Simple fix for PopCap games not working

[The Skirmish Lord]

1) Open the steam folder at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.
2) Copy the file steam.dll
3) Open the folder C:\Program Files9x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PlantsvsZombies - or any other PopCap game folder you're having problems with.
4) Paste steam.dll to the game folder
5) Use the .exe file in the folder to launch the game and NOT the Steam Launcher. This procedure will have to be repeated each time they update steam.

PLEASE send a bug report to Steam or they will NEVER fix it.

[flyingvic]

Thanks - I'll give it a try!

[chandlerh2]

thanks will do

[chandlerh2]

excellent game running now Thanks

[Queen Bee]

Didn't work here.

[MSoles7]

That workaround actually fixed it, thanks! :D

[flyingvic]

Tried it - still getting the Application Error message.

[Shane]

I have discovered a reason why some PopCap games have been crashing when I launch them.
My solution was to disable G-Sync.

You can disable G-Sync for certain games by right-clicking desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D Setting > Program Settings.
Select the program you want.
- Change 'Monitor Technology' to 'Fixed refresh'.
- Change 'Vertical Sync' to 'Use the 3D application setting'.
Click apply.

Hope this helps. ♥

[SonicDash57]

I tried this on most of my games, and I'm getting an error saying the local Steam service isn't running!

[SpaceAce386]

is there any other way? the game wont open at all, and it wont even bother to give me an error. tried this and the same thing happens. really pissing me off because I dont know how else you can even get this game anymore.

[The Skirmish Lord]

@SpaceAce386

The problem before was with the Steam launcher and I think it still is. The difference is that now the problem doesn't effect everyone as it once did. For instance, mine works fine.

You can try to verify your files or, if that doesn't help, submit a bug report to Steam.

The problem is that Steam don't make it easy to submit a bug so follow this procedure.

On the top menu of your Steam page click on "Help" on the top menu bar
Click on Steam Support from the drop down menu

This brings you to the steam support page where they do their best to push you to game support.

Select "Sign into my Steam Support Page" and set one up with a user/password different from your main Steam Account.

They don't call the entries bug reports but refer to them as "Questions". Fill one out and you'll instantly get a runaround canned answer on how the refresh Steam. Add a statement after that saying that it's a problem with MULTIPLE USERS and not just your PC.

I get the feeling they just want this problem to go away and let everyone just deal with it. It may be a strange concept to them but I think if you buy a game from Steam, it should ALWAYS work on their framework.

Posting the bug is a nuisance but it's the only way they'll address the issue

Good luck