Failed To Open Dlllist.txt For Reading Error Code 2
If you are using Dependency Walker and keep seeing this error, you might be accidentally launching it with a script argument.
For ScriptHookV or OpenIV errors:
Dependency Walker has a built-in scripting feature. Advanced users can create scripts to automate profiling of executables. When you run a certain type of profile (especially a "profiled" or "profile with log file" session) using a script, the tool looks for a file called dlllist.txt.
The script likely contains a line that says:
OpenFile("dlllist.txt", READ)
Since the script expects this file to be present in the current working directory (usually the same folder as depends.exe or your target EXE), and it is not there, Windows returns Error Code 2.
In short: The error is a feature, not a bug. The script is trying to do its job, but the input file is missing.
[Leave this file empty if that's the intention]
try
& ".\dlllist.exe" "@dlllist.txt" -ErrorAction Stop
catch
if ($_.Exception.Message -match "error code 2")
Write-Host "Missing dlllist.txt – creating now"
New-Item -Path "dlllist.txt" -ItemType File
& ".\dlllist.exe" "@dlllist.txt"
Conclusion
The "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2" error, while seemingly obscure, can often be resolved through straightforward troubleshooting steps. By methodically checking the file's existence, path, permissions, and disk integrity, and considering software-specific solutions, you should be able to overcome this issue. If you continue to experience difficulties, seeking help from technical support forums or professionals might provide additional insights tailored to your specific situation.
The error message "failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2"
typically indicates a missing file or a leftover configuration from a previous software installation. In Windows, "Error code: 2" specifically translates to "The system cannot find the file specified" Microsoft Learn Summary of the Issue
This error most frequently occurs when launching video games (such as Genshin Impact Titanfall 2 Phasmophobia ) or specific software installers like Corsair iCUE. Primary Cause: The application is looking for a file named dlllist.txt
to load specific dynamic link libraries (DLLs), but it is missing from the expected directory. Common Origin: This file is often associated with cracked or modded versions
of software. If you recently switched from a "cracked" version to a legitimate Steam version, the game may still be trying to use the old "loader" configuration which requires this missing text file. Reported Troubleshooting Steps
Based on user reports and expert advice, the following solutions have shown the highest success rates: Repair Visual C++ Redistributables: Many users resolved the issue by running the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installer and choosing the Run System Scans: Independent advisors on the Microsoft Community
recommend running system file checks to ensure core Windows components are intact: SFC /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth Clean Registry & AppData (For Installer Errors):
If the error occurs during an installation (like Corsair iCUE), delete any existing subfolders in
related to that software before restarting the installation. Check Antivirus Logs: Occasionally, antivirus software flags and quarantines the dlllist.txt file or the DLLs it references, leading to this read error. Microsoft Learn Advanced Registry Fix
For persistent Windows-level errors, some users have success creating a specific registry key to refresh string caches: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI in the Registry Editor. Create a new Key named StringCacheSettings Inside that key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named StringCacheGeneration and set its value to (Hexadecimal). Microsoft Learn
Did this error start appearing after you moved a game folder or switched from a trial/cracked version to a legitimate one?
Error "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading Error code: 2" failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2
This error usually pops up in games or software (like Steam or Call of Duty) when the application can't find or access a specific configuration file. Why this happens Missing files: The .txt file was deleted or moved. Permissions: Windows is blocking the app from reading it. File Corruption: The file is unreadable. Antivirus: Your security software quarantined the file. Quick Fixes
Run as Administrator: Right-click the app and select "Run as administrator."
Verify Files: Use the "Verify Integrity of Game Files" tool in Steam.
Check Antivirus: Look in your "Quarantine" folder and restore the file.
Reinstall: Delete the specific folder and let the app redownload it. Step-by-Step for Steam Users Open your Steam Library. Right-click the game title. Choose Properties > Installed Files. Click Verify integrity of game files.
💡 Pro Tip: If you are using a mod manager, ensure the "dlllist.txt" is inside the correct root directory of the game.
Are you seeing this error with a specific game or modding tool?
Error Report: Failed to Open dlllist.txt for Reading (Error Code 2)
Introduction
This report documents an error encountered while attempting to open a file named dlllist.txt for reading. The error code associated with this failure is 2.
Error Details
Possible Causes
The following are potential causes for this error:
Troubleshooting Steps
To resolve this error, try the following steps:
Recommendations
Conclusion
The "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading" error with error code 2 indicates that the system cannot find the specified file. By verifying file existence, checking file paths, and closing files in other processes, you should be able to resolve this error. If issues persist, consider recreating the file or seeking further assistance.
The error message "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading Error code: 2" If you are using Dependency Walker and keep
typically occurs when a software installer or game launcher cannot locate or access a necessary configuration file required to load dynamic link libraries (DLLs). Error code 2 is a standard Windows system error indicating that the "system cannot find the file specified". Microsoft Learn Common Causes Missing System Dependencies: Outdated or corrupt Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
often prevent applications from correctly reading their library lists. Antivirus Interference: Security software frequently flags and quarantines or related
configuration files, mistakenly identifying them as threats. Insufficient Permissions: Running an installer without full Administrator privileges can block access to the directories where dlllist.txt is stored. Registry Corruption:
Missing or damaged registry keys related to Multi-User Interface (MUI) cache settings can trigger this specific error during file execution. Microsoft Learn Recommended Solutions 1. Repair Visual C++ Redistributables
Many users resolve this by repairing or reinstalling the Visual C++ packages: Download the latest versions from the official Microsoft website Run the installer and select the
option if available, or uninstall and perform a fresh installation. 2. Run with Administrator Privileges
Ensure the application or installer has the necessary rights to read system files: Google Help Right-click the executable file ( Run as administrator Google Help 3. Scan and Repair System Files Use built-in Windows tools to fix underlying OS corruption: Microsoft Learn Command Prompt PowerShell as an Administrator. sfc /scannow to find and replace corrupted system files. Follow up with DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the system image. Microsoft Learn 4. Adjust Antivirus Settings Check if your security software has blocked any files: Open your antivirus Protection History Quarantine
and look for files related to your application (often found in or game folders).
Restore the file and add the entire application folder to your Exclusions list 5. Registry Fix (Advanced)
If the above steps fail, you may need to manually create a missing cache key in the Windows Registry: Microsoft Learn , and hit Enter. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI Right-click , and name it StringCacheSettings Inside this new key, create a DWORD (32-bit) Value StringCacheGeneration Value data (Hexadecimal) and restart your computer. Microsoft Learn where this error is appearing?
Error "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading Error code: 2"
This error typically occurs when a program tries to launch but cannot find a specific configuration file called dlllist.txt . It is most commonly associated with cracked games
, or older launchers (like Origin) trying to run games from newer platforms like Steam. Quick Fixes Repair Visual C++ Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installer and select the Run as Administrator : Right-click the game or application's file and select Run as administrator Verify Game Files : If using Steam, right-click the game, go to Properties > Installed Files , and select Verify integrity of game files Launch from Original App
: If the game was originally from a different platform, try launching it directly from that launcher (e.g., the ) instead of Steam. System Level Solutions
If the quick fixes don't work, the issue may be with your system's registry or core files. System File Checker Command Prompt PowerShell as an Administrator. sfc /scannow and hit Enter. Once finished, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter. Registry Modification Windows + R , and navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI Right-click , and name it StringCacheSettings Inside that key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value StringCacheGeneration , and set its value to (Hexadecimal). Did this error start happening after you installed a mod
Error "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading Error code: 2"
Failed to Open dlllist.txt for Reading (Error Code 2) is a common Windows error. It typically occurs when a program or game tries to access a specific text file that is missing, blocked, or has incorrect permissions.
In Windows, Error Code 2 specifically means "The system cannot find the file specified." 🛠️ Common Causes
Missing Files: The dlllist.txt file was deleted or never installed. Dependency Walker has a built-in scripting feature
Antivirus Interference: Security software flagged the file as a threat.
Permission Issues: The program lacks "Read" rights for the folder.
Corrupt Installation: A recent update or crash damaged the file path. ✅ How to Fix the Error 1. Run as Administrator
Sometimes the software can't "see" the file because it doesn't have high-level access. Right-click the application shortcut. Select Run as administrator. Check if the error persists. 2. Check Your Antivirus Quarantine
Antivirus programs often mistake .txt or .dll configuration files for malware. Open your Antivirus/Windows Defender settings. Look for the Quarantine or Protection History section.
If dlllist.txt is there, select Restore and add it to the Exclusions list. 3. Verify Game/App Files
If this happens in a gaming platform like Steam or Epic Games: Go to your Library. Right-click the game and select Properties. Click Installed Files (or Local Files).
Select Verify integrity of game files. This will automatically redownload the missing .txt file. 4. Reinstall the Application
If a manual search shows the file is truly gone, a fresh install is the safest bet. Uninstall the program via Control Panel. Restart your computer to clear the cache.
Download the latest version from the official source and reinstall. 5. Manual File Creation (Advanced)
In some cases, you can bypass the error by creating a dummy file, though this depends on the specific software. Navigate to the folder mentioned in the error path. Right-click > New > Text Document. Name it exactly dlllist.txt.
Note: Only do this if you know the file is meant to be empty or you have the correct data to paste inside. 💡 Pro Tip
Check if you have recently installed a mod or cheat engine. These tools frequently use dlllist.txt to inject code into games, and they are the most common culprits for this specific error code.
The error "Failed to open dlllist.txt for reading. Error code: 2" is a Windows system error typically encountered when launching specific games (like Dying Light, Titanfall 2, or It Takes Two) or installers (like iCUE or Google Play Games). "Error code: 2" is a standard Windows system message meaning "The system cannot find the file specified". Potential Causes
Missing Dependencies: The application often lacks the necessary Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable files required to identify system DLLs.
Leftover Mod Files: This error frequently occurs in games where third-party mods or non-original DLL files (like winmm.dll or StubDRM64.dll) have been added to the game folder.
Missing System Registry Keys: A missing StringCacheSettings key in the Windows Registry can sometimes trigger this during general .exe launches.
Launcher Conflicts: Discrepancies between Steam and other third-party launchers (like EA/Origin) can prevent the file from being read correctly. How to Fix the Error 1. Repair Visual C++ Redistributables
I just bought the game on steam with discount and can't launch it
Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix the “failed to open dlllist.txt for reading error code 2” error.