When you start games on Windows, you may receive a system message announcing an error that says: "Cannot start, xlive.dll is missing." Already from the message you can understand that the OS lacks a component called xlive.dll. But what is this component and how to add it to the system? This article will answer these questions.
Definition
Initially, it is worthwhile to give a definition of this file, and only then talk about what to do if xlive.dll is not on the computer.
So, xlive.dll is one of the libraries that is distributed with the Games for Windows application (hereinafter simply GfW). She is responsible for the correct operation of the computer with the network code of the application. It also serves to identify the user account. That is, if you do not have this file, then you will not be able to log into your account, therefore, the application will not start. And in the application itself, the library will be responsible for interacting with network code.
We have more or less figured out the definition, but it's too early to start talking about what to do if the PC does not have xlive.dll.
Causes of the error
It is also worth talking about why this error appears at all. After all, nothing is done just like that.
So, fortunately, there are few reasons - just three:
The library version is different from the correct one.
The file has been deleted from the computer.
The file was corrupted by viruses.
The first two cases are “treated” quite simply: in order not to be smart, you just need to reinstall this library. But the problem with viruses is another. Reinstalling will not help, since the virus will infect the new file anyway. Therefore, before installing, you must check your computer for the presence of these very viruses using any antivirus. Therefore, do this before proceeding with the correction of the error.
Method 1: Install the GfW Package
So, if you do not have xlive.dll on your laptop or PC, then it is possible to install the GfW package on your computer. It was already said above that it is with him that the necessary library is supplied.
No one should have problems with the installation, since this is done by analogy with games and programs, but with the download, not everything is so simple. The fact is that attackers can spread viruses under the guise of the package we need. To prevent accidental infection, download it from the official website of the developer (microsoft.com).
Method 2: manually install the library
If you still encounter problems while performing the first method, and you still do not have xlive.dll on your computer, then you can use the second method, which involves manually installing this library.
Write in the search engine the request "download xlive.dll".
Go to a site with a good rating, so as not to bring a virus to your computer.
Download the library to your computer.
Move it along the path: C: \ Windows \ System32 (32-bit system) or C \ Windows \ SysWOW64 (64-bit system).
After that, the problem should be fixed.
Method 3: install the library using the program
If you were unable to complete the two previous methods, and you still do not have xlive.dll, then the third method will definitely help you.
Go to the official website of the application DLL-Files.com and download it from there.
Run the program.
On the main screen, search for xlive.dll.
In the results, click on the option you want.
Click Install.
Now, if you did not have xlive.dll, the required component has been installed, and you can safely run the game that was previously idle.