Helldivers 2: Fixing Launch Issues With MSVCR110.dll On Steam
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Having trouble launching Helldivers 2 on Steam and seeing an error related to MSVCR110.dll? Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common issue, and we're here to guide you through the steps to get you back into the action and spreading managed democracy in no time. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of what the MSVCR110.dll file is, why it's causing problems, and, most importantly, how to fix it so you can get back to eradicating those pesky bugs and bots. So, buckle up, grab your favorite cup of Liber-tea, and let's dive into troubleshooting!
Understanding the MSVCR110.dll Error
So, what exactly is this MSVCR110.dll file that's causing all the fuss? Well, MSVCR110.dll is a component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package. These packages are essential for running applications, like Helldivers 2, that are developed using Visual C++. Think of it as a translator; it allows the game to understand and execute code written in C++. When the game can't find or properly access this file, it throws an error, preventing it from launching. This can happen for a few reasons:
- The file is missing from your system.
- The file is corrupted or damaged.
- The file is an older version that isn't compatible with Helldivers 2.
- There's a conflict with other software on your computer.
Whatever the reason, the result is the same: you can't play Helldivers 2! But fear not, because we're about to walk through several solutions that will get you back on the battlefield. Each solution is designed to address a specific potential cause of the error, so it's important to follow them in order. By systematically working through these steps, you'll be able to identify and resolve the issue that's preventing Helldivers 2 from launching on your system. Remember to restart your computer after each solution to ensure that the changes take effect properly. Now, let's get started!
Solution 1: Installing or Repairing the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
Okay, first things first, let's tackle the most common culprit: missing or corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable Packages. Since MSVCR110.dll is part of the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable, we need to make sure it's properly installed. Here's how:
- Head to the Microsoft Website: Do a quick search for "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2012 download." You should find the official Microsoft download page.
- Download the Correct Version: Make sure you download the correct version for your system architecture. If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows, download the x64 version. If you're running a 32-bit version, download the x86 version. Not sure which one you have? Just type "System Information" into the Windows search bar and open the System Information app. Look for "System Type" to find out.
- Install the Redistributable: Once the download is complete, run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you already have the package installed, the installer might give you the option to repair it. Choose the repair option if available.
- Restart Your Computer: After the installation or repair is complete, restart your computer. This is crucial to ensure that the changes take effect.
- Try Launching Helldivers 2: Now, try launching Helldivers 2 again. Fingers crossed, this will have resolved the issue! If not, don't worry, we have more solutions to try.
This step is crucial because it directly addresses the core issue of a missing or corrupted MSVCR110.dll file. By reinstalling or repairing the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable Package, you're ensuring that the necessary components are present and functioning correctly on your system. This will allow Helldivers 2 to access the required files and launch without errors. If this solution doesn't work, it indicates that the problem might lie elsewhere, such as a conflicting software or a different system issue. In that case, you can proceed to the next troubleshooting steps with a clear understanding that the Visual C++ Redistributable Package is not the primary cause of the error.
Solution 2: Verifying the Integrity of Game Files on Steam
Sometimes, the game files themselves can become corrupted, leading to all sorts of problems, including missing DLL errors. Steam has a built-in tool to check and repair game files. Here's how to use it:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client and log into your account.
- Go to Your Library: Click on the "Library" tab to see your list of games.
- Right-Click on Helldivers 2: Find Helldivers 2 in your library, right-click on it, and select "Properties."
- Go to the Local Files Tab: In the Properties window, click on the "Local Files" tab.
- Verify Integrity of Game Files: Click on the "Verify integrity of game files..." button. Steam will now check all the game files and replace any that are missing or corrupted. This process can take some time, depending on the size of the game and the speed of your storage device.
- Wait for the Process to Finish: Let Steam do its thing. Once the verification is complete, it will tell you if any files were replaced.
- Restart Your Computer: Again, restart your computer after the verification is complete.
- Try Launching Helldivers 2: Launch Helldivers 2 and see if the issue is resolved.
Verifying the integrity of game files is a crucial step in troubleshooting launch issues, especially those related to missing or corrupted DLL files. This process ensures that all the necessary components of Helldivers 2 are present and in working order. By verifying the integrity, you're essentially asking Steam to compare the files on your system with the original files on its servers. If any discrepancies are found, Steam will automatically download and replace the corrupted or missing files. This can resolve a wide range of issues, including those caused by incomplete downloads, file corruption during installation, or accidental deletion of game files. Even if the MSVCR110.dll error is not directly caused by a corrupted game file, verifying the integrity is a good practice to rule out any potential problems with the game's installation. It's a quick and easy way to ensure that the game has everything it needs to run properly.
Solution 3: Copying the MSVCR110.dll File Manually (Use with Caution)
Disclaimer: This method should be used as a last resort and with caution. Incorrectly placing DLL files can cause system instability. Make sure you download the DLL file from a reputable source.
Sometimes, the MSVCR110.dll file might be present on your system but not in the location where Helldivers 2 is looking for it. In this case, you can try manually copying the file to the game's directory. Here's how:
- Locate the MSVCR110.dll File: First, you need to find the
MSVCR110.dllfile on your system. It's usually located in theC:\Windows\System32orC:\Windows\SysWOW64directory. If you can't find it, you might need to download it from a reputable DLL download site. Be very careful when downloading DLL files from the internet, as many sites offer fake or malicious files. A trusted source is crucial. - Copy the File: Once you've located the file, copy it.
- Find the Helldivers 2 Installation Directory: In Steam, right-click on Helldivers 2, select "Properties," go to the "Local Files" tab, and click on "Browse..." This will open the game's installation directory.
- Paste the File: Paste the
MSVCR110.dllfile into the Helldivers 2 installation directory. - Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
- Try Launching Helldivers 2: Launch Helldivers 2 and see if the issue is resolved.
Manually copying the MSVCR110.dll file should be approached with caution because it can potentially introduce instability to your system if not done correctly. This method is based on the idea that the game might be looking for the DLL file in a specific location and failing to find it, even though the file is present on your system. By copying the DLL file directly into the game's installation directory, you're essentially making it easier for the game to locate and use the file. However, it's important to understand that this is more of a workaround than a true solution. If the underlying issue is a corrupted or incompatible DLL file, simply copying it might not fix the problem. Moreover, downloading DLL files from untrusted sources can expose your system to malware or other security threats. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise extreme caution when using this method and only download DLL files from reputable websites. If possible, try the other solutions first before resorting to manually copying the DLL file. If you do decide to proceed with this method, make sure to back up your system beforehand so that you can restore it to a previous state if anything goes wrong.
Solution 4: Running System File Checker (SFC) Scan
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that can scan and repair corrupted system files. This might help if the MSVCR110.dll file is corrupted at the system level. Here's how to run an SFC scan:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Type "cmd" into the Windows search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Type the Command: In the Command Prompt window, type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Wait for the Scan to Complete: The scan will take some time to complete. It will verify the integrity of all protected system files and replace any corrupted files with correct versions.
- Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer after the scan is complete.
- Try Launching Helldivers 2: Launch Helldivers 2 and see if the issue is resolved.
Running the System File Checker (SFC) scan is a powerful troubleshooting step that can address a wide range of system-related issues, including those that might be causing the MSVCR110.dll error. The SFC tool works by scanning all protected system files on your computer and comparing them to known good versions stored in the Windows component store. If any corrupted or missing files are found, SFC automatically replaces them with the correct versions. This can be particularly helpful if the MSVCR110.dll file or other related system files have been damaged or corrupted due to malware infections, software conflicts, or other system errors. By running the SFC scan, you're essentially ensuring that your system is running with healthy and intact system files, which can improve overall stability and performance. While the SFC scan might not directly target the MSVCR110.dll file, it can indirectly resolve the issue by fixing underlying system problems that are preventing the game from launching properly. It's a non-invasive and relatively safe procedure that can often resolve stubborn issues without requiring more drastic measures.
Solution 5: Updating Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can sometimes cause conflicts and prevent games from launching. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card. Here's how:
- Identify Your Graphics Card: Press
Win + R, typedxdiag, and press Enter. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, go to the "Display" tab to find your graphics card information (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, AMD Radeon RX 6800). - Download the Latest Drivers: Go to the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) and download the latest drivers for your specific graphics card and operating system.
- Install the Drivers: Run the driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions. It's recommended to do a clean installation, which will remove any previous driver versions.
- Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer after the driver installation is complete.
- Try Launching Helldivers 2: Launch Helldivers 2 and see if the issue is resolved.
Updating your graphics drivers is a critical step in troubleshooting game launch issues because it ensures that your system is using the latest software specifically designed to optimize performance and compatibility with new games like Helldivers 2. Graphics drivers act as a bridge between your operating system and your graphics card, translating instructions from the game into commands that the graphics card can understand and execute. Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to a variety of problems, including crashes, graphical glitches, and even launch failures. By updating to the latest drivers, you're not only getting the latest performance improvements and bug fixes, but also ensuring that your system is properly equipped to handle the demands of modern games. In the context of the MSVCR110.dll error, updating graphics drivers might not directly address the missing DLL file, but it can resolve underlying conflicts or compatibility issues that are preventing the game from accessing the necessary system resources. Additionally, a clean installation of the new drivers can help remove any corrupted or conflicting files from previous installations, further improving stability and performance. Therefore, updating your graphics drivers is a crucial step in ensuring that your system is in the best possible condition to run Helldivers 2 smoothly.
Still Not Working? Contact Support!
If you've tried all of the above solutions and you're still having trouble launching Helldivers 2, it's time to contact the game's support team or the Steam support team. They might be able to provide more specific guidance based on your system configuration. Make sure to provide them with as much detail as possible about the error you're seeing and the steps you've already tried. Good luck, Helldiver! We hope to see you on the battlefield soon!