Before diving into the fixes, it is important to understand the jargon. The "Side-by-Side" (SxS) error is a Windows operating system mechanism designed to prevent "DLL Hell"—a situation where multiple applications install conflicting versions of the same DLL file.
In the case of Prince of Persia (2008), the game’s launcher (Launcher.exe) was compiled using Microsoft Visual C++ 2005. When Windows tries to launch the game, it looks for a specific version of the C++ runtime (specifically version 8.0.50727.762). If that exact version is missing, corrupted, or superseded by a newer version, the SxS system throws the error and refuses to run the launcher.
The Prince of Persia (2008) is a cult classic that deserves to be preserved. While the "side by side configuration is incorrect" error is intimidating, it is not the end of the road. Our verification process shows that this error is purely environmental—rooted in missing Visual C++ 2005 and ATL runtimes.
By following the manual removal of old runtimes, installing the specific Microsoft SP1 + ATL update, and, if necessary, modifying the .exe manifest, you can defeat the error. If all else fails, bypassing the launcher via the direct PrinceOfPersia.exe is a verified, stable workaround.
Final verdict: The error is verified as fixable. Do not return the game or give up. The sands of time may have slipped away, but the Prince does not have to stay trapped on your desktop.
Have a different variation of the error? Let us know in the comments. If you used the manifest edit method, share your version of Windows (21H2, 22H2, 23H2) to help future readers.
The "Side-by-Side Configuration is Incorrect" error in Prince of Persia (2008)
typically occurs because the game's launcher cannot find or communicate with the specific version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
library it was built with. This is a common issue on modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11, where these older legacy components are not pre-installed. Microsoft Learn Verified Solutions 1. Reinstall the Correct Visual C++ Redistributables
This is the most common fix. The 2008 version of Prince of Persia specifically requires the 2005 (x86) 2008 (x86) packages, regardless of whether your system is 64-bit. Steam Community Locate the built-in installer
: Often, the required files are already in your game directory. Navigate to the game folder and look for a folder named vcredist_x86.exe found inside. Download manually : If the folder is missing, you can download them from the Official Microsoft Support Page . Ensure you install the versions specifically. Steam Community 2. Bypass the Launcher If the error persists with the launcher ( PrinceOfPersia_Launcher.exe ), you can often run the game directly. Open the game's installation folder (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Prince of Persia Prince of Persia.exe (the actual game executable, not the launcher). Right-click it and select Run as Administrator
If this works, you can create a desktop shortcut directly to this file to skip the launcher in the future. 3. Run in Compatibility Mode prince of persia 2008 launcher side by side error verified
The game was designed for older versions of Windows and may require compatibility settings to properly access system libraries. Right-click Prince of Persia.exe Properties Compatibility Run this program in compatibility mode for and select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) Windows Vista 4. Repair System Files
If the above steps fail, your Windows Side-by-Side (SxS) registry or files may be corrupted. Microsoft Learn Side by Side configuration error - Prince of Persia 22 Jul 2022 —
The "side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error when launching Prince of Persia (2008) typically occurs because of missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
. This specific version of the game relies on older 32-bit (x86) libraries that are not always included in modern Windows installations. Steam Community Verified Solutions
Install the Correct Visual C++ Redistributable (Recommended) The most reliable fix is to manually install the
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package (x86) The game specifically requires the 32-bit (vcredist_x86.exe) version, even if you are on a 64-bit operating system.
After installation, restart your computer and try launching the game again. Bypass the Launcher
If you only need to play and don't need to change graphics settings, you can often bypass the problematic launcher entirely. Navigate to your game installation folder (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Prince of Persia PrinceOfPersia.exe
(the application file, not the launcher) and run it directly. Verify Game Files
If you are playing through Steam, use the built-in verification tool to ensure no files were corrupted during download. Right-click Prince of Persia in your library > Properties Installed Files
The Side-by-Side Configuration Error in the Prince of Persia (2008) Before diving into the fixes, it is important
launcher is primarily caused by missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages, specifically the 2005 or 2008 versions. Verified Fix: Install Missing Redistributables
The game is a 32-bit application and requires the 32-bit (x86) version of the runtimes, even on 64-bit Windows.
Download Visual C++ 2005 (x86): This is the most common missing component for this specific error. You can find it at Microsoft Support.
Download Visual C++ 2008 SP1 (x86): Verified by users on GOG.com as the definitive fix. Direct Link: vcredist_x86.exe (Microsoft).
Install Both: Run the installers even if you think they are already present; they will offer a "Repair" option if they are corrupted. Alternative: Bypassing the Launcher
If the launcher continues to fail, you can launch the game directly to avoid the side-by-side check performed by the launcher executable.
Navigate to the game's installation folder (e.g., SteamApps/common/Prince of Persia). Locate the file PrinceOfPersia.exe (not the launcher).
Right-click it, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and check Run this program as an administrator. Launch the game directly from this .exe. System-Level Cleanup
If the above steps do not work, repair your system's manifest files which manage these "side-by-side" configurations: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to repair corrupted system files. Restart your computer after the process completes.
Fixed: Side-by-Side Configuration is Incorrect on Windows 11 - AOMEI Have a different variation of the error
The "side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error in Prince of Persia a common issue typically caused by missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
, specifically the 2008 versions required by the game's launcher. Steam Community Verified Fixes for Side-by-Side Error Install/Reinstall Visual C++ 2008 (32-bit) The game most frequently requires the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable Package (x86) Specific Version : Some users found that version 9.0.21022.8 was the exact missing dependency. You can download this directly from the Microsoft Download Center vcredist_x86.exe
file even on 64-bit systems, as the game is a 32-bit application. Use the Game's Internal Support Files Check your game installation directory for a folder named files found inside (e.g., vcredist_x86.exe ) to install the specific versions bundled with the game. Bypass the Launcher The error often only affects the Launcher.exe . You can attempt to run the game directly using PrinceOfPersia.exe located in the game's folder.
: You may still need the launcher once to configure graphics settings before playing. Verify Game Files (Steam Users) Open your Steam Library, right-click Prince of Persia Properties Installed Files Verify integrity of game files
. This can identify and replace corrupted executable or manifest files. Administrative Privileges and Compatibility Right-click PrinceOfPersia_Launcher.exe Properties , go to the Compatibility tab, and check Run this program as an administrator If the issue persists, try setting compatibility mode to Windows XP (Service Pack 3) Advanced Diagnostic
If these steps fail, you can identify the exact missing version using the Windows Command Prompt:
Here’s a feature proposal for a hypothetical patch or fan-made launcher for Prince of Persia (2008) that resolves the “side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error — a known issue on modern Windows due to missing or incompatible Visual C++ runtime components.
If you are a fan of the 2008 reboot of the Prince of Persia franchise—the one with the cel-shaded graphics, Elika, and the sprawling open-world structure—you may have recently tried to launch the game on a modern version of Windows (Windows 10 or 11), only to be greeted by a cryptic pop-up:
"The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect."
This error is frustrating, especially for a game that is nearly two decades old. After extensive testing and research, we have verified that the "Prince of Persia 2008 launcher side by side error" is not a random crash; it is a direct result of missing Visual C++ runtime libraries and manifest file corruption.
In this article, we will break down exactly why this error occurs and provide a verified, step-by-step solution to get the Prince running again.