common missing libraries in this scenario are VA-API related libraries used for graphics, media, and hardware acceleration.

Resolution

1. Check for Missing Libraries

Open Terminal and run the following command:

ldd /opt/Softdrive/resources/bin/SoftdriveClient | grep "not found"

This command checks the Softdrive client binary and lists any missing Linux dependencies.

2. Review the Missing Libraries

Example output:

libva-drm.so.2 => not found
libva-x11.so.2 => not found
libva.so.2 => not found

In this example, Ubuntu is missing the VA-API libraries required by the Softdrive client.

3. Install the Missing Packages

For the missing libraries shown above, run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libva2 libva-drm2 libva-x11-2

4. Verify That the Missing Dependencies Are Resolved

Run the dependency check again:

ldd /opt/Softdrive/resources/bin/SoftdriveClient | grep "not found"

If the command returns no output, the required libraries are now installed.

5. Reopen Softdrive

Close and reopen the Softdrive Launcher, then try connecting to the computer again.

Recommended During Ubuntu Installation

When installing Ubuntu, Softdrive recommends selecting the option:

Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats

This installs additional graphics, hardware, media, and Wi-Fi related packages that may help prevent missing dependency issues.

During the Ubuntu installation wizard, this option may also appear as:

Install this third-party software

Enabling this option is recommended for Softdrive Linux client installations, especially on laptops or devices using integrated graphics, Wi-Fi adapters, hardware acceleration, or media-related libraries.

Validation / Expected Result

After installing the missing libraries, the Softdrive client should launch correctly and the user should be able to connect to the computer.

Run the following command:

ldd /opt/Softdrive/resources/bin/SoftdriveClient | grep "not found"

Expected result:

No output

No output means there are no missing libraries detected.

Troubleshooting Notes

Confirm That Softdrive Is Installed in the Expected Path

ls -la /opt/Softdrive/resources/bin/

Run the Softdrive Client Manually

This can help capture additional output if the client is closing immediately.

cd /opt/Softdrive/resources/bin
./SoftdriveClient 2>&1 | tee ~/softdrive-client-test.log

Check the Softdrive Launcher Logs

tail -f ~/.config/softdrive*/main.log

Run the Dependency Check Again

ldd /opt/Softdrive/resources/bin/SoftdriveClient | grep "not found"

If additional libraries are listed as not found, install the Ubuntu package that provides those libraries.

Escalation

If the issue persists, contact Softdrive Support and include the following:

• Error code: Abrupt Disconnect Error 127
• Ubuntu version
• Softdrive client version
• Screenshot of the error message
• Softdrive Launcher log file
• Output of:

  ldd /opt/Softdrive/resources/bin/SoftdriveClient | grep "not found"

• Email: support@softdrive.co