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Cards.dll is Missing: How to Download or Restore the DLL
If facing issues with games, move the DLL and EXE to the same folder
4 min. read
Published onNovember 6, 2024
published onNovember 6, 2024
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For fixing DLL errors, we recommend Fortect:
Fortect will search for an intitial version of your missing, corrupted or damaged DLL files that cause problems to your Windows OS and will replace it. Here is how to find them in 3 easy steps:
Thecards.dllfile, developed by Microsoft and storing images of playing cards, was used by classic card games, includingSolitaire, FreeCell, andHearts, in the earlier iterations of Windows, primarily Windows XP.
In newer iterations like Windows 11,cards.dllis not present since the classic games have all been deprecated and replaced by modern-looking versions. When you try to play these classic games on later iterations, it throws the missing DLL error.
For some of you, even manually moving a copy ofcards.dllalong with the game’s executable(.exe file)doesn’t fix things. And that’s due to incompatibility and corrupted system files!
What can I do if cards.dll is missing?
1. Get cards.dll from another PC
The easiest way to run or downloadcards.dllon Windows 11 is to get a copy from another PC that already has it. You could use the same one used for the game files. As for those wondering where to installcards.dll, it’s stored in:C:\Windows\System32
So, go to another PC, fetch a copy of the DLL from theSystem32folder > move it to an external USB flash drive > connect the flash drive to the affected PC > transfercards.dllto the same location > restart the PC.
2. Move the app launcher and cards.dll to the same folder
For 3 out of 5 users who already had the DLL but were still getting thecards.dllnot found error, moving both the DLL and the affected app’s launcher to the same folder did the trick.
Do not move them both to theSystem32folder. Create a new folder, preferably in a non-system drive, and transfer the DLL and EXE files there.
3. Run the affected app in compatibility mode
4. Repair the corrupt system files
Sincecards.dllis linked to system files, any instances of corruption here will trigger errors. In this case, running theDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)and SFC(System File Checker)scans will replace affected system files with a fresh copy!
5. Reinstall the affected game
Sincecards.dllis no longer natively a part of Windows, apps and games that need it include the DLL as a part of the installation package. And if the file is not on your PC, reinstalling the game should, in all likelihood, get things running!
Everyone who loves to play those classic titles must learn how torun older games on Windowsand prevent such errors from reappearing.
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:DLL errors,DLL issues
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
