Alex Ruben
How To Install Red Dead Redemption 2 Without Errors in 2025 (FitGirl Repack)
This isn’t rocket science, but sometimes installing RDR2 from a FitGirl repack can turn into a headache — errors like ISDone.dll or Unarc.dll pop up, or the game just refuses to launch, even after following the usual steps. So, here’s a quick rundown based on hitting these issues more than once. It’s about making sure everything’s in order, especially the system settings and security tools, because Windows tends to be overly paranoid with install files. The goal? Installing smoothly without errors, and hopefully avoiding those pesky DLL problems.
How to Fix Common Installation Errors and Setup Issues
Disabling Windows Security Temporarily
First off, Windows Security can be kinda aggressive, blocking files or throwing errors during setup. Disabling real-time protection usually helps, but do it carefully. After all, you’re shutting down some defenses, so don’t forget to turn it back on once everything’s in place. This step is crucial if Windows keeps quarantining setup files or throwing DLL errors that seem to come out of nowhere. Sometimes, on some machines, this fails the first time, then works after a reboot, so don’t stress if it’s a bit finicky.
- Open the Start menu, type Windows Security and open it.
- Go to Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings.
- Switch off Real-time protection.
Restoring Blocked Files in Windows Defender
Sometimes, even after turning off protections, Windows might have flagged some files as threats, messing up the installation. No one really knows why, but accessing the protection history and restoring any blocked files can help avoid errors during setup.
- Back into Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Protection history.
- Look for any files flagged during your download, especially setup or DLL files. Click those entries and hit Restore.
- Confirm with Yes — this keeps the warnings but lets the installer do its thing.
Running the Installer Correctly and Preparing the Environment
This part is kinda straightforward but often overlooked. Double-click the setup file from your download folder (probably somewhere like C:\Users\YourName\Downloads). When Windows prompts for permission, click Yes. During setup, make sure not to rush. Pick the right installation folder, maybe something simple like C:\Games\RDR2 — because Windows has a habit of choking on weird long paths or special characters.
Also, if Windows suggests installing extra components like Visual C++ Redistributables or DirectX, just go ahead and do it — unless you already have the latest ones installed, then you’re good. ↪️ On some setups, skipping these prompts prevents errors later on, but better safe than sorry.
Adding Game Folder to Windows Defender Exclusions
This is super handy if errors crop up when launching or after installation. By excluding the game folder, Windows won’t go whip out those DLL-blocking tantrums, especially for anti-cheat modules or custom loaders. Thought this was overkill? Nope, it’s proven to be kinda necessary, especially if you want things to stay smooth after install.
- Open Windows Security again and navigate to Virus & threat protection.
- Scroll down to Add or remove exclusions.
- Hit Add an exclusion and pick Folder.
- Browse to the directory where you installed RDR2 (e.g., C:\Games\RDR2) and select it.
- Once done, make sure to toggle the real-time protection back on. Because, of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Launching and Final Checks
After installing and tweaking things, launching is usually just a matter of double-clicking the game icon or running the executable directly from the install folder. But if it crashes or misbehaves, verify that all files are accounted for and check the game’s integrity if using a launcher like Steam or Epic (even if it’s a repack, some mods or configs might need fixing). Also, if you get DLL errors, make sure your system is fully updated — especially Visual C++ Redistributables and DirectX. Sometimes, reinstalling those fixes a lot of DLL-related issues.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
- Check for Windows Updates. Sometimes, a simple update fixes DLL compatibility issues.
- If errors like
ISDone.dllorUnarc.dllpop up during extract or install, and you’ve got enough disk space, try using tools like Winhance to fix or compress large files better — it’s not perfect but worth trying. Also, lowering the installation speed with resource management tools might help. - Temporarily disable third-party antivirus temporarily during install — because some antivirus tend to be overzealous and block legit files.
Wrap-up
This process isn’t foolproof, but following these tips usually helps dodge the common errors that turn installing RDR2 into a nightmare. It’s honestly about making sure Windows isn’t overreacting to the setup files and setting things up so the game can breathe. Not sure why it works, but sometimes spending a few extra minutes on exclusions and security tweaks makes all the difference.
Summary
- Turn off Windows Security temporarily during install
- Restore any blocked files in protection history
- Run the setup as administrator and avoid long or complex folder paths
- Exclude the game folder from Windows Security scans
- Update your system and vital redistributables
Conclusion
Most errors come from system security settings or missing system components. Slowing down just a little and making sure Windows isn’t out to get the install usually does the trick. Fingers crossed this helps, and here’s to smoother installs ahead — because no one wants to spend hours troubleshooting a game installation, right?