x3dAudio1_7.dll error, tried everything, please help!

[Seamus]

Whenever I try and launch Skyrim, it will only go as far as the startup screen, and then it closes on itself. When I try and launch it from the .exe, it comes up with this error:

C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\X3DAudio1_7.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support. Error status 0xc000012f.

The error itself is titled "TESV.exe - Bad Image". I have tried to install directx 9, the June 2010 redistrutable, and have even tried replacing the x3daudio1_7.dll with one from a computer that can run Skyrim. Please help me, I have run out of ideas.

[cfs111]

Not very knowledgable on sound issues, but have you tried to verify the game cache?
- Exit Steam.
- Go to Steam folder and remove folder named appcache

- Go to Documents > My Games > Skyrim.
- Cut and paste files Skyrim.ini and SkyrimPrefs.ini out of there. You can safely - and should - delete them, after Skyrim has later created new ones for you.
(Note that your Windows settings may have hidden file extensions.)

- Close your computer. Don't just restart it, but let it shut down.
- Start your computer and then start Steam. Steam will now load a few seconds, while creating a new appcache folder for you.

- From Steam client Library view, right click the game.
- Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Cache...

- Start Skyrim trough default launcher, even if you are using SKSE otherwise (recommended.) This will create new Skyrim.ini for you.
- Run the game once. This will create new SkyrimPrefs.ini for you.

* 1 file will always fail to validate. It is related to how Steam is detecting your graphic card configurations and does not have any negative effects to your game.
Instructions from Ilja.

[Seamus]

Sorry, that didn't work, just tried it, same error pops up :(

[cfs111]

Unless someone else has something better, at this point I would do a clean reinstall like this;

- unsub and delete workshop mods from the DATA section of splash screen.
- deactivate and delete all Nexus and "other" mods from the game.
- delete Local Content via Steam by right clicking on game from Steam Library.
- exit Steam
- delete all files in Steam>Steamapps>Common>Skyrim folder.
- delete all files in Users>(user name)>My Documents>My Games>Skyrim
folder. (copy Saves folder to desktop, your saves may not work with the new install because of the mods no longer being active.)
- turn off the computer, wait a couple mins., restart computer. This will make sure all the software/hardware hooks are reset.
- re-install Skyrim from Steam by right clicking on the game icon in your Steam library.
- verify game cache. (its safe to ignore the "1 file..." message.)
- check load order from the DATA section of the splash screen: dawnguard, hearthfires, dragonborn, HR textures 1, 2, 3.
- test game installation with new character. (don't add any 3rd party mods untill after exitting Helgen Cave.)
- if the game is now stable, make a copy of your Skyrim folders and paste them to a safe space. That way you won't have to re-download the game next time you need to re-install.


Deleting the files in the Skyrim folders after uninstalling the game files by the "delete Local Content via Steam" will ensure all the "leftover" files are gone as well. These leftovers can/will cause problems when you reinstall the game and then try to play it.

[Seamus]

I have done 2 clean reinstalls already, both of which did nothing. Also, I forgot to mention that I also have this problem with Borderlands 2, which I have completely removed from my computer.

[cfs111]

Have you run across this post; http://steamcommunity.com/app/223220/discussions/0/882964117756009638/ . Have you tried reinstalling steam?

[Seamus]

Ok guys, I found a solution! Was reading this post on the microsoft forums and found this solution: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-gaming/error-message-saying-tesvexe-bad-image-d3dx942dll/c78e985a-f99b-4531-af72-644ce2fe0521

This guy had a different file that was not working, but you just need to find the file that is not working for you to get the game to work.

Thanks for all your help!

[MageThis]

Geez, the short answer is and was to just to reinstall the distributables. Reinstalls of Skyrim are very seldom necessary as is reinstalls of Steam.

2 utilities/tools: Refresh all Steam config files: "Steam://flushconfig" without the quotes. REPAIRS all Steam files. Next, validate your local data files by: Library >> Skyrim >> Properties >> Local Data >> validate/verify game cache. REPAIRS local Skyrim files.

Those 2 processes negate 99% of reinstalls.

You guys, who constantly reinstall, are causing bandwidth problems... seriously.

Also, you may repair your OS with "scannow", Google it if interested. Sorry for the CAPS.

[cfs111]

@ Mage This - Thanks, did not know about the flushconfig, added to my toolbox.

[MageThis]

Originally posted by cfs111:

@ Mage This - Thanks, did not know about the flushconfig, added to my toolbox.

My pleasure. The reinstall non-solution drives me crazy. Wasted bandwidth when the CDN's are getting hammered like during the summer sale.

[cfs111]

Originally posted by grimus:

An example of "Steam://flushconfig", Refresh Your Steam Files:
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3134-TIAL-4638&l=english

Just backing up MageThis.

@ cfs111- thx for the heads up on the 15.6 drivers, seems more stable than 14.12

Thanks ya'll, I am still learning. Just keep pointing me in the right direction.

@ Mage This - Your right about the bandwidth, just guess I assume everyone makes a copy of their vanilla skyrim and can just copy and paste it...

[MageThis]

Originally posted by grimus:

Originally posted by cfs111:

@ Mage This - Your right about the bandwidth, just guess I assume everyone makes a copy of their vanilla skyrim and can just copy and paste it...

Also good with a stable modded data folder before going on another mad mod menagerie. Learned all this from the MAGE! ;-)

Stable OS, Grimus, first. LOl. Just an OS clown that built server farms for decades and come here, and other sites, (Have to plug ARS TECHNICA as a technical proginator) to learn, agitate (grumpy, old.. so time is important, not malicious, mostly), and hopefully to help.