Failed to load the launcher DLL

[RunningWithScissors]

Okay, here is the deal. I downloaded the game via steam and it(vanilla) plays perfectly. Even finished the game and everything. However, I recently downloaded the unofficial patch 9.7(final) and tried to apply it to my game. Unfortunately, clicking on the desktop icon or trying to do the whole "-game Unofficial_Patch" doesn't work. The icon just gives me the error message, "Failed to load the launcher DLL: The specified module could not be found." and steam just sends me to the vanilla game. So, I don't know what to do. I've seen someone posting the Fixing V:TM-B, but that's no help.

I'm running Windows 10 on an HP, but I don't know anything else about my computer because I'm not much of a computer person.

[Bring the Beans]

That's strange. Have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling the UP? While installing, try pausing/disabling your antivirus to make sure it doesn't block one of the files.

[RunningWithScissors]

I've tried uninstalling/installing it repeatedly, the game as well, though I haven't turned off my anti-virus. I'll give it a go tonight, though and report back if it works or not.

[RunningWithScissors]

Okay, that did not work. I wonder if it might have to do with a .dll file (Not the ones under the Bin file 'cause that method didn't work at all). I think I read something about that somewhere, but I can't find it again.

[FrdFrmBrdn]

what i just did was, after doing the unofficial patch, went to my steam folder and took these files

steam.dll
steamui.dll

copy and paste into d:\Steam\steamapps\common\Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines you may be c:, then take file from the same steam folder as before

steam.exe

copy and paste shortcut (dont just copy and paste, make sure its paste SHORTCUT) to the bloodlines folder. Try running the game by clicking on it in steam and goin to properties then local files and then run the vampire.exe file . dont use the bloodlines launch icon that the patch put on your desktop. Not sure if the patch takes effect or not since your not running it from the icon for it but hey, it works launching from inside steam. atleast i can play and didnt waste my money or time. let me know if this helps

[-3xA'Lu©κy the disappearing act]

Please try these possible solutions and report back:

• make sure the game is using your dedicated graphics card (Nvidia/AMD). A lot of laptops don’t have one and if your PC happens to have an integrated/Intel card, you’ll need to use a program called “3D-Analyze” instead ( http://www.3dfxzone.it/dir/tools/3d_analyze/archive/ ). I personally haven’t used it myself, but Steam user Airwar90 ( http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198146119096 ) stated version 3D-Analyze 2.26 worked for him and a tutorial for 3D-Analyze can be found via. this link: http://www.3dfxzone.it/dir/articles/3d_analyze_user_guide/
• simply copy the contents of the “Bin” subfolder (found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines\) , and paste it into the game’s main folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines\), your “Vampire” subfolder (found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines\) AND, if applicable, the “Unofficial Patch” subfolder (found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines\).
• adjust the game's launch options by doing the following:
- right-click on “Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines” in your Steam library
- select Properties
- on the General tab, click "SET LAUNCH OPTIONS..."
- type in (with no space beforehand):-fullscreen
- IF you've got the Unofficial Patch installed, type this instead:-game Unofficial_Patch -fullscreen
- then click "OK”
• adjust the game's launch options by doing the following:
- right-click on “Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines” in your Steam library
- select Properties
- on the General tab, click "SET LAUNCH OPTIONS..."
- type in (with no space beforehand):-window
- IF you've got the Unofficial Patch installed, type this instead:-game Unofficial_Patch -window
- then click "OK”

Originally posted by FrdFrmBrdn:

Not sure if the patch takes effect or not since your not running it from the icon for it but hey, it works launching from inside steam. atleast i can play and didnt waste my money or time. let me know if this helps

The patch won't take effect unless you launch it from the patch-created desktop shortcut or launch the game from the Steam library with the amended set launch options (instructions for amending the launch options can be found directly below):
- right-click on “Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines” in your Steam library
- select Properties
- on the General tab, click "SET LAUNCH OPTIONS..."
- type in (with no space beforehand):-game Unofficial_Patch
- then click "OK”

[postmaestergeneral]

Seeing as this guy never replied to his situation with a "cool that worked great" I'm gonna assume I wasted some cash on this game because I've tried all this ♥♥♥♥ and none of it has worked. Thanks for trying to help the guy, dudes.

[R.I.P]

@postmaster

Try running the patch installer again; carefully examine the full, install folder path that the installer defaults to. Be sure that the patch is installing into your proper Steam directory Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines folder, on the correct drive.