VCRUNTIME140.dll / MSVCP140.dll not found
Likely cause
The game needs the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 runtime.
What to try
Install both x64 and x86 versions from the Redistributables page.
Troubleshooting index
COMMON ERRORS
Find the message. Check the likely cause. Try the sensible fix.
Missing DLL Errors10
MSVCP110.dll / MSVCR110.dll not found
Likely cause
The game needs the Visual C++ 2012 runtime.
What to try
Install the official Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable.
MSVCP100.dll / MSVCR100.dll not found
Likely cause
The game needs the Visual C++ 2010 runtime.
What to try
Use Microsoft’s official Visual C++ download guidance to locate the legacy package.
d3dx9_43.dll / d3dx*.dll not found
Likely cause
A legacy DirectX component is missing. Windows does not include every older optional DirectX library by default.
What to try
Install the DirectX End-User Runtime linked on the Redistributables page.
xinput1_3.dll not found
Likely cause
The game depends on a legacy DirectX controller component.
What to try
Install the DirectX End-User Runtime from Redistributables.
XINPUT1_4.dll not found
Likely cause
This component is normally supplied by supported versions of Windows. The system files may be damaged or the game may be running in an unusual environment.
What to try
Run Windows Update and check system files. Do not download individual DLL files from third-party DLL sites.
openal32.dll not found
Likely cause
The game uses the OpenAL audio library.
What to try
Check the game’s included prerequisites or install OpenAL from the Redistributables page.
xaudio2_7.dll not found
Likely cause
The game needs a legacy XAudio component associated with older DirectX packages.
What to try
Install the DirectX End-User Runtime from Redistributables.
api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll missing
Likely cause
The Universal C Runtime or a required Visual C++ runtime component may be missing or damaged.
What to try
Run Windows Update, then install the appropriate Visual C++ Redistributable from Redistributables.
MSVCP120.dll / MSVCR120.dll not found
Likely cause
The game requires the Visual C++ 2013 runtime.
What to try
Install the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for the required version.
Launch Failures9
The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b)
Likely cause
Often caused by a 32-bit/64-bit mismatch, damaged runtime files, or an incompatible DLL.
What to try
Install the required x86 and x64 runtimes from Redistributables, update Windows, and avoid copying random DLLs into the game folder.
Game launches then immediately closes
Likely cause
A missing prerequisite, unsupported hardware/OS, permissions issue, or conflicting overlay may be responsible.
What to try
Check the game’s requirements and included notes, temporarily disable overlays, and review Windows Event Viewer for the crash details.
Black screen on launch
Likely cause
Possible display mode, driver, resolution, overlay, or shader-cache issue.
What to try
Try Alt+Enter, update your GPU driver, disable overlays, and check the game’s configuration options.
Entry point not found / procedure entry point could not be located
Likely cause
The game may be loading an incompatible or outdated library.
What to try
Repair or reinstall the relevant official runtime and verify the game files. Do not replace system DLLs manually.
Access is denied
Likely cause
Windows permissions or security software may be blocking access to the game or its files.
What to try
Install or move the game to a normal writable folder such as C:\Games, check folder permissions, and review your security software’s protection history.
Windows protected your PC / Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warning
Likely cause
Windows cannot establish enough reputation information for the app, or the publisher is unverified.
What to try
Only continue if you trust the source and have verified the download. Scan the files and check the publisher before running anything. Do not disable SmartScreen globally.
Side-by-side configuration is incorrect
Likely cause
A required Visual C++ runtime or application manifest may be missing or damaged.
What to try
Install or repair the runtime specified by the game. Windows Event Viewer may identify the exact missing assembly.
This app can’t run on your PC
Likely cause
The executable may target a different Windows architecture, be damaged, or be blocked by system policy.
What to try
Check system requirements, re-download from a trusted source, and confirm that the executable matches your Windows version.
The program can’t start because it is missing a required component
Likely cause
A runtime, Windows feature, or game file may be missing.
What to try
Read the complete error text, install only the named prerequisite from Redistributables, and verify the game files.
Installation & Download Errors7
ISDone.dll / Unarc.dll error during installation
Likely cause
Often related to corrupted archives, memory instability, insufficient temporary space, or security software interference.
What to try
Check the installer’s integrity, free disk space, restore any files only if you trust the source, and test system memory if errors persist. The DLL name itself is not usually the fix.
CRC error / data error
Likely cause
The downloaded or extracted data does not match its expected checksum.
What to try
Re-check the download and archive parts, ensure all parts are present, and download a fresh copy from a trusted source if needed.
Not enough disk space
Likely cause
Installation needs room for both the final game and temporary extraction files.
What to try
Free space on the target drive and the Windows temporary drive. Leave additional headroom beyond the game’s listed size.
Installer freezes or progress stays at 0%
Likely cause
The installer may be unpacking a large file, waiting on disk I/O, or blocked by another process.
What to try
Check Task Manager for CPU and disk activity, wait if work is continuing, and confirm that the drive has free space and no hardware errors.
Archive is incomplete / unexpected end of file
Likely cause
One or more archive parts may be missing or truncated.
What to try
Confirm every part is present and named correctly, then verify or re-download the incomplete part.
Cannot write to destination folder
Likely cause
The target folder may be read-only, protected, or on a drive with filesystem errors.
What to try
Choose a writable folder, check available space and permissions, and scan the drive if write errors continue.
Installation fails with a permissions error
Likely cause
The installer cannot write to the selected path or temporary directory.
What to try
Use a writable installation directory, check Windows Security history, and run the installer with elevated permissions only when you trust its source.
Performance & Graphics7
Severe stuttering or freezing on first run
Likely cause
Modern games may compile shaders or build caches during the first session.
What to try
Allow the first run to finish and check whether later sessions improve. If not, update drivers and check CPU, memory, and disk usage.
Low FPS despite capable hardware
Likely cause
The game may use integrated graphics, a restrictive power mode, high settings, or be limited by CPU performance.
What to try
Select the high-performance GPU in Windows Graphics settings, update drivers, and check temperatures and per-process usage.
Game crashes with “device removed” / DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG
Likely cause
A GPU driver reset, unstable overclock, overheating, or game/driver bug may be involved.
What to try
Return GPU/CPU tuning to stock, update or clean-install the GPU driver, check temperatures, and lower graphics settings for testing.
Audio crackling, popping, or cutting out
Likely cause
Driver issues, audio enhancements, device format mismatch, or high system load can cause glitches.
What to try
Update audio drivers, disable audio enhancements, and test a standard 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz format in Windows sound settings.
Extremely long loading times
Likely cause
A slow or failing drive, limited memory, shader compilation, or background activity may be responsible.
What to try
Check drive health and Task Manager, close unnecessary background tasks, and move the game to an SSD if practical.
Textures fail to load / out-of-memory error
Likely cause
The game may exceed available VRAM/RAM or use settings beyond the system’s capacity.
What to try
Lower texture quality and resolution, close other applications, and confirm the GPU meets the game’s requirements.
Game runs on integrated graphics instead of dedicated GPU
Likely cause
Windows or the driver selected the power-saving graphics processor.
What to try
Open Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics, select the game executable, and choose the high-performance GPU.
Windows & Compatibility5
Unsupported operating system
Likely cause
The game may require a specific Windows version or an older compatibility component.
What to try
Check the game’s minimum OS requirements, install Windows updates, and try the Compatibility troubleshooter for older titles.
DirectPlay feature is missing
Likely cause
Some older games depend on the optional legacy DirectPlay Windows component.
What to try
Open “Turn Windows features on or off” and check Legacy Components → DirectPlay if the game specifically requires it.
Game asks for administrator rights every time
Likely cause
The game or its configuration may be trying to write into a protected directory.
What to try
Move it to a writable folder and check Properties → Compatibility for an unnecessary “Run this program as administrator” setting.
Save files are not being created
Likely cause
The game cannot write to its save directory, or Windows security controls are blocking it.
What to try
Check the game’s save location, folder permissions, available disk space, and Controlled folder access notifications.
Game opens on the wrong monitor
Likely cause
The game retained an old display configuration or does not handle multi-monitor layouts well.
What to try
Try Windows+Shift+Arrow to move the window, use Alt+Enter, and reset the game’s display settings if needed.
Launcher & Security Issues5
Game requires a launcher or account sign-in
Likely cause
The title may rely on an online service, launcher, or account entitlement.
What to try
Install the official launcher, sign in with the account that owns the game, and check the publisher’s service status and support notes.
Anti-cheat initialization failed
Likely cause
The anti-cheat service may be missing, damaged, disabled, or incompatible with the current system.
What to try
Use the game’s official repair option, verify files through the supported launcher, and follow the publisher’s anti-cheat troubleshooting guide.
Game stopped working after an update
Likely cause
The update may have changed files, settings, drivers, or compatibility requirements.
What to try
Verify or repair the installation, reset custom mods temporarily, update drivers, and check the publisher’s patch notes.
Antivirus quarantined a game file
Likely cause
Security software detected a file as suspicious; false positives are possible, but malware is also possible.
What to try
Do not blindly disable protection. Check the detection name, verify the file’s source and signature, and restore it only when you can establish that it is safe.
Online features or multiplayer do not work
Likely cause
The service may require an account, supported game version, network access, or anti-cheat support.
What to try
Check the game’s official online requirements, service status, firewall permissions, and whether the current version supports multiplayer.
PS3 / RPCS34
Game will not boot: firmware missing
Likely cause
RPCS3 requires official PS3 system software to provide system modules.
What to try
Download the PS3 system software from PlayStation’s official site and install it through RPCS3’s File menu.
Game crashes or freezes during gameplay
Likely cause
Compatibility varies by game, build, and configuration.
What to try
Check the RPCS3 compatibility list and the game-specific wiki notes.
Graphical glitches or corrupted textures
Likely cause
Renderer settings or game-specific workarounds may be required.
What to try
Start with the game’s recommended RPCS3 settings and test Vulkan/OpenGL or native resolution only when the game’s wiki suggests it.
Controller is not detected
Likely cause
The selected input handler or controller mapping may be incorrect.
What to try
Open RPCS3 pad settings, select the correct handler, and test the controller mapping before launching the game.
PS2 / PCSX24
PCSX2 asks for a BIOS
Likely cause
PCSX2 requires PS2 system firmware to boot games.
What to try
Dump the BIOS from your own PS2 console and follow the PCSX2 documentation to configure it.
Black screen or game will not boot
Likely cause
The BIOS, game image, or emulator configuration may be incorrect.
What to try
Confirm the BIOS is configured, verify the game image, and check the game’s compatibility notes.
Graphical glitches or broken geometry
Likely cause
Some games use rendering techniques that do not work correctly with every hardware renderer.
What to try
Check the game-specific PCSX2 wiki entry and test the recommended renderer or settings.
Controller input does not work
Likely cause
The controller may not be mapped to the active input profile.
What to try
Open PCSX2 controller settings, select the correct device, and bind the buttons again.
Other Emulators4
Xenia game will not boot
Likely cause
Xbox 360 compatibility varies widely, and some titles need specific settings or are not playable.
What to try
Check the Xenia compatibility tracker and use the emulator’s current documentation.
Dolphin says required system files are missing
Likely cause
Some games or features require system files that are not included with the emulator.
What to try
Read the Dolphin documentation and provide files dumped from your own console when required.
Emulator runs slowly
Likely cause
CPU/GPU limitations, backend selection, shader compilation, or inaccurate settings can reduce performance.
What to try
Check the emulator’s recommended settings for the game, update drivers, and close other CPU/GPU-heavy applications.
Controller not detected in emulator
Likely cause
The selected input backend or controller profile may be wrong.
What to try
Select the appropriate input device in the emulator settings and test button mappings before starting the game.
PS4 / Jailbroken Console6
CE-34878-0
Likely cause
A general PS4 application crash code; causes can include damaged data, software issues, or a game-specific bug.
What to try
Restart the console, update the game and system software where appropriate, and check the game’s official troubleshooting guidance. Back up important saves before rebuilding databases or reinstalling.
Package file is not recognized / will not install
Likely cause
The package may be incomplete, incompatible, or intended for a different system setup.
What to try
Check the file integrity, available storage, package compatibility, and the documentation for your specific console environment.
“This content cannot be used”
Likely cause
The content may not be licensed for the current account, may require a different system version, or may not match the installed game version.
What to try
Confirm the account entitlement, region, game version, and system requirements. For purchased content, restore licenses through the console settings.
Game installs but black-screens or freezes on launch
Likely cause
Damaged game data, an incompatible update, storage trouble, or a game-specific issue may be responsible.
What to try
Check the game’s compatibility notes, verify the package source, and reinstall or update through a supported method if necessary.
Installation fails or data is corrupted
Likely cause
The download may be incomplete, storage may be failing, or there may not be enough free space.
What to try
Check free space, verify the download, test another known-good storage device, and check the drive for errors.
Save data or trophies are not working
Likely cause
Account, game-version, storage, or system-software differences may affect saves and trophies.
What to try
Back up saves, confirm the correct user profile and game version, and consult official support before using save-management tools.
No matching errors. Try a DLL name, error code, or broader keyword.
