Do not reinstall Windows. Do not delete the game folder yet. Follow these verified steps in order.
When reinstalling Prince of Persia (2008) from original DVD or digital stores (GOG, Ubisoft Connect), note that:
The standard C++ 2005 package often fails because Prince of Persia specifically requires the ATL (Active Template Library) security update. You need a specific hotfix.
Download KB973923 (Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package ATL Security Update). Install this after the base redistributable.
Verification: This is the step that 90% of online guides miss. Without this ATL update, the launcher will still throw the side-by-side error even after the standard install. prince of persia 2008 launcher side by side error verified
The 64-bit (x64) version of VC++ 2005 does not satisfy the requirement because the game is 32-bit. You must install the x86 version.
Correct file:
vcredist_x86.exe from Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package
Official Microsoft download:
Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable (x86)
Steps:
After installation, the required CRT DLLs (msvcr80.dll, msvcp80.dll) and manifest will be present in C:\Windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.vc80.crt_.... Do not reinstall Windows
To avoid the "Prince of Persia 2008 launcher side by side error" from returning after future Windows updates:
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! 🏜️✨ After installation, the required CRT DLLs ( msvcr80
The "side-by-side configuration" error for the Prince of Persia (2008) launcher is primarily caused by missing or corrupt Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
. This occurs when the game cannot find the specific library versions (typically the 2005 or 2008 versions) required to run its executables. Steam Community Verified Fixes Side by Side configuration error - Prince of Persia
When launching Prince of Persia (2008) on Windows 10/11, users may see:
"The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect."
This is caused by missing Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x86) or a corrupted manifest reference in the game’s .exe.