Fix the “An error occurred when unpacking unarc.dll” issue in Windows 10 with step-by-step solutions. Learn how to increase virtual memory, fix corrupt files, and optimize system settings for smooth game installations.
Many Windows users face the “An error occurred when unpacking unarc.dll” issue while installing large software or games. This error is particularly frustrating as it prevents successful installation and is often accompanied by messages such as “Unarc.dll returned an error code -1”, “Error archive data corrupted”, and “ISDone.dll error during installation”.
This error typically occurs due to insufficient RAM, low virtual memory, corrupted installation files, or interference from antivirus software. However, it can be resolved by following a series of tested troubleshooting steps, which this guide will cover in detail.
What is the “An Error Occurred When Unpacking Unarc.dll” Message in Windows 10?
Insufficient RAM: During game installation, a significant amount of RAM is required to extract and unpack files. If the system does not have enough available memory, it can lead to unarc.dll errors.
Low Virtual Memory: Windows uses virtual memory, also known as the paging file, as an extension of physical RAM. If this allocation is too low, the system struggles to process large installation files, triggering the “Unarc.dll returned an error code -1” error.
Corrupt or Incomplete Installation Files: When downloading a game or software, any interruption or corruption in the downloaded files can result in “Error archive data corrupted”, making it impossible for the installation to proceed.
Hard Drive or SSD Issues: A nearly full or failing hard drive may cause installation failures, as there is insufficient storage for temporary and installation files. If the drive has bad sectors, it can also interfere with file extraction.
Fix “An Error Occurred When Unpacking Unarc.dll” in Windows 10
Solution 1: Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File Size)
Since low virtual memory is a major cause of this error, adjusting the paging file size can often resolve it.
Start by opening System Properties. Right-click This PC and select Properties, then click on Advanced system settings from the left panel.
Next, adjust the Performance Settings by navigating to the Advanced tab in the System Properties window. Under Performance, click Settings and then move to the Advanced tab in the Performance Options window.
Modify Virtual Memory Settings by clicking Change under the Virtual Memory section. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” and select the drive where the installation is taking place, typically the C: drive. Choose Custom size and enter an Initial size of 100 MB and a Maximum size of 35000 MB. Click Set, then OK on all windows, and restart your computer to apply the changes.
If the error persists, consider increasing the maximum paging file size, particularly for newer and larger game installations.
Solution 2: Free Up Disk Space
When the system drive is nearly full, Windows may struggle to allocate memory for the installation process.
Start by deleting unnecessary files such as old downloads and temporary files. Use Disk Cleanup by navigating to File Explorer, right-clicking the C: drive, selecting Properties, and clicking Disk Cleanup.
Additionally, transferring large files to another drive or an external storage device can free up essential space. Uninstalling unused programs from Control Panel > Programs and Features is another effective way to increase available storage.
Solution 3: Verify Installation Files
A corrupt or incomplete game file is a common reason for unarc.dll errors. If the downloaded file is damaged, the installation process will fail.
To fix this, redownload the game or software from a reliable source. If the installation files are compressed, extract them using WinRAR or 7-Zip rather than the default Windows extractor. Running a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) scan on downloaded files can also help verify file integrity.
For extracting large game files, use WinRAR or 7-Zip, which can handle advanced file compression formats. Download them from their official sources, such as WinRAR’s website.
Solution 4: Disable Antivirus or Windows Defender Temporarily
Sometimes, antivirus software flags game or application installation files as suspicious, preventing them from being extracted correctly.
To temporarily disable Windows Defender, open Windows Security, go to Virus & Threat Protection, click Manage Settings, and turn off Real-time Protection. After the installation is complete, it is advisable to re-enable the antivirus to keep the system secure.
If using third-party antivirus software, disable it from the program’s settings or temporarily pause real-time scanning.
Solution 5: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupt system files can contribute to unarc.dll errors. Running SFC and DISM commands can restore missing or damaged system files.
Start by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and running the following command:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete and restart your system. If the issue persists, run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool by entering the following command in Command Prompt:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After completing both scans, restart the computer and attempt the installation again. For more details on these repair tools, visit the official Microsoft Support Page.
Final Thoughts
The “An error occurred when unpacking unarc.dll returned an error code -1” issue can be frustrating, but it is usually caused by low virtual memory, insufficient RAM, corrupted installation files, or antivirus interference.
By increasing virtual memory, freeing up disk space, verifying installation files, disabling security software, and running system repair tools, you can resolve this error and successfully install your software or game.
If none of these solutions work, consider checking for Windows updates, upgrading RAM, or reinstalling the game/software from a different source.Official DLL Files Resource
Additional Resources
DLL-Files.com – This website allows you to download missing or corrupted DLL files, including unarc.dll and ISDone.dll. Be cautious when replacing system files, and always back up your original files before making changes.
Increasing Virtual Memory: ESRI Knowledge Base – Increase Virtual Memory Beyond the Recommended Maximum – This guide explains how to manually increase paging file size, which is a crucial fix for unarc.dll errors caused by insufficient virtual memory.
WinRAR Official Website: RARLAB – Official WinRAR Page – Some unarc.dll errors occur due to corrupt archive files. Download the latest version of WinRAR to properly extract large installation files and avoid corruption during the unpacking process.
Locate ISDone.dll on Windows – ISDone.dll Missing – If you’re experiencing ISDone.dll-related errors along with unarc.dll issues, this guide helps locate and restore missing DLL files.
How to Fix ISDone.dll Error While Installing Games – A detailed troubleshooting guide covering various ISDone.dll errors, which are closely linked to unarc.dll failures.
How to Fix Unarc.dll Error Code 11 When Installing Games – A Comprehensive Guide – If you’re specifically dealing with Unarc.dll error code 11, this guide provides a step-by-step solution, including RAM and disk space optimizations.
Unarc.dll Returned an Error Code 12 – Fix and Solutions – If the error code displayed is Unarc.dll error code 12, this guide outlines common causes and solutions, including file integrity verification and system optimizations.
These resources offer step-by-step fixes and best practices to resolve unarc.dll-related errors effectively. If you’re still facing issues, consider checking your system specifications, updating Windows, or reinstalling the affected software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is unarc.dll?
Unarc.dll is a Windows dynamic-link library (DLL) file responsible for extracting compressed archives during software installations. If it is missing or corrupt, installation processes can fail.
How do I fix the unarc.dll error on Windows 10?
The most effective fixes include increasing virtual memory, checking for corrupted installation files, freeing up disk space, and disabling antivirus software temporarily.
Can I download a new unarc.dll file?
Downloading DLL files from third-party websites is not recommended due to security risks. Instead, use SFC and DISM scans to repair missing or corrupt system files.
Why does this error occur during large game installations?
Games such as GTA V, Call of Duty, and Red Dead Redemption 2 require significant memory allocation for extraction. If there is insufficient RAM, virtual memory, or storage space, unarc.dll errors can occur.
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