Game Won't Launch

[The Magician]

Every time I launch the game, it opens for a few seconds and then closes again. I have heard of people having this problem and then fixing it and I really want to play, so if anyone knows how to fix it, please let me know. I have the requirements to play 2 times over so I know its not that and that's not what happens as far as I know if your computer is not good enough to play it. If I can't get it fixed in a day or two i'm just going to refund it and get something else, maybe try again in the future on a different computer.

[HiFive]

This is a compilation of stuff I've collected from different threads over the years.

GAME WON'T START:

DADDYDAYCARE has The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing 4 hours ago
hey there guys!
so i have been dealing with these old games for alot of years started playing on my first windows 96 lol alot of the time the problem is steam just not opening the right file or maybe it is but just stuck on some random old school res ? so here's what you do!
1.open up steam after restarting your pc
2.go to Van Hell in games
3.open up game setting
4. local files
5.now at the bottom of the list should see some applictions x64-x84.x64,11 thing like that
6. now open 64x app
7. should open right up out side of steam
8. go to in game setting video settings set your settings to your pref
9. restart game
10. start up in steam should open now
11. go back to video settings set them again because they will change for some reason has to do with steam start up options i think"? dont forget v-sync this should fix everything up!
12. now if now of this works go to Nvidia cont pan disable G-syn an repeat steps 1 to 11
hope this helps!! sorry for spelling

Fixes others have reported in threads from years past:

1) Uninstall and reinstall game, then verify the files.
2) Make sure your antivirus has not flagged Van Helsing. Set permissions for the game to load, etc.
3) run \Steam\SteamApps\common\The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing\VanHelsing_x86.exe - but you won't be on Steam so you cant play with friends.
4) from Neocore's Valkyrie:
Try to rename your vanhelsing_x64.exe to vanhelsing_x86.exe and vica versa, then start from steam. (this worked for one person)
or try:
Install the things found in "InstallUtils" directory. You can find it in the game's library. (Note: Valkyrie wasn't sure if this would work and asked everyone to give him feedback about it).
or try:
updating or uninstalling and reinstalling drivers
5) i had the same problem with the game not starting. what worked for me was going into the actual game folder (steam,steamapps,common,tiaovh) and run the game from there. the 64bit vers. doesnt work, try the x86 one. if that works, you might have to update your divx.
also, try a manual installation of all the utilitilities in the InstallUtils folder. then try.
6) Hey there, I have Win 7 N (the N edition) and have the very same problem. If I try to run the game directly it says no WMVCore.dll file. This can be obtained through Microsoft website (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/download-windows-media-player). After adding this peace of SW, game runs for me.
7)I submitted a ticket to steam, and their response solved the issue :)

NOTE: The fix below worked for at least 8 people on the thread that contained it. Keep in mind that the thread was dated October 2013

''Thank you for contacting Steam Support.
Here are some steps to help troubleshoot your issue.
If you are running Steam on a PC:
Please exit Steam and go to the folder called C:\Program Files\Steam\ (this is the default location for a Steam installation - if you set a different installation directory, you will need to browse to it).
Delete all of the files in this folder except:
The \Steamapps\ folder and Steam.exe (this file is listed as an application and features the black and white Steam logo)
Restart your computer.
Then, launch Steam.exe from within the Steam installation folder, and not from a pre-existing shortcut.
With Steam running, re-test the original issue.
Note: This process will not affect your currently installed games.
If the issue persists, make sure your network is optimized for Steam.

If you are running Steam on a MAC:
Please exit Steam and go to the folder Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam
Delete all of the files in this folder except for SteamApps.
Restart your computer.
Launch Steam and re-test the issue.
Note: This process will not affect your currently installed games.
Note: If you are using Lion please do the following to enable your Library folder:
1. Open Terminal
2. Type chflags nohidden ~/Library
3. Close Terminal
You should see the Library folder available through the Go menu on the menu bar while holding down the option key.
If the issue persists, make sure your network is optimized for Steam."
Hope it helps you too :)

NOTE: The above fix #7 worked for at least 8 people on the thread that contained it. Keep in mind that the thread was dated October 2013

One person had to install the Windows Media Pack per this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gR58RNcVtc&feature=youtu.be

Another fix someone gave:

Fix for Van helsing not launching on 64 bit systems
I had the same problem most people with a 64 bit OS had start the game and the load screen just sits there. ok here is the cause The game keeps trying to launch the the 32 bit version by default. here is the fix I found.
1. shutdown the game and steam completely
2. locate the game file in your steam folder the path should be something like
/Computer/local disk C (or what ever your homedrive is)/ Program Filesx86 /steam/steamapps/
common/The Incredible adventures of Van helsing.
3. in the game folder you will find 2 exe files name VanHelsingX64.exe (64bit) and VanhelsingX86.exe(32bit) these are the excutable files that launch either the 64 bit or 32bit version.
4.Right click on the file and you will open up an open up a window with sevral options go down toward the bottom and find the option " Rename"
5. click on Rename and change VanHelsingX64 to VanHelsingX86 and via-versa change the file named VanHelsingX86 to VanHelsingX64. ( this fools your computer into thinking the 64 bit is the 32 bit version)
6. Restart steam launch Van Helsing and enjoy the game

* you might have to fool around a bit when renaming the file so you can avoid VanHelsingX64(2)
I changed one file to " waiting.exe" while I changed the other then renamed it the proper name.
This fix worked great for me and didnt cuase a single issue and the game runs great. BUT
****Do this at your own risk!!!! I cant be responsible if it is done wrong and messes up something. But if done correctly it should work. it is Very Important to make sure you are logged out and steam is completely shut down!!!!! hope this helps

New 12/8/2019 thread on this topic for VH1:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/215530/discussions/0/1751268382255987785/

[The Magician]

Wow. That's a lot. I read the first thing to try on the list, did it, and the now the game launches. But then I ran into another bug.....
After launching the game, it loads for about 30 seconds and then closes. Any idea how to fix this? I'm kinda desperate to play and I want to get it fixed as soon as possible.

[Eseryl]

xd

[HiFive]

Originally posted by Huntsman Boris:

Wow. That's a lot. I read the first thing to try on the list, did it, and the now the game launches. But then I ran into another bug.....
After launching the game, it loads for about 30 seconds and then closes. Any idea how to fix this? I'm kinda desperate to play and I want to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Did you try any of the other things on the list? I would look at those first.

[HiFive]

Here's some additional stuff from other threads:

Some people report having trouble creating characters until they add permissions for the game to their antivirus.
Others did uninstall/reinstall/verify files.

Another person:
I am using a Win7_64bit OS
The only way to play it is to run \Steam\SteamApps\common\The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing\VanHelsing_x86.exe - but steam won't realize that so I cant play with my friends.

from Neocore's Valkyrie:
Try to rename your vanhelsing_x64.exe to vanhelsing_x86.exe and vica versa, then start from steam. (this worked for one person)
or try:
Install the things found in "InstallUtils" directory. You can find it in the game's library. Give a feedback here, if it works.
or try:
updating or uninstalling and reinstalling drivers

Another person:
i had the same problem with the game not starting. what worked for me was going into the actual game folder (steam,steamapps,common,tiaovh) and run the game from there. the 64bit vers. doesnt work, try the x86 one. if that works, you might have to update your divx.
also, try a manual installation of all the utilitilities in the InstallUtils folder. then try.

[Azør]

Originally posted by HiFive:

This is a compilation of stuff I've collected from different threads over the years.

GAME WON'T START:

DADDYDAYCARE has The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing 4 hours ago
hey there guys!
so i have been dealing with these old games for alot of years started playing on my first windows 96 lol alot of the time the problem is steam just not opening the right file or maybe it is but just stuck on some random old school res ? so here's what you do!
1.open up steam after restarting your pc
2.go to Van Hell in games
3.open up game setting
4. local files
5.now at the bottom of the list should see some applictions x64-x84.x64,11 thing like that
6. now open 64x app
7. should open right up out side of steam
8. go to in game setting video settings set your settings to your pref
9. restart game
10. start up in steam should open now
11. go back to video settings set them again because they will change for some reason has to do with steam start up options i think"? dont forget v-sync this should fix everything up!
12. now if now of this works go to Nvidia cont pan disable G-syn an repeat steps 1 to 11
hope this helps!! sorry for spelling

Fixes others have reported in threads from years past:

1) Uninstall and reinstall game, then verify the files.
2) Make sure your antivirus has not flagged Van Helsing. Set permissions for the game to load, etc.
3) run \Steam\SteamApps\common\The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing\VanHelsing_x86.exe - but you won't be on Steam so you cant play with friends.
4) from Neocore's Valkyrie:
Try to rename your vanhelsing_x64.exe to vanhelsing_x86.exe and vica versa, then start from steam. (this worked for one person)
or try:
Install the things found in "InstallUtils" directory. You can find it in the game's library. (Note: Valkyrie wasn't sure if this would work and asked everyone to give him feedback about it).
or try:
updating or uninstalling and reinstalling drivers
5) i had the same problem with the game not starting. what worked for me was going into the actual game folder (steam,steamapps,common,tiaovh) and run the game from there. the 64bit vers. doesnt work, try the x86 one. if that works, you might have to update your divx.
also, try a manual installation of all the utilitilities in the InstallUtils folder. then try.
6) Hey there, I have Win 7 N (the N edition) and have the very same problem. If I try to run the game directly it says no WMVCore.dll file. This can be obtained through Microsoft website (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/download-windows-media-player). After adding this peace of SW, game runs for me.
7)I submitted a ticket to steam, and their response solved the issue :)

NOTE: The fix below worked for at least 8 people on the thread that contained it. Keep in mind that the thread was dated October 2013

''Thank you for contacting Steam Support.
Here are some steps to help troubleshoot your issue.
If you are running Steam on a PC:
Please exit Steam and go to the folder called C:\Program Files\Steam\ (this is the default location for a Steam installation - if you set a different installation directory, you will need to browse to it).
Delete all of the files in this folder except:
The \Steamapps\ folder and Steam.exe (this file is listed as an application and features the black and white Steam logo)
Restart your computer.
Then, launch Steam.exe from within the Steam installation folder, and not from a pre-existing shortcut.
With Steam running, re-test the original issue.
Note: This process will not affect your currently installed games.
If the issue persists, make sure your network is optimized for Steam.

If you are running Steam on a MAC:
Please exit Steam and go to the folder Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam
Delete all of the files in this folder except for SteamApps.
Restart your computer.
Launch Steam and re-test the issue.
Note: This process will not affect your currently installed games.
Note: If you are using Lion please do the following to enable your Library folder:
1. Open Terminal
2. Type chflags nohidden ~/Library
3. Close Terminal
You should see the Library folder available through the Go menu on the menu bar while holding down the option key.
If the issue persists, make sure your network is optimized for Steam."
Hope it helps you too :)

NOTE: The above fix #7 worked for at least 8 people on the thread that contained it. Keep in mind that the thread was dated October 2013

One person had to install the Windows Media Pack per this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gR58RNcVtc&feature=youtu.be

Another fix someone gave:

Fix for Van helsing not launching on 64 bit systems
I had the same problem most people with a 64 bit OS had start the game and the load screen just sits there. ok here is the cause The game keeps trying to launch the the 32 bit version by default. here is the fix I found.
1. shutdown the game and steam completely
2. locate the game file in your steam folder the path should be something like
/Computer/local disk C (or what ever your homedrive is)/ Program Filesx86 /steam/steamapps/
common/The Incredible adventures of Van helsing.
3. in the game folder you will find 2 exe files name VanHelsingX64.exe (64bit) and VanhelsingX86.exe(32bit) these are the excutable files that launch either the 64 bit or 32bit version.
4.Right click on the file and you will open up an open up a window with sevral options go down toward the bottom and find the option " Rename"
5. click on Rename and change VanHelsingX64 to VanHelsingX86 and via-versa change the file named VanHelsingX86 to VanHelsingX64. ( this fools your computer into thinking the 64 bit is the 32 bit version)
6. Restart steam launch Van Helsing and enjoy the game

* you might have to fool around a bit when renaming the file so you can avoid VanHelsingX64(2)
I changed one file to " waiting.exe" while I changed the other then renamed it the proper name.
This fix worked great for me and didnt cuase a single issue and the game runs great. BUT
****Do this at your own risk!!!! I cant be responsible if it is done wrong and messes up something. But if done correctly it should work. it is Very Important to make sure you are logged out and steam is completely shut down!!!!! hope this helps

New 12/8/2019 thread on this topic for VH1:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/215530/discussions/0/1751268382255987785/

so the game ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ sucks cause it still does this now.

[OldFartAtPlay]

Then there are occasions when Steam's server(s) dispense corrupt downloads.

Great - there's a verification tool in Steam to check/replace - which doesn't check all files!

Try changing your Steam server to one more distant and download it again.