After investigating this issue, it turns out that there are several different potential causes that might be the underlying cause of the issue. Here’s a shortlist of potential culprits: Now that you know every potential culprit, here’s a list of methods that other affected users have successfully used to fix this problem and play the game without it crashing at every attempted startup.:
Method 1: Running vampire.exe with Admin Access
According to some affected users that were also encountering this issue, you can also expect to see this error in a situation where the game doesn’t have the necessary permissions in order to access every required dependency. This is only reported to occur with users that are launching the game via Steam. If this scenario is applicable, go-ahead and right-click on the main executable of Steam and click on Run as Administrator from the context menu that just appeared. Next, when prompted by the UAC (User Account Control) prompt, click Yes to grant admin access. Once you have successfully opened Steam with Admin access, open ‘Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines’ game via Steam and see if the game is now launching normally. If this method was successful, you should consider forcing the Steam executable to always open with admin access in the future to avoid issues of this kind. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If you are still encountering the same kind of startup error when launching Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 2: Running vampire.exe in Compatibility Mode
As some affected users have reported, you can also experience this issue due to a compatibility issue. This is very likely if you’re seeing this problem on Windows 10 and you haven’t installed the Unofficial patch yet. If this scenario is applicable, follow the instructions below to force the main game’s executable (vampire.exe) to run in compatibility mode with Windows XP (an older OS version that the game is optimized for): In case the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 3: Installing the latest Unofficial Patch Version
Keep in mind that this is a legacy game that was originally released in 2004. Even though the game is not actively being supported by Troika Games (the original developer), the game is constantly improved and updated via the modding community around it. At the time of writing this article, most compatibility issues caused by the new iteration of Windows (Windows 10) have been resolved via the Unofficial Patch – Keep in mind that this should not be considered a mod since it only fixes bugs and compatibility issues. Note: The modding community also created a separate patch called Plus Patch that can be chosen at the installation. This is more like a restoration project that adds missing content, new quests, levels, weapons, characters, dialogue, sounds, music, and new graphics. If you’re encountering this issue on Windows 10, installing this fan-made patch should allow you to fix the issue entirely and prevent the game from crashing at startup ever again. If you’re unsure of how to install this patch, follow the instructions below: In case this issue is still occurring as the game crashes when you attempt to launch it, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 4: Copying over the missing DLL files
If you’re not comfortable with installing the unofficial patch released by the modding community of Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines, you should also be able to get the game to work by manually copying over 2 Dynamic Link Library files that are actually preventing the game from running (vampire.dll.12 and vampire.dll). These 2 files are automatically added by the Unofficial patch, but some affected users have managed to fix the issue by copying the two files manually inside the dlls subfolder. We’ve managed to finds a dropbox archive that a lot of affected users have used in order to fix this issue. We’ve scanned it for malware and adware and it’s completely clean. Note: If the link no longer works when you get to read this article, report the issue in the comment section and we will try to replace the broken link as soon as possible. If you’re looking for step by step instructions on how to do this, follow the instructions below: In case this method didn’t allow you to fix the issue as the game still crashes while attempting to launch it, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 5: Uninstalling Windows Update KB3086255
Keep in mind that Windows Update KB3086255 is the update that effectively turned off the secdrv service – This is the main service of SafeDisc, which is a legacy compy protection scheme that is no longer used by modern games due to some security vulnerabilities. However, if this service is disabled, every SafeDisc game that was designed to use this service (including Vampire the Masquerade) will not start properly. So one way of fixing the startup error with Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines is to uninstall this update and hide it from the queue of pending updates in order to ensure that it doesn’t get reinstalled again at a later date. Important: Following the instructions below will effectively re-enable the SafeDisc service which might expose your system to a security vulnerability. If you don’t play a lot of legacy games that make use of the SafeDisc service, maybe stay away from this procedure and go for Method 4 instead. If you’re willing to uninstall the Windows Update (KB3086255) iteration that’s causing this issue and you understand the consequences, follow the instructions below: In case you are still encountering the same problem or you’re not comfortable with hiding security updates, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 6: Starting the SafeDisc service
In case the methods above didn’t work in your case or you’re not willing to uninstall the KB3086255 Windows Update, one workaround that will still allow you to launch the game is to use an elevated Command Prompt to manually re-enable the main service of SafeDisc (secdrv). There are a lot of affected users that we’re able to finally launch the Vampire the Masquerade game after they ran the sc start secdrv command inside an elevated CMD prompt. Important: After you’re done playing the game, it’s essential to run a command that will disable this SafeDisc service in order to close off a security vulnerability that might leave your system exposed. Here’s a quick step by step guide that will show you how to start the SafeDisc service from an elevated Command Prompt:
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