Last Updated: October 2024
Difficulty: Moderate
Affected Game: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (Multiplayer & Exo Zombies)
Few things are more frustrating than sitting down to play Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, clicking "Play," and being met with a cryptic error message instead of the main menu. For years, PC gamers have reported a specific fatal error involving a file named s1sp64_ship.exe (often misspelled in community forums as "s1sp64shipexe").
This executable is the core 64-bit process for the game’s multiplayer and Exo Zombies modes. When this error appears, it typically states that the executable has stopped working, the application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b), or that a specific .dll file is missing.
Why does this happen? The error is rarely caused by a single issue. Instead, it is a "catch-all" crash usually linked to corrupted cache files, outdated system libraries, or conflicts with antivirus software. Below, we provide a surgical, step-by-step guide to killing this error for good.
Corrupted DirectX 11 libraries or .NET Framework files can cause s1sp64_ship.exe to throw error code 0xc000007b (invalid image format).
Step-by-step:
Run System File Checker:
sfc /scannow
(in an elevated Command Prompt). Reboot and test.
Advanced Warfare was released in 2014, and modern Windows versions (11/10) sometimes have API conflicts with older DirectX 11 titles. Forcing compatibility mode smooths these out.
Step-by-step:
s1sp64_ship.exe (usually inside the root folder)..exe > Properties.The s1sp64_ship.exe relies on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables. Many Windows 10/11 installations are missing the 2013 version specifically. Without these, the executable cannot find MSVCR120.dll or MSVCP120.dll, triggering a crash.
Step-by-step:
vcredist_x64.exe and follow the installer (choose "Repair" if already installed).vcredist_x86.exe and follow the installer.The s1sp64_ship.exe error is rarely a hardware failure. In 95% of cases, the fix is either:
Final recommendation: If the error persists after all steps, perform a clean boot (disable all non-Microsoft services via msconfig) and reinstall the game on a different drive (avoid the default C:\Program Files folder to prevent permission issues).
Support Contact: Activision Support or Steam Community Hub for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.
Document Version: 1.0 call of duty advanced warfare s1sp64shipexe error fix fix
The s1_sp64_ship.exe error in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
typically signals a crash in the single-player executable due to driver conflicts, corrupted files, or hardware incompatibility. Core Fixes for s1_sp64_ship.exe
Update Graphics Drivers: Incompatible or outdated GPU drivers are a primary cause.
Update via Device Manager or download the latest version directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Verify Game Files (Steam/Battle.net):
Steam: Right-click game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. Battle.net: Select game > Cogwheel icon > Scan and Repair.
Force High-Performance GPU: For laptops with dual graphics, the game may default to integrated graphics.
Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings > Program Settings. Add s1_sp64_ship.exe and set "Preferred graphics processor" to your high-performance card. Run as Administrator & Disable Fullscreen Optimizations: Go to the game folder and right-click s1_sp64_ship.exe. Select Properties > Compatibility.
Check Run this program as an administrator and Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Reinstall DirectX and Visual C++: Manually reinstall the redistributables found in the game’s installation folder: _CommonRedist\DirectX\Jun2010\DXSETUP.exe and the vcredist folder. Advanced Troubleshooting
Compatibility Mode: Set the executable to run in compatibility mode for Windows 7.
System File Checker: Corrupted Windows files can cause .exe failures. Run sfc /scannow in an Administrator Command Prompt to repair them.
Disable VPNs: Software like Hamachi or Tunngle can cause launch crashes; ensure they are fully closed.
Lower VRAM Usage: If the game launches but crashes soon after, lower VRAM-intensive settings like texture quality in the in-game menu.
Have you checked if your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Advanced Warfare? The Ultimate Fix Guide: Resolving the "s1sp64shipexe" Error
The Call of Duty Advanced Warfare s1sp64shipexe error is a legacy software conflict, not a hardware failure. In 99% of cases, the solution lies in combining compatibility mode, administrator privileges, and updating Visual C++ runtimes.
Start with Fixes 1, 3, and 4. If the crash persists, move to the overlay and antivirus fixes (5 and 6). For Windows 11 users, Disable Fullscreen Optimizations (Fix 8) is often the magic bullet.
If you are still stuck after reading this guide, leave a comment below with your Windows version, GPU, and exact error code (e.g., 0xc0000005 or 0xc0000142). The community continues to find new workarounds for this classic COD title.
Good luck, and enjoy the exo-suits without the crashes!
The s1_sp64_ship.exe error in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare typically indicates a crash or failure of the single-player executable. This can manifest as an "Application has stopped working" message, a silent crash to desktop, or a failure to launch at all. 1. Verify Game Integrity
The most common cause for this error is a corrupted or missing game file. Open your Steam Library. Right-click on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Select Properties > Installed Files.
Click Verify integrity of game files. Steam will automatically redownload any missing or corrupted data. 2. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a primary culprit for .exe crashes.
Automatic Update: Open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Update driver > Search automatically.
Manual Update: For NVIDIA or AMD cards, visit their official sites to download the latest stable drivers for your specific model.
Clean Reinstall: If the issue persists, use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to wipe old drivers before installing new ones. 3. Configure High-Performance Settings
If you are playing on a laptop with both integrated and dedicated graphics, the game might be trying to run on the weaker chip. Open Graphics settings in Windows.
Browse and add s1_sp64_ship.exe from your installation folder (usually SteamApps\common\Call of Duty Advanced Warfare).
Select the game, click Options, and set it to High performance. Fix #5: The DirectX &
In the NVIDIA Control Panel, manually set the game to use the "High-performance NVIDIA processor" under Manage 3D Settings. 4. Adjust Administrative and Compatibility Settings
Navigate to the game's installation folder and find s1_sp64_ship.exe. Right-click the file and select Properties.
Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as an administrator and Disable full-screen optimizations.
Some users have success setting Compatibility mode to Windows 7. 5. Reinstall Runtime Redistributables
The game relies on specific versions of DirectX and Visual C++ that may be missing or broken.
Go to the _CommonRedist folder within your game installation directory.
Run the installers for DirectX (DXSETUP.exe) and both the x64 and x86 versions of Visual C++ (2010 and 2012).
Accept all license agreements and restart your computer after installation. 6. Fix Corrupted System Files General Windows corruption can lead to executable failures. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Allow the process to complete and restart your PC if it finds and repairs files. 7. Disable Overlays and Optimization Software
External software can interfere with the game's launch process.
Disable the Steam Overlay, Discord Overlay, and any RGB lighting software.
Turn off NVIDIA App or Geforce Experience's "automatic optimization" features, as they can sometimes set unplayable configurations.
Note for Windows Vista users: Some older errors were specific to outdated OS functions. Modern players on Windows 10/11 should focus on the driver and file integrity steps first. How to FIX Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Not Responding!