Just got the Steam version, but crashes on startup.

[scottc320]

Just got Universe Sandbox from the version released on Steam, but when I try to open it I get the message:

"Unable to load DLL 'SteamworksWrapper.dll': The specified module could not be found. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x8007007E)

Error Code: 2.1.0 Steam - PPOHO"

It also asks whether to open it in safe mode after this. I have tried both clicking open in normal mode and safe mode, but either it still fails to open. The circular loading icon appears afterwards, but the program does not open (the universesandbox.exe file also runs afterwards). Any help would be appreciated.

[Cormoran]

I have this exact same problem.

[horpid]

I don't even get an error code, I just get the Steam window saying "Preparing to launch..." and then it closes and nothing else happens...

[Dan Dixon]

Here's the fix:

Open up the folder where Universe Sandbox is installed, probably this:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\universe sandbox\Prerequisites

And run this file:
vcredist_x86_2010.exe

Please let me know if this fixes it or if you're still having this problem.

(and the version on Steam is version 2.1, you've got the latest one)

[horpid]

still having the same problem after doing the fix and update

[Dan Dixon]

Can you find the 3 log files here:
(My) Documents\Universe Sandbox\Logs
... and email them to me?

dan at universesandbox dot com

(it's possible this is a crash before the log files get written out too, let me know if you don't see a Logs folder)

Reply here after you've emailed them to me.

I'm very interested in helping you solve this problem.

[horpid]

I don't have any Universe Sandbox foolders in my documents; mine's a Steam version, if that affects in any way...

[Dan Dixon]

Both the Steam and non-Steam versions store stuff in the same place in My Documents.

Can or did you send me your log files?

[horpid]

I can't, there's nothing no Universe Sandbox folder in My Documents.  Thanks for the effort on looking for a solution, btw.

[Madness]

I can't, there's nothing no Universe Sandbox folder in My Documents.  Thanks for the effort on looking for a solution, btw.

I bought mine on Steam, and I can assure you that it's definitely there on my machine.

[Dan Dixon]

I can't, there's nothing no Universe Sandbox folder in My Documents.  Thanks for the effort on looking for a solution, btw.

Make sure your copy of Windows is up to date:
http://update.microsoft.com/

Have you tried restarting your computer?

[Dan Dixon]

This error can also be caused if the "steam_api.dll" file is missing.

In Steam, right click on Universe Sandbox in your Library > Select Properties > Click the "Local Files" tab > Click "Verify Integrity of Game Cache..."