SecuROM Reported Error 2000 | SecuLauncher: Failed to start application 2000

SecuROM Error 2000 (or “SecuLauncher: Failed to start application 2000”) is a compatibility error that almost always appears when trying to play older PC games on modern Windows (10 or 11).

It is most famous for blocking Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA 4), but it can appear in other titles protected by the (now obsolete) SecuROM Digital Rights Management system.

The error essentially means the ancient anti-piracy software cannot launch because it is missing a specific 2005-era system file that Windows 10/11 does not include by default.

Here is the step-by-step fix, ordered from the most likely solution to the more complex ones.

Phase 1: The “Visual C++” Fix (Most Likely Solution)

SecuROM relies on a specific library from 2005 to run. Even if you have newer versions (2010, 2015, 2022), you still need this old one.

1. Locate the Installer:

   • Go to your game’s installation folder (e.g., in Steam: Right-click game > Manage > Browse local files).

   • Look for a folder named Installers, Redist, or CommonRedist.

   • Inside, look for a file named vcredist_x86.exe (sometimes labeled 2005).

2. Run it:

   • Double-click to install it.

3. If you can’t find it:

   • Download the Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package MFC Security Update from Microsoft’s official site.

   • Important: You must download the x86 version (32-bit), even if your computer is 64-bit, because the game itself is 32-bit.

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Phase 2: Administrator Privileges

Modern Windows security often blocks SecuROM from “hooking” into the system as it tries to do.

1. Right-click the game’s shortcut or the main .exe file (e.g., GTAIV.exe or LaunchGTAIV.exe).

2. Select Properties.

3. Go to the Compatibility tab.

4. Check the box: “Run this program as an administrator”.

5. Click Apply and try launching the game.

Phase 3: Compatibility Mode

If Admin rights didn’t work, tell Windows to treat the game like it’s 2008.

1. Go back to the Compatibility tab (from Phase 2).

2. Check the box “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”.

3. Select Windows 7 or Windows XP (Service Pack 3).

4. Click Apply and test.

Phase 4: The “Games for Windows Live” Issue (GTA IV Specific)

If you are playing an older, unpatched version of GTA IV (from a disc or old download), it requires “Games for Windows Live” (GFWL), a service that Microsoft shut down years ago. The SecuROM error is sometimes a symptom of GFWL failing to start.

• The Fix: You need a file called xliveless.dll. This is a community patch that completely disables GFWL and SecuROM checks.

• How to do it: Download the xliveless add-on (widely available on GTA modding sites) and drop the .dll file into your main game folder. This bypasses the error entirely.

Summary:

The error is caused by missing 2005 C++ libraries. Installing vcredist_x86.exe fixes it 90% of the time.