Some PC gamers may encounter the error message D3DRM.dll is not loaded or The program can’t start because d3drm.dll is missing from your computer when trying to launch legacy games on Windows 11 or Windows 10 gaming rig. This post provides the most suitable solutions to fix this issue in no time!
What is d3drm.dll?
The d3drm.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file, also known as Direct3D Retained Mode DLL. It belongs to the DirectX software and is found in the System32 folder of the Windows OS.
The most likely culprit to this error includes;
- The legacy game is incompatible with the Windows version.
- Missing, damaged, or corrupt dll file.
- DLL file is missing from game folder.
- Windows Registry issues.
- Malware infection.
- Faulty applications.
Users encountering this particular error, reported the issue commonly occur with older versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Atari Sorry, Motocross Madness 2, etc. The following are other common d3drm.dll errors that can occur on Windows PC:
d3drm.dll is missing
d3drm.dll error loading
d3drm.dll crash
d3drm.dll was not found
d3drm.dll could not be located
d3drm.dll Access Violation
The procedure entry point d3drm.dll error
Cannot find d3drm.dll
Cannot register d3drm.dll
Regardless of the instance of this error, you have encountered, the solutions presented in this post apply.
Program can’t start because d3drm.dll is missing – Legacy Game error
If you’re faced with this Program can’t start because d3drm.dll is missing issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.
- Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX
- Run AV scan
- Run SFC and DISM scan
- Update video/graphics card driver
- Replace unhealthy d3drm.dll file
- Re-register DLL files
- General fix for missing DLL files errors
- Perform System Restore
- Run the Legacy Game in Compatibility Mode
Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.
Before you try the solutions below, restart your computer and see if that helps. Also, check for updates and install any available bits on your Windows device and see if the error reappears. And, as indicated on the error prompt, you can try reinstalling the program that’s triggering this error.
1] Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX
You can begin troubleshooting the Program can’t start because d3drm.dll is missing – Legacy Game error by downloading and installing the latest version of DirectX on your Windows PC. If the latest DirectX version from Microsoft didn’t resolve the issue, look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application CD or DVD – software developers will include a copy of DirectX on the installation disc if a game or another program requires DirectX.
2] Run AV scan
This solution requires you to run a full system antivirus scan to rule out the possibility of a malware infection being the culprit.
You can run a full system antivirus scan with Windows Defender or any reputable third-party AV product.
3] Run SFC and DISM scan
Due to system file issues, this error can occur. In this case, you can run an SFC scan and see if that helps. If not, you can run a DISM scan or try the next solution.
4] Update video/graphics card driver
This solution requires you to update the graphics card driver for your Windows gaming PC. If this didn’t work, try the next solution.
5] Replace unhealthy d3drm.dll file
You can replace the damaged/corrupted d3drm.dll file by logging into another working Windows computer that has been recently updated, navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\ folder and locate, copy the file to a USB drive, then plug the drive to the problematic PC, navigate to the exact folder, then paste the file in that location.
Alternatively, you can place the file inside the legacy application/game installation folder.
6] Re-register DLL files
Re-registering the d3drm.dll and the crypt32.dll file is a viable solution to fix the issue at hand.
7] General fix for missing DLL files errors
This is our general fix for missing DLL files errors post can help you fix most DLL errors on Windows PC.
8] Perform System Restore
You can perform System Restore to revert your system to an earlier point when the system was working correctly without the .dll file error.
9] Run the Legacy Game in Compatibility Mode
Since you’re getting the error when you run the game on your Windows 10/11 computer, you can fix the error by forcing the main game executable to launch in compatibility mode with an older Windows version.
Hope any of these solutions helps!
How do you fix The program can’t start because vcruntime140_1 DLL is missing from your computer?
The vcruntime140_1.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Among other solutions to fix The program can’t start because vcruntime140_1.DLL is missing from your computer, try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.
How do I fix missing CONCRT140.dll?
PC users that encounter The code execution cannot proceed because CONCRT140.dll was not found, can easily fix the issue by downloading the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio C++, install the package, and then restart the Windows 10/11 computer. As soon as you log in again, try restarting the game or program that previously crashed with the concrt140.dll file – the error should not reappear.
