Failed To Open Dlllist.txt For Reading Error Code 2 __top__
The "failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2" error typically occurs when a game launcher (like Plutonium or Steam) or a Windows service cannot find or access a required configuration file. In Windows terminology, "Error Code 2" specifically means "The system cannot find the file specified," suggesting the dlllist.txt file is either missing, corrupted, or being blocked by security software. Primary Causes
Missing Files: The file may have been accidentally deleted or was never created due to a failed installation.
Antivirus Interference: Security software often flags .txt files that list DLLs for injection as "suspicious" and moves them to quarantine.
Permission Issues: The application may lack the necessary administrator rights to read files in its own directory.
Corrupted Registry Entries: Issues with the Windows Multilingual User Interface (MUI) cache can sometimes trigger similar "Error Code 2" read failures across the system. Step-by-Step Solutions 1. Run as Administrator
The simplest fix is ensuring the program has permission to read its own files. Right-click the application executable (e.g., your game launcher) and select Run as Administrator. 2. Verify Game Files or Reinstall
If you are using a platform like Steam, use the built-in integrity tool to replace missing files: Open your Steam Library. Right-click the problematic game and select Properties.
Go to Installed Files and click Verify integrity of game files.
If the file is still missing, a full reinstallation of the launcher or game is often the most definitive solution. 3. Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
Many users have resolved this error by repairing their C++ runtime environments: Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Locate the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (specifically 2015-2022 versions). Right-click each and select Change, then click Repair. 4. Clear the String Cache (Advanced Registry Fix)
If the error persists across multiple applications, it may be a system-level registry issue. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI. failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2
If a folder named StringCacheSettings does not exist, right-click MUI > New > Key and name it that.
Inside that key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named StringCacheGeneration.
Double-click it, set the Base to Hexadecimal, and enter the Value data as 38b. Restart your computer. 5. Run SFC and DISM Scans
Corrupted system files can prevent Windows from properly handling file-read requests. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Once finished, run this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Prevention Tips
Whitelist Folders: Add your game or launcher folder to your Antivirus Exceptions list to prevent it from deleting dlllist.txt in the future.
Check for Leftover Mods: If you previously modded the game, check for old files like winmm.dll or StubDRM64.dll in the game directory and remove them, as they can cause conflict errors.
Are there other error messages appearing alongside this one, or does it happen with a specific game?
Error "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading Error code: 2"
Failed to Open dlllist.txt for Reading Error Code 2: A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide
Are you encountering the frustrating "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2" error message while trying to access or run a program? This error can be particularly vexing, especially if you're unsure about its causes or how to resolve it. In this blog post, we'll explore the possible reasons behind this error, its implications, and most importantly, provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.
Understanding the Error
The "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2" error typically occurs when a program or a system process attempts to read from a file named dlllist.txt but is unable to do so. The error code 2 usually signifies that the system cannot find the file specified. This could be due to several reasons:
- The file does not exist: The most straightforward reason is that the
dlllist.txtfile is either missing or has been deleted. - File path issues: The program might be looking for the
dlllist.txtfile in the wrong location, leading to a failure in accessing it. - Permissions issues: Sometimes, the program or user account trying to access the file might not have the necessary permissions.
- Corrupted file system or disk errors: Errors in the file system or on the disk can prevent the file from being accessed.
Implications of the Error
The implications of this error can vary depending on the program or system process that is trying to access the dlllist.txt file. For some applications, this file might be crucial for operation, and its inaccessibility could lead to malfunction or failure to start. In other cases, the error might simply be a nuisance but not critical to the application's functionality.
How to Fix the Error
Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2" error:
Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix 1: Create an empty dlllist.txt file (quick workaround)
If the tool expects the file to exist even if empty:
echo. > dlllist.txt
Then run your original command again.
What Does This Error Mean?
- Error Code 2 in Windows =
ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND - The program is looking for a file named
dlllist.txtin a specific directory, but the file is missing. - This commonly occurs with game modding tools (e.g., Rockstar’s RAGE Engine tools like OpenIV or ScriptHookV), debuggers, or dependency walkers.
4. Step-by-Step Fixes
Depending on your use case, choose the appropriate solution.
2. Common Software Contexts for This Error
While dlllist.exe from Sysinternals is the most common source, the error can also appear in:
- PowerShell scripts that use
dlllist.exeto enumerate DLLs. - Malware analysis sandboxes (e.g., Cuckoo, CAPE) where
dlllist.txtis used to store process information. - Legacy batch files used for DLL injection detection or process monitoring.
- Custom C/C++ or .NET applications that wrap
dlllistfunctionality.
Still Not Fixed?
- Check the tool’s documentation – some require specific DLL names inside
dlllist.txt(one per line). - Search for the exact program name + “dlllist.txt error code 2” – the solution may be tool-specific.
- Try running the tool from Command Prompt as Admin to see a more detailed error.
The error "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading Error code: 2" typically indicates that a software application (often a game or a system utility) is looking for a text file to identify which DLLs it needs to load, but it cannot find the file or access it. "Error code 2" is a standard Windows error meaning "The system cannot find the file specified." Common Causes
Missing Support Files: The application is missing the dlllist.txt file, which might be a custom file used by specific mods, launchers, or older games like Titanfall 2 or Red Alert 2.
Corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables: Broken or missing system libraries often trigger these types of loading failures. The "failed to open dlllist
Third-Party Mods or Wrappers: Incompatible mods or wrapper DLLs (like winmm.dll) can cause the application to search for list files that don't exist in the current directory.
System File Corruption: Core Windows files or registry entries related to the Multilingual User Interface (MUI) may be corrupted. Recommended Fixes Repair Visual C++ Redistributables: Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Find all versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (especially 2012, 2015-2022). Right-click each, select Change, and then click Repair. Verify Game/Application Integrity:
If using Steam, right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
If it is a standalone installer (like Corsair iCUE), download a fresh copy from the Official Corsair Website and reinstall. Run System Repairs: Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Run SFC /scannow followed by DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix underlying Windows image errors. Remove Conflicting Mods:
Check your application folder for extra DLL files like winmm.dll or StubDRM64.dll that were not part of the original installation. Deleting these may stop the app from searching for a dlllist.txt file. Create Missing Registry Key (Advanced):
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI in the Registry Editor.
Create a new key named StringCacheSettings if it doesn't already exist.
Which specific application or game are you trying to launch when this error appears?
Error "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading Error code: 2"