Prince Of Persia 2008 Launcher Side By Side Error Verified May 2026

    If you try every step above and the launcher still refuses to cooperate, you can bypass the launcher entirely. This is a verified workaround.

  • Run this shortcut as Administrator.

    • This command forces the game engine to boot directly, skipping the broken launcher entirely. Note: You will not be able to change graphics settings easily, so set them to high in Documents\Prince of Persia\Config.ini first.

    Product: Prince of Persia (2008) – Ubisoft
    Issue: Launcher fails to start; error message: “This application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect.”
    Status: Verified – Caused by missing/incorrect Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (VC++ CRT) dependencies.

    Before diving into the fixes, it is important to understand the jargon. The "Side-by-Side" (SxS) error is a Windows operating system mechanism designed to prevent "DLL Hell"—a situation where multiple applications install conflicting versions of the same DLL file.

    In the case of Prince of Persia (2008), the game’s launcher (Launcher.exe) was compiled using Microsoft Visual C++ 2005. When Windows tries to launch the game, it looks for a specific version of the C++ runtime (specifically version 8.0.50727.762). If that exact version is missing, corrupted, or superseded by a newer version, the SxS system throws the error and refuses to run the launcher.

    If you cannot install system-wide redistributables, copy the required DLLs into the game’s root folder.

    Method:

    This overrides the SxS lookup and forces local DLL loading.

    The game requires specific versions of Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 (sometimes 2008) redistributables. On modern Windows (10/11), these are either missing or corrupted. The error appears because the game’s manifest file expects an exact runtime version.

    Check the Windows Event Viewer → Windows Logs → Application. Look for the error event from SideBySide. The event details will tell you exactly which runtime version and architecture is missing.

    Then search for that specific VC++ redistributable (e.g., version 8.0.50727.42) on Microsoft’s site.

    Let me know if this helped you get back into the sands — or rather, the lush cel‑shaded world of 2008’s overlooked gem! 🏜️✨

    To fix the "Side-by-Side Configuration is Incorrect" error for Prince of Persia (2008) prince of persia 2008 launcher side by side error verified

    , you must install the specific Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 or 2008 Redistributable packages required by the game's launcher. This error occurs when the game's launcher cannot find the exact version of the C++ runtime libraries it was built with. Verified Fixes

    Install the Redists from the Game Folder: The most direct fix is often found within the game's own installation files.

    Navigate to your game installation folder (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Prince of Persia\). Open the folder named VCRedist.

    Run the file vcredist_x86.exe. Note: Even on 64-bit Windows, you must install the x86 (32-bit) version as the game is a 32-bit application. Restart your PC and try launching the game again.

    Download Specific Missing Versions: If the local file doesn't work, users have verified that installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable or specific 2008 versions resolves the launcher issue. VC++ 2005 SP1: Available from Microsoft Support. VC++ 2008: Available from Microsoft Download Center.

    Verify Game Files: If you are using Steam, verify that no launcher files are corrupted. Right-click Prince of Persia in your Steam Library. Select Properties > Installed Files. Click Verify integrity of game files.

    Compatibility Settings: Set the launcher to run with administrative privileges. Right-click PrinceOfPersia_Launcher.exe in the game folder. Select Properties > Compatibility tab. Check Run this program as an administrator and click Apply. Advanced Troubleshooting

    If the error persists, use the Windows Command Prompt to identify the exact missing version: i need assistance to solve side by side configuration error

    If the redistributable installs successfully but the error persists, the WinSxS store may be corrupted. Run:

    sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Then reinstall vcredist_x86.exe.

    I reproduced and verified the “side-by-side” error that occurs when launching Prince of Persia (2008). Below is a concise, expressive explanation describing the problem, its cause, and recommended fixes.

    Summary

    Symptoms observed

    Technical cause

    Verification method

    Resolution(s)

  • Steps:
  • Alternate troubleshooting:

    • Notes and caveats

    Closure

    The "Side-by-Side configuration" error when launching Prince of Persia (2008)

    typically indicates that the game is unable to find the correct version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable library it needs to run.

    Here is a verified guide to fixing this error and getting the game started. 🛠️ Verified Solution: Install Missing Dependencies

    The most common cause is a missing or corrupted Visual C++ 2005 or 2008 redistributable package. Check Game Files for Redistributables:

    Navigate to your game's installation folder (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Prince of Persia). Look for a folder named VCRedist or Support.

    Find the vcredist_x86.exe file inside, double-click to install/repair it, and restart your PC. Manual Download (if missing from folder): If you try every step above and the

    If the file isn't in your game folder, download the Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package (x86) directly from Microsoft Support.

    Even on 64-bit Windows, you must install the x86 (32-bit) version, as the game launcher is a 32-bit application. 🔄 Alternative Launch Method

    If installing the redistributable doesn't work, you can sometimes bypass the faulty launcher:

    Run the game directly: Go to the game's installation folder and run PrinceOfPersia.exe instead of Launcher.exe.

    Enable V-Sync: If the game opens but crashes, ensure V-Sync is enabled in the launcher settings or your GPU control panel, as high frame rates can cause issues with this engine. 📋 Post Draft: Prince of Persia 2008 Fix

    Title: Fixed: Prince of Persia (2008) Launcher "Side-by-Side Configuration" Error

    The Problem: You try to launch the game, and Windows throws an error saying "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect." The Fix: Open your game installation folder. Open the VCRedist folder.

    Run vcredist_x86.exe to install the required Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 components. Restart your computer.

    If it still fails, download the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (x86) from the official Microsoft site.

    Note: Always install the x86 version, even if you are on a 64-bit system!

    Are you running the game on Steam, GOG, or a legacy disc version? Prince of Persia (2008) launcher issues., page 1 - GOG.com

    Here’s a ready-to-use post you can share on forums, Reddit, or Steam communities. It clearly explains the “side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error for Prince of Persia (2008) and provides verified fixes. Run this shortcut as Administrator