Alex Ruben
How To Install Games Like a Pro with FitGirl Repack: Beginner’s Guide (2025)
Getting into FitGirl repacks can be a bit of a wild ride sometimes. Maybe you’ve already run into errors like ISDone.dll or Unarc.dll popping up, or maybe the game just crashes on launch without warning. Not sure why, but it seems like sometimes the antivirus or Windows security gets in the way, or certain setup steps don’t go smoothly. This guide aims to walk through the common pitfalls and practical fixes – stuff that actually worked across different setups, no fancy fluff. Basically, by the end, you should be able to install these games without tearing your hair out.
How to Fix Common FitGirl Installation Issues in Windows 11/10
Method 1: Tweak your Windows Security settings
This one’s kind of weird, but Windows Security can be overly paranoid and throw a wrench into the install process. Disabling it temporarily can save a ton of frustration—like stopping those pesky DLL errors or failed extractions.
- Open Settings from the Start Menu.
- Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Scroll down to Manage settings.
- Turn off Real-time protection—this disables background scanning temporarily.
Expect that, on some setups, this helps the unpacking and setup go smoother. You might find that the install completes without halting mid-way. Just don’t forget to turn it back on after; leaving your security off long-term isn’t smart.
Method 2: Disable your antivirus during installation
Same deal, but sometimes Windows Defender isn’t enough, and third-party antivirus apps throw blockades. On one machine it worked only after disabling Avast temporarily. Go into your antivirus settings and toggle off the real-time scanning, then try installing again. But be quick—yeah, this means your system is a little more vulnerable, so only do it if you’re downloading from legit sources.
Method 3: Use a reliable extraction tool and check available space
Did the extraction fail or give you a DLL error? Sometimes, it’s just a corrupted archive or insufficient hard drive space. I’ve had times where I had barely enough room, and the archive couldn’t unpack properly—causing errors like ISDone.dll. Make sure you’ve got at least 20 GB free for the game and the extract process. Use tools like 7-Zip for unpacking; it’s way more reliable than Windows’ built-in extraction.
Also, verify the archive integrity if possible (MD5 checks) or redownload if files seem suspicious. That often saves a lot of headache.
Method 4: Run installation as Administrator and check your user permissions
Sometimes, Windows just doesn’t want to give permissions to write files to certain folders. Right-click the setup file and choose Run as administrator. Also, install the game in locations like C:\Games\YourGame rather than in Program Files, especially if you’re not running with admin rights. This simple step can prevent errors related to file access.
On one setup, the installer kept failing until I pointed it to a folder where I definitely had full control.
Method 5: Check your system’s RAM and storage health
If you’re repeatedly getting DLL errors or crashes during setup, it might be hardware-related. Run a memory check by typing mdsched.exe in the Run dialog (Win + R) and follow the prompts. Also, use Chkdsk or similar tools to ensure your drives are healthy.
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes, and corruption or faulty RAM can cause just about any weird error.
Extra tips if things still aren’t smooth
- Run your installer and game as administrator — it fixes a ton of permission issues.
- Double-check your antivirus isn’t blocking the game or setup files afterward. Sometimes, the AV flags unpacked files or game executables as false positives.
- Try installing with all background apps closed. Basically, give the installer your full system focus.
Re-enable your security features
After everything’s installed and you’ve confirmed the game runs okay, don’t forget to turn your Windows Security or antivirus back on. You know, just in case.
- Repeat the earlier steps and toggle real-time protection back on.
- If you added exclusions, remove them once you’ve confirmed the game plays nicely.
Wrap-up
Honestly, these fixes cover most of the common issues encountered during a FitGirl setup—whether DLL errors, failed extractions, or crashes. It’s a little tedious, but it works. Sometimes you have to try a couple of things, especially disabling antivirus temporarily or running as administrator, because Windows is never as straightforward as it should be.
Summary
- Disable antivirus/security before installation, then re-enable after.
- Use reliable extraction tools like 7-Zip.
- Run installers as administrator and avoid installing in protected directories.
- Ensure sufficient disk space and check hardware stability if errors persist.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, these tips help a few other folks out there struggling with the same issues. Once you get through the initial setup hurdles, the game itself often plays without a hitch. Good luck, and may your installs be smooth from now on!