[CS:S] Failed to load launcher dll (null)

[Sniperz-ITA]

Hello,i have a problem with Counter-Strike:Source.
In September 17 2013 a new update has been released.
I downloaded it and when i start the game appear this message:
''Failed to load launch dll (null)''
What should i do now?
I see this problem only on Counter-Strike:Global Offensive who require a cpu with sse2 instructions.
So... can be a problem of sse2 because my pc support only sse instructions?
These are my specs:

S.O : Windows 7 Ultimate 32 Bit
CPU:Amd Sempron 2600+ 1.8 ghz 3dNow! MMX SSE
RAM: 2GB
Graphics Card:Nvidia Geforce 6200 512mb.
I played the game perfectly after this update but now i can't play.
This is a screen of the problem.

[alfred-valve]

This bug tracker is not for CS:GO, just our older Source titles. You should head over to the CS:GO game up on Steamcommunity to see if that helps, also try validating your game install.

[alfred-valve]

Sorry, mis-read your bug, SSE2 may be requires for CS:S, I'll check it out.

[Sniperz-ITA]

Hi,do you check it?
the game requires SSE2?
Also see this: http://steamcommunity.com/app/240/discussions/0/864979008727071632/
a lot of people and me have this issue.

[paf2k9]

Same issue for me with HL2:DM (and reportedly other titles).

Broke immediately after 18 Sept update download. I suspect SSE2 instructions crept in unnoticed. Could it simply be wrong compiler switches on the update build?

I, and others commenting in multiple threads, are running AMD Athlon XP (32-bit x86) CPU variants (no SSE2) on MS Windows.

A few threads: http://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/864980153212705444/
Some contributors mix up their SSE / SSE2s but the issue seems clear.

See also my original forum posting for more detail (hardware etc): http://steamcommunity.com/app/320/discussions/0/864979455421382167/

Tried the usual file verification, deleting and resyncing X:...steamapps\common\bin,
reinstall, clean install on fresh OS, running with -autoconfig -safe. No joy -- same error..

Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

[Sniperz-ITA]

I contact the steam support about this problem.
They told me to uninstall and reinstall the game and other fix like delete steamapps or something like that.
After all doesn't work and now i'm waiting a new reply.
Also,the best thing is the requirements doesn't change.
In the CSS System Requirements i see ''Support SSE''

[paf2k9]

Should have said in previous comment...

To reproduce:

Install Steam client and affected game on AMD Athlon XP or Athlon XP-M system (eg Athlon XP 3200+).
Start game.

Expect:
Games starts normally.
What happens:
Dialog box titled "Launcher error" with text "Failed to load the launcher DLL (null)" -- See screenshot above.

affected game == My experience is with HL2:DM. This issue opened for CS:S. Forum discussions cite TF2 and LFD2 as also affected titles.

• Any CPU without SSE2 support should do it. My experience, and that of forum contributors so far, is with Athlon XP family.

Hope this helps.

[Forlix]

In my opinion it is ridiculous at least for the SrcDS executable to require SSE2... For years I've been using an old server machine for testing purposes and suddenly I cannot launch the servers anymore.

[paf2k9]

Looks like a fix for this was released on 12 Nov for TF2. If it is the same bug, and the announced fix is TF2 specific, any chance of cherry-picking that fix for next update across all the affected titles?

TF2 published changelog extract:
- Removed the requirement for SSE2 that was introduced during a previous update

Check this link for the TF2 12 Nov update:
store.steampowered.com/news/?feed=steam_updates

A note about impact for this bug and to help with assessing its priority.
1. This is a regression introduced by a previous update.
2. The Steam hardware survey indicates 0.04% of participating users don't have SSE2-capable CPUs. Small potatoes maybe, but with 65 million active users that means 26,000 active customers are currently unable to play any game on the Steam platform as a direct result of this bug.

[Sniperz-ITA]

Ok good,but now i want an update for Counter Strike Source and for other source games

[Forlix]

I'm fairly certain the change was done to the engine so CS:S and the other games will get it with their next update. When that will be no one knows though - could be weeks or months.

[kotor18]

I'm french and i'm really really bad in english, i want just request when they change this problem ? i am very angry CSS...i'll miss you :'( !!! ^^ thank you 🐻

[kotor18]

i have test a crack version, with an older version, and it's the same with steam.. "faliled to laod the laucher.dll" so i don't the update and it's ok !!! i can start the game but i can't play in the all server beacause it's not the good version but i can play solo game

[Sniperz-ITA]

Yes Kotor,i have also a css cracked version but i don't like it....
i more like the Steam servers,cracked are't good...
Also,i have some old css files and i can play css on Steam but... they works only on
Local Server mode (Bot) and it's impossible to join an online server.
In the HL2 DM thread i see they're gonna update CSS and other source games in the future but,i'm sick to wait.
At the moment they fixed only TF2 and L4D2 but... L4D2 is working without any problems,TF2 doesn't work because i get an error:''Could not load library client'' and this error happen only on SSE Cpu...

[kotor18]

👍 ! I'm really looking forward... :( there is 0 information in steam !! they are bad..

[kotor18]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azfi7Xher7I Cry !!! Cry! Cry !!! ^^

[Sniperz-ITA]

Umh... i don't like it a lot,btw i'm the only who have now on Steam ''Counter Strike Source BETA''? O_o
I tryed to install it but Steam give me an error of wrong folder

[kotor18]

It's really really pity... what's the BETA ? What's the difference ?

[Sniperz-ITA]

Well... so Valve has fixed the issue two weeks ago.
With the last update the game is wrecked again
and with the STEAM Update of Yesterday,now Steam
require sse2...

[tarik12]

where i download this file pleas help me

[Sniperz-ITA]

Sorry but i don't have those files anymore.
After a year,Valve NEVER fixed this issue. So,i decided to get
a new PC for 150$
Best fix ever