Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 (PES 2017) remains a beloved title among football gaming enthusiasts, often praised for its realistic gameplay and the vibrant modding community that keeps it alive years after its release. However, one of the most common technical hurdles players face involves DLL files.
If you’ve ever been greeted by a popup error like “The program can’t start because XINPUT1_3.dll is missing” or “VCRUNTIME140.dll not found,” you’ve encountered a DLL-related issue. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about DLL files for PES 2017—from what they are, to how to fix missing errors, and how to optimize them for heavy modded versions like PES 2017 Smokepatch or VirtuaRED.
90% of PES 2017 DLL errors are solved by installing the correct Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages.
Step-by-step:
x86 and x64 versions (even on 64-bit Windows, many older games need the 32-bit version).Pro tip: If you have multiple versions (2010, 2012, 2013), install them all. PES 2017 is sensitive to older runtimes. dll files for pes 2017
One of the reasons PES 2017 is still popular is the modding community. Patches like PTE Patch or SmokePatch completely overhaul the game, adding new kits, stadiums, and leagues. However, these patches often struggle with DLL files.
The "dll.wtf" Phenomenon: Some patch installers might leave behind strangely named DLL files or require you to overwrite existing game files. If your game crashes after installing a mega-patch:
If you’re still missing a specific DLL, download only from reputable sources (avoid random “DLL download” sites). Better yet – extract from a working PES 2017 installation or official mod packs like Smoke Patch (Football Life) or VirtuaRED.
⚠️ Warning: Never replace system DLLs (like kernel32.dll). Stick to game-related or runtime DLLs only. The Ultimate Guide to DLL Files for PES
D3DX9_43.dll not foundCause: Corrupted or missing DirectX 9 runtime files.
Effect: The game crashes immediately after the splash screen, often without an error message.
Before fixing the problem, you must identify it. Here are the top 5 DLL errors reported by the PES 2017 community:
| Error Message | Likely Cause |
|---------------|---------------|
| xinput1_3.dll is missing | Outdated DirectX or corrupted Xbox controller driver |
| MSVCP140.dll not found | Missing Visual C++ Redistributable (2015 or later) |
| VCRUNTIME140.dll error | Corrupted C++ runtime libraries |
| d3dx9_43.dll is missing | DirectX 9 components not installed on Windows 10/11 |
| steam_api.dll error | Cracked or incorrectly installed game (or antivirus quarantine) |
Note: If you are using a modded version of PES 2017 (e.g., Smoke Patch, VirtuaRED), you might encounter custom DLL errors related to the mod’s external plugins. Fix #1: Reinstall the Required Runtime Distributables (Most
If you Google "download d3dx9_43.dll," you will find hundreds of websites offering the file for free download. Avoid these.
Here is why downloading individual DLLs from "DLL Dump" sites is dangerous:
The Golden Rule: Always install the package (DirectX, Visual C++) rather than the single file.