Helldivers 2 Won't Launch? MSVCR110.dll Fix!

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Helldivers 2 Not Launching? MSVCR110.dll Fix!

Is Helldivers 2 refusing to launch on Steam, flashing an error about MSVCR110.dll? Don't panic, fellow Helldiver! You're not alone, and thankfully, there are several ways to troubleshoot this frustrating issue and get you back on the front lines, spreading managed democracy. This guide will walk you through various solutions, from simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting steps. We'll cover everything from verifying game files and reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributables to more unconventional solutions. So, grab your favorite beverage, buckle up, and let's dive into fixing this problem!

Understanding the MSVCR110.dll Error

Before we jump into the fixes, let's understand what this error means. The MSVCR110.dll file is a component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. This package contains runtime components required to run C++ applications developed with Visual Studio 2012. If this file is missing, corrupted, or the wrong version, applications relying on it, like Helldivers 2, will fail to launch and throw an error. This can happen due to several reasons, including incomplete installations, software conflicts, or accidental deletion of the DLL file. It's also worth noting that different applications might require different versions of the Visual C++ Redistributables, so having multiple versions installed is perfectly normal and often necessary. The key is to ensure that the correct version is present and functioning correctly for Helldivers 2.

Many users encounter this error after a fresh installation of the game, a system update, or after installing other software that might interfere with the Visual C++ Redistributables. Identifying the root cause can be tricky, but by systematically going through the troubleshooting steps outlined below, you should be able to pinpoint the issue and get Helldivers 2 up and running in no time. Remember to restart your computer after each potential fix to ensure the changes take effect. Now, let's get started with the first and simplest solution: verifying the integrity of the game files.

Solution 1: Verify Integrity of Game Files

Steam has a built-in feature to check the integrity of game files. This is often the first and easiest solution to try when a game isn't launching correctly. It scans the game's installation folder, identifies any missing or corrupted files, and automatically downloads replacements. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
  2. Go to Library: Click on the "Library" tab to view your installed games.
  3. Right-Click Helldivers 2: Find Helldivers 2 in the list and right-click on it.
  4. Select Properties: Choose "Properties" from the context menu.
  5. Go to Local Files Tab: In the Properties window, click on the "Local Files" tab.
  6. Verify Integrity: Click the "Verify integrity of game files..." button.

Steam will now start the verification process. This may take some time, depending on the size of the game and the speed of your storage device. Once it's finished, Steam will report whether any files were found to be missing or corrupted and will download the necessary replacements. After the verification is complete, restart Steam and try launching Helldivers 2 again. Hopefully, this simple step will resolve the MSVCR110.dll error and get you back into the game. If not, don't worry; we have more solutions to try. The next step involves reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributables, which is a common fix for this type of error.

This process is surprisingly effective because game files can become corrupted for various reasons, such as unexpected shutdowns, disk errors, or even interference from other software. By verifying the integrity of the game files, you're ensuring that you have a clean and complete installation. If the verification process identifies numerous corrupted files, it might indicate a problem with your storage device or a deeper system issue. In such cases, it's worth running a disk check or considering a clean reinstall of the game. However, before jumping to more drastic measures, let's move on to the next solution and see if reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributables does the trick.

Solution 2: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

Since the MSVCR110.dll file is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable package, reinstalling this package can often fix the issue. Here’s how:

  1. Identify the Correct Version: Determine which version of Visual C++ Redistributable is required for Helldivers 2. Usually, this information can be found in the game's documentation or on the game's official website or forums. Since the error mentions MSVCR110.dll, we're looking for the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable.
  2. Uninstall Existing Versions: Go to "Control Panel" -> "Programs" -> "Programs and Features." Look for any entries related to "Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable." Uninstall them.
  3. Download the Redistributable: Visit the Microsoft website and download the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (both x86 and x64 versions are recommended, even if you have a 64-bit system). You can find the downloads by searching for "Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable download" on your favorite search engine. Make sure you download it from the official Microsoft website to avoid malware.
  4. Install the Redistributable: Run the downloaded installers and follow the on-screen instructions. Be sure to restart your computer after the installation is complete.

After reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributables, try launching Helldivers 2 again. In many cases, this will resolve the MSVCR110.dll error. The reason this works is that reinstalling the package ensures that all the necessary files are present and correctly registered on your system. It also overwrites any potentially corrupted or outdated versions of the DLL files. If this solution doesn't work, there might be other underlying issues, such as conflicting software or system errors. But don't lose hope! We have more troubleshooting steps to try.

It's crucial to download the Visual C++ Redistributables from the official Microsoft website because third-party sources might offer modified or infected versions that could harm your system. Always prioritize security when downloading system files. Additionally, installing both the x86 and x64 versions is recommended because some applications might require the 32-bit version even on a 64-bit system. This ensures compatibility and prevents potential errors. Once you've reinstalled the Visual C++ Redistributables, it's time to move on to the next solution if the issue persists.

Solution 3: Run the Game as Administrator

Sometimes, Helldivers 2 might not have the necessary permissions to access certain files or resources, leading to the MSVCR110.dll error. Running the game as an administrator can grant it the elevated privileges it needs to function correctly. Here's how:

  1. Locate the Game Executable: Find the Helldivers 2 executable file (usually located in the game's installation folder within the Steam directory).
  2. Right-Click the Executable: Right-click on the Helldivers2.exe file.
  3. Select Properties: Choose "Properties" from the context menu.
  4. Go to Compatibility Tab: In the Properties window, click on the "Compatibility" tab.
  5. Check "Run this program as an administrator": Under the "Settings" section, check the box labeled "Run this program as an administrator."
  6. Apply and OK: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Now, try launching Helldivers 2 again. Running the game as an administrator can bypass permission-related issues and allow the game to access the required DLL files without any problems. This is a simple but effective solution that often resolves various launching issues. If this doesn't work, it's time to explore other potential causes and solutions.

Granting administrator privileges allows the game to make changes to system files and access resources that might be restricted under normal user permissions. This can be particularly helpful if the game needs to write data to specific folders or modify system settings. However, it's important to note that running applications as administrator should be done with caution, as it can potentially expose your system to security risks if the application is compromised. Only run applications as administrator if you trust the source and understand the implications. With that said, let's move on to the next troubleshooting step if running as administrator doesn't solve the MSVCR110.dll error.

Solution 4: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues and prevent games from launching correctly. Updating your graphics drivers to the latest version can resolve these issues and improve overall system stability. Here's how to update your graphics drivers:

  1. Identify Your Graphics Card: Determine the manufacturer and model of your graphics card. You can find this information in the Device Manager (search for "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar).
  2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website: Go to the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
  3. Download the Latest Drivers: Find and download the latest drivers for your graphics card. Make sure to select the correct operating system and version.
  4. Install the Drivers: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions. It's recommended to perform a clean installation, which removes any previous driver versions.
  5. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

After updating your graphics drivers, try launching Helldivers 2 again. Newer drivers often include bug fixes and performance optimizations that can resolve compatibility issues and improve the game's performance. Keeping your graphics drivers up to date is a good practice in general, as it ensures that you're getting the best possible experience with all your games and applications. If updating your graphics drivers doesn't fix the MSVCR110.dll error, let's move on to the next solution.

Graphics drivers are essential for translating the game's graphical instructions into a format that your graphics card can understand and display on your monitor. Outdated drivers might not be compatible with the latest games or might contain bugs that cause crashes or errors. By updating to the latest drivers, you're ensuring that your graphics card is working optimally and that you have the necessary support for new games and technologies. Additionally, a clean installation of the drivers can help resolve conflicts with previous driver versions and ensure a smooth and stable experience. Now, let's proceed to the next troubleshooting step if updating the graphics drivers doesn't resolve the issue.

Solution 5: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a background program is interfering with Helldivers 2. Here’s how to perform a clean boot:

  1. Open System Configuration: Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to Services Tab: In the System Configuration window, click on the "Services" tab.
  3. Hide All Microsoft Services: Check the box labeled "Hide all Microsoft services." This prevents you from accidentally disabling critical system services.
  4. Disable All Remaining Services: Click the "Disable all" button to disable all remaining services.
  5. Go to Startup Tab: Click on the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager."
  6. Disable All Startup Items: In the Task Manager, disable all startup items.
  7. Apply and Restart: Close the Task Manager, click "Apply" and then "OK" in the System Configuration window, and restart your computer.

After the clean boot, try launching Helldivers 2 again. If the game launches successfully, it means that one of the disabled services or startup programs was causing the issue. You can then re-enable the services and startup programs one by one to identify the culprit. This process can be time-consuming, but it's an effective way to pinpoint software conflicts. Once you've identified the conflicting program, you can uninstall it or configure it to not run when you're playing Helldivers 2.

A clean boot is a valuable troubleshooting tool because it eliminates the potential for software conflicts that can interfere with game launches. Many background programs, such as antivirus software, system utilities, and overlay applications, can sometimes conflict with games and cause errors. By starting Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, you can isolate the issue and determine if a third-party application is to blame. This can save you a lot of time and effort in diagnosing the problem. If performing a clean boot resolves the MSVCR110.dll error, you can then systematically re-enable the services and startup programs to identify the specific program that's causing the conflict. Now, let's move on to the final solution if none of the above steps have worked.

Solution 6: Reinstall Helldivers 2

If none of the above solutions work, the last resort is to reinstall Helldivers 2. This ensures that you have a clean and complete installation of the game, free from any corrupted or missing files. Here’s how to reinstall the game:

  1. Uninstall Helldivers 2: In Steam, right-click on Helldivers 2 in your Library and select "Manage" -> "Uninstall."
  2. Delete Installation Folder (Optional): After uninstalling, manually delete the game's installation folder to ensure that all files are removed. This is optional but recommended.
  3. Reinstall the Game: In Steam, click on Helldivers 2 in your Library and click "Install."
  4. Wait for Installation: Wait for the game to download and install completely. This may take some time, depending on your internet connection speed.

After reinstalling Helldivers 2, try launching it again. A fresh installation can often resolve stubborn issues that are caused by corrupted or missing game files. This is because the reinstallation process downloads all the necessary files from scratch, ensuring that you have a complete and working copy of the game. If you're still encountering the MSVCR110.dll error after reinstalling the game, it's possible that there's a deeper system issue or a hardware problem that's preventing the game from launching. In such cases, it's recommended to seek further assistance from the game's support team or a qualified computer technician.

Reinstalling a game can be a time-consuming process, but it's often the most effective way to resolve persistent issues that are not fixed by other troubleshooting steps. By completely removing the game and then reinstalling it, you're ensuring that you have a clean slate and that any corrupted or missing files are replaced with fresh, working copies. This can eliminate a wide range of potential problems and get you back into the game as quickly as possible. If you've tried all the solutions outlined in this guide and you're still encountering the MSVCR110.dll error, it's time to seek professional help. A qualified computer technician can diagnose the underlying issue and provide a more tailored solution to your specific problem.

Conclusion

The MSVCR110.dll error can be a frustrating obstacle when trying to launch Helldivers 2. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to spreading managed democracy in no time. Remember to start with the simplest solutions, such as verifying the integrity of game files and reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributables, and then move on to more advanced steps if necessary. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be back on the front lines, fighting for freedom and justice in the galaxy! Good luck, Helldiver!