Ddraw.dll is a file that’s associated with DirectX DirectDraw. If this file is corrupted or its version is different from the one supported by the DirectX version installed in your computer then you will have issues running certain games or software. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix the ddraw.dll is missing from your computer error.
Here’s what to do when you get the ddraw.dll file is missing from your computer error
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from a malware infection to a corrupted file. Listed below are the recommended troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Run a malware scan
One of the main reasons why this problem can occur is because your computer has been infected with malware, particularly the ddraw.dll file. You should run a malware scan on your computer using malwarebytes as this can remove any potential malware threats.
- Go to https://www.malwarebytes.com/antimalware/.
- Download the free version.
- Save the installation file to your computer.
- After the download is complete, double-click the file to begin installing Malwarebytes.
- Follow the instructions on the installation screen. Make sure Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO is unchecked.
- Make sure the computer is connected to the Internet.
- Open Malwarebytes.
- Malwarebytes will generally prompt you to download and install any available updates when you open the program. To check for and install updates manually, click the Update tab, then click Check for Updates.
- On Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware screen, click the Scanner tab. The Scanner window will open.
- On the Scanner window, select one of the first two options: Perform quick scan which is recommended in most cases or Perform full scan which is selected if a quick scan has not solved your problem.
- If Malwarebytes detects a threat, it will place the suspicious file in quarantine. After the scan is complete, click the Quarantine tab and review the threats Malwarebytes detected: To permanently delete a malware program, select its name and click Delete.
- After the scan is complete and you have addressed any threats placed in quarantine, click Exit to close Malwarebytes.
Try to check if the ddraw.dll file is missing from your computer error still occurs.
Run a system file checker
If the ddraw.dll file has been corrupted by malware then you can fix this by running a system file checker.
- Type Command Prompt on the search bar
- Right click on the command prompt app that appears then click on Run as Administrator.
- Run the Deployment Image and Service Management tool by entering “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” in the Command Prompt; and press the Enter key.
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to initiate the System File Checker scan.
- SFC scan could take up to an hour.
- Restart the computer once the process is complete.
Check if the dll file error is now fixed.
Scan the registry for problems
Sometimes this issue can be caused by an invalid registry entry. If this is the culprit then you will need to use CCleaner to fix your computer registry.
- Go to https://www.ccleaner.com/
- Download and install the CCleaner tool that’s compatible with your computer
- Click the CCleaner icon to open the software’s window.
- Click Registry to open CCleaner’s registry cleaner
- The registry cleaner includes a Missing Shared DLLs check box. Select Missing Shared DLLs along with all the other checkboxes for the most thorough scan.
- Click the Scan for Issues option, which will scan for registry issues
- Press the Fix selected issues button to repair the registry entries listed.
- A dialog box opens that asks to back up the registry. Click Yes to create a backup, choose a folder for the file and press the Save button.
- Press the Fix All Selected Issues button to give further confirmation to repair registry.
Check if the missing DLL issue still occurs.
Reinstall the software
In most cases you will get this error message after installing a particular software. This might be caused by an incorrect installation of the said software which is why you will need to reinstall it again.
- Click on the Start button then click on Settings
- From Settings click on Apps.
- Select the program that’s returning the DLL error.
- Press the Uninstall button to remove the program.
- Click Yes on the Programs and Features dialog box to confirm you’re sure about removing the software.
- Reinstall the program with its setup wizard
Try to check if the missing DLL issue still occurs.
Rollback Windows to a previous restore point
If the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should rollback Windows to a point in time when the issue did not occur.
- Type “rstrui” in the search bar to open the System Restore window.
- Click Next to open a list of restore points.
- Select a restore point that predates the missing ddraw error.
- To check what software will be lost after restoring Windows, press the Scan for affected programs button. That option will open the window below which shows you software added after the selected restore point.
- Press the Next button, and click Finish and Yes options to confirm your selected system restore point.
Check if the ddraw.dll missing error still occurs.