Verified by users on GOG.com as the definitive fix. Direct Link: vcredist_x86.exe (Microsoft) .
If your modern gaming PC only has updated iterations (such as the C++ 2015–2022 redistributables), the system cannot link the launcher's activation context to the required legacy assembly. Windows halts execution immediately, throwing the side-by-side error to prevent a software crash.
: Visit the official Microsoft Download Center and download the x86 version. Even on 64-bit systems, many older games require the 32-bit (x86) runtime to function. prince of persia 2008 launcher side by side error verified
Elias double-clicked the desktop icon. The hourglass spun. He waited for the Ubisoft logo to splash across the screen.
Using the sxstrace tool (Windows SDK) confirms the failure to resolve Microsoft.VC80.CRT , error code 0x800736B1 (assembly missing) or 0x800736CC (dll not found). Verified by users on GOG
(advanced, works for many)
Would you like a ready-to-paste forum post or a one-page guide with download links and exact command lines? Elias double-clicked the desktop icon
If the error persists after Steps 1-4, the game's internal manifest is corrupted. You will need to edit the file.
The error in Prince of Persia (2008)
The Event Viewer logs detailed error messages that tell you exactly which component is missing.
The error message—typically stating —prevents the PrinceOfPersia_Launcher.exe file from opening entirely. Because the launcher is the primary way to adjust resolutions, aspect ratios, and graphics settings, bypassing it directly ruins the gameplay experience on modern operating systems like Windows 10 and Windows 11. Root Cause of the Error