How to Fix the “ISDone.dll” Error: A Comprehensive Guide

The “ISDone.dll” error is a common headache for Windows users, particularly when installing games or large software packages. This error often indicates a problem during the extraction or installation process, leading to frustration and preventing you from enjoying your new software. This guide provides several methods to diagnose and resolve the “ISDone.dll” error.

Understanding the ISDone.dll Error

The ISDone.dll file is a crucial component of the Inno Setup installer, a popular tool for creating installation packages. When this file encounters an error, it typically signifies that something went wrong during the data extraction or installation process. Common error messages associated with this problem include:

• “ISDone.dll returned an error code.”
• “An error occurred while unpacking: Decompression failed!”
• “Error: ISDone.dll”

These errors can arise due to various reasons, including corrupted installation files, insufficient system resources, antivirus interference, or problems with your computer’s RAM.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the ISDone.dll Error

Here are several methods you can use to troubleshoot and resolve the “ISDone.dll” error:

1. Run the Installer as Administrator

Running the installer with administrative privileges ensures that the installation process has the necessary permissions to access and modify system files. Here’s how to do it:

• Right-click on the installer file (e.g., setup.exe).
• Select “Run as administrator.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

2. Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily

Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the installation process, mistakenly identifying installation files as threats. Temporarily disabling your antivirus can help you determine if it’s the cause of the error.

• Locate your antivirus icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom-right corner of your screen).
• Right-click on the icon and select the option to disable or temporarily turn off the antivirus (the exact wording may vary depending on your antivirus software).
• Try running the installer again after disabling the antivirus.
• Important: Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after the installation is complete to protect your system.

3. Increase Virtual Memory

Insufficient virtual memory (also known as a page file) can cause the “ISDone.dll” error, especially when installing large files. Increasing the virtual memory can provide the system with more resources to handle the installation.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter to open System Properties.
• Go to the “Advanced” tab.
• In the “Performance” section, click on “Settings.”
• Go to the “Advanced” tab again.
• In the “Virtual memory” section, click on “Change.”
• Uncheck the box that says “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
• Select the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:).
• Choose “Custom size” and set the initial and maximum sizes to values higher than the recommended size (e.g., if the recommended size is 2048 MB, try setting both to 4096 MB or higher).
• Click “Set” and then “OK” to save the changes.
• Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Reinstall the Software

Sometimes, the installation files themselves might be corrupted. Downloading a fresh copy of the software can resolve this issue.

• Delete the existing installation files.
• Visit the official website of the software or game.
• Download a new copy of the installer.
• Try running the installer again, preferably with administrator privileges.

5. Check Your RAM

Faulty RAM can cause various system errors, including the “ISDone.dll” error. Running a memory diagnostic test can help identify any issues with your RAM.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type mdsched.exe and press Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
• Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).”
• The computer will restart and perform a memory test. This process may take some time.
• After the test is complete, the computer will restart again. The results of the memory test will be displayed in the system tray notification area.
• If the test identifies any errors, consider replacing your RAM modules.

6. Re-register ISDone.dll

Sometimes the .dll file itself may not be registered correctly. Re-registering the file may resolve the issue.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type the following command and press Enter: regsvr32 ISDone.dll
• If that doesn’t work, navigate to the directory where ISDone.dll is located (usually the installation directory). Then try the command regsvr32 /u ISDone.dll followed by regsvr32 ISDone.dll

7. Update DirectX

An outdated version of DirectX may cause issues with certain installations, especially for games. Updating DirectX to the latest version may resolve the error.

• Go to the Microsoft website and download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to update DirectX.
• Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

8. Check the System Locale

Incorrect system locale settings have been known to cause this error. Setting it to the correct region might resolve the issue.

• Open Control Panel
• Select “Clock and Region”
• Click on “Region” then go to the “Administrative” tab.
• Under “Language for non-Unicode programs” click on “Change system locale”.
• Choose the appropriate region and restart the computer.

Conclusion

The “ISDone.dll” error can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue effectively. Remember to approach each solution systematically and test the installer after each step to determine if the problem has been resolved. By carefully following these methods, you can overcome this error and successfully install your desired software or game.