How I fixed "A more recent version of the application is already installed" and uplay_r1_loader.dll file is missing

[Zoe_r]

This is my first attempt at tech support so your mileage may vary, but I figured I would try to help people out that may be going through the same issues that I was.

When I purchased FC3:BD I initially downloaded it and installed it, after attempting to install the game I got an error message saying that I needed to have Uplay installed. When I tried to download Uplay from the Ubisoft forums (From the forum thread found here: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/742853-Game-Launcher-Not-Found-A-more-recent-version-of-the-Game-Launcher-detected-Forums )


It kept giving me the error that "A more recent version of the application is already installed", after doing some digging (again through the above-mentioned thread) I found that you have to go through and remove the Uplay program through add/remove programs (if it is already installed) and it's associated files (Generally in ProgramFiles(x86)/Ubisoft/GameLauncher). Furthermore though, you also have to remove the associated registry keys

1) Open the Registry Editor (Regedit) via typing in either windows+R (on 7/Vista/XP) or by typing in regedit on the Windows Start search bar
2) Delete: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Ubisoft\Launcher

After following these steps I was able to install Uplay, by running the Uplay launcher before I attempted to start the game again through steam. I also went ahead and copied over the CD key that steam gave me into the Activation screen for Uplay.

However when I tried to start up FC3:BD again, I got the next error:

"uplay_r1_loader.dll file is missing"

After doing some more digging I found this forum post:

http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/751217-uplay_r1_loader-dll-file-quot-missing-quot-Forums

The thread notes that:
1. There should be a file named uplay_r1_loader.dll
and
2. That there should be two of these files (one located in the Ubisoft game launcher folder, and one located in the Steamapps/Common/FarCry3BloodDragon Folder) (Or whatever game you're trying to launch)

For me when I looked at the files located in the Ubisoft/GameLauncher folder there was no uplay_r1_loader.dll but rather a uplay_r1.dll and there was no such file in the FC3:BD folder. I figured that I couldn't break the game any more so I renamed the "uplay_r1.dll" to "uplay_r1_loader.dll" and tried to start the game again.

I got the same error when trying to startup the game.

However when I copied over the file that I had just renamed into the C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon\bin and tried to start the game again, I found that it worked. I've been playing for the last 3 hours with no issues at all.

Disclaimer:
This is how I solved my particular issues, I don't know if it will work for you, but best of luck. I'm not making any guarantees with this as I am not tech support, a mod, or a Ubisoft/Valve representative, this information is "as is" so use it at your own risk.

Sources:
Thread: http://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/846940247710120999/
Thread: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/751217-uplay_r1_loader-dll-file-quot-missing-quot-Forums
Thread: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/742853-Game-Launcher-Not-Found-A-more-recent-version-of-the-Game-Launcher-detected-Forums

[verified sigma male]

this works great, thanks

[a.Nickel]

yay, ty!

[EnterSB]

Man, if you ever come to Serbia, you are having liters of beer from me :D

[CLY]

Cheers Dude ! :)

[=Solo-Hobo=]

Worked for me too, spent about 5-6 hours trying to fix this damm error....thanks!

[Jrock645]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[mqlngskswfty]

Love you man (no ♥♥♥♥)

[Yung_yam]

I LOVE YOU BRO

[Woligi]

I know this thread's years old, but I just wanted to thank you.
I couldn't launch Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and I was so upset. Thank you so much!

[Hermit]

love you, took ages trying to work this out then i found this GEM

[Sckiz1]

nice 1

[✪ Flambo]

not worked for me