Ddraw.dll is an essential file that is used to provide DirectX functionality in Windows operating systems. By default, the ddraw.dll file is located in C: \ Windows \ System32 \ dllcache and its file size is 284,160 bytes.
Generally, ddraw.dll errors occur when you try to run applications that use DirectX technology.
Missing ddraw.dll errors
Most ddraw.dll errors occur when a DirectX-based application is unable to locate the ddraw.dll file. This generally happens when either of the following conditions hold true:
- DirectX is not installed on your system.
- DirectX installed on your system is of older version.
- The application with which you are getting ddraw.dll error is corrupt.
- Video drivers are not updated.
- Malware infection.
- Registry Issues.
When a ddraw.dll missing or not found error occurs, an error message similar to the ones displayed below may appear on your screen:
- ?The ddraw.dll file not found?
- ?Ddraw.dll is missing?
- ?Ddraw.dll cannot start?
Depending on the cause behind the ddraw.dll error, you need to perform either of the following steps to fix the error:
Install DirectX
The first thing you should do upon receiving a missing or not found ddraw.dll error is to run the dxdiag command to determine if DirectX is installed on your PC or not.
If you find DirectX is not installed, go online and download and install the latest version of DirectX.
Upgrade DirectX
If DirectX is installed, then ensure that the version of DirectX you have supports the application you are using.
In case you are using an older version of DirectX, download and install the latest version of DirectX to fix the error.
Uninstall and Reinstall the Application
If you are receiving a ddraw.dll error only when you try to run a particular application, then reinstalling this application may fix the error. Incorrect installation of a program may corrupt its files and affect the way the program runs. To rectify the error, uninstall the application and reinstall it.
Note: To ensure complete removal of programs, either use the built-in Add or Remove Programs utility or a reliable third party uninstaller tool, such as Perfect Uninstaller, to uninstall programs and applications from your PC.
Upgrade your Video drivers
If the ddraw.dll error still persists after you have reinstalled the application, check if its video drivers are updated or not. Outdated driver files are a common cause of DLL errors. That is why it is recommended you use the latest device drivers.
Note: Windows PCs include a diagnostic tool called Device Manager that allows you to manually update your drivers. You can also automate this process by opting for an efficient driver scanner tool, such as Driver Finder.
Perform a Malware Scan
If the above steps fail to fix the ddraw.dll error, run a malware scan of your entire system using robust antimalware tools, such as STOPzilla Antivirus and Spyware Cease to ensure your PC is not infected with malware.
Malware programs are known to target ?DLL files by injecting invalid codes into them. Modifications made to DLL files corrupt them and make them inaccessible. As a result, a missing or not found DLL error is generated every time a program tries to access the infected DLL file.
Perform a Registry Scan
Last, but not least, if everything else fails to rectify the ddraw.dll error, run a registry scan using a reliable registry cleaning tool, such as RegServe. Often, registry issues are found to be the root cause of DLL errors and cleaning your registry of the invalid and corrupt entries should fix the recurring ddraw.dll errors.