Cannot launch a game because of missing OpenAL32.dll library

technical-issues

I'm trying to launch a Steam game on my computer (it's Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones, but I believe the issue is much more common). Every time I launch I get a message that says:

You cannot launch the game, because OpenAL32.dll was not found

I googled the solution, but most of what I get is "download an exe file that will install the dll". I don't trust this solution. I don't know the sites I can download it from, therefore I can't be sure if I'm not accidently downloading malware.

My question's are:

  1. What is this library for?
  2. How is it usually appear on my computer?
  3. What is the safest way to get one for my computer?

Thanks in advance.

Best Answer

In your steam folder where that game is installed, there should be a "CommonRedist" folder. Dive into that and look for an "OpenAL" folder. Look in there (or a subfolder) for the install file, should be called "oalinst.exe"

If it is there (it should be), this is part of the game's required install files bundled with the game, so no worries about random internet downloads.

OpenAL is the audio library the game makers have chosen to handle sound for the game.

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