Application load error 5:0000065434 in Steam [EXPERT FIX]

Madalina Dinita
by Madalina Dinita
Former Managing Editor
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  • The Application load error 5:0000065434 appears when you're trying to start a Steam game and the error prevents you from playing it at all.
  •  The first steps in solving this problem are to delete the appcache folder, run Steam as administrator and copy Steam.exe in the game's folder. 
  • We wrote a lot about Steam errors so if you find another one, you can most likely find a solution in our How to fix Steam errors section.
  • Want to get the latest news and guides about Steam? Luckily, we have the Steam Gaming Hub for that.
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Many Steam users have reported Application load error 5:0000065434  message that prevents the game from loading.

Here’s how one user described the problem on Reddit:

When I start the game from Nexus Mod Manager, it gives me Application load error 5:0000065434. The game loads fine if I start it from Steam, but obviously that means playing without the QOL mods.

We have a series of steps that you can follow in order to make running these games possible.

How can I fix Steam Application load error 5:0000065434?

1. Delete the appcache folder

  1. Go to the Steam‘s installation directory. By default, it should be C:>Program Files>Steam.
  2. Find the appcache folder in the Steam folder and delete it.
    appcache delete steam folder Application Load Error 5:0000065434 steam
  3. Close the Steam client and them open it back to see if it made any changes.

2. Run Steam as administrator

  1. Locate Steam‘s shortcut or .exe file.
  2. In order to run Steam as administrator simply right-click on the Steam launcher and select Run as administrator.
    run as administrator steam Application Load Error 5:0000065434 steam

3. Copy Steam.exe in the game’s folder

  1. Click on the Steam shortcut > select Open file location.
    open file location steam Application Load Error 5:0000065434 steam
  2. Find Steam.exe > right click on it > select Copy.
  3. Open the folder containing the game that can’t be opened > right-click in a free space of the folder and select Paste.
  4. Try opening the game to see if it works.

Can’t go online on Steam? You won’t believe how easy is to fix that

4. Use the Command Prompt to link the apps

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard > type cmd in the Run box and hit Enter.
    cmd run window Application Load Error 5:0000065434 steam
  2. Type cd <GameFolder> for example cd C:Program FilesSteamsteamappscommonoblivion and press Enter.
  3. Then you need to type mklink steam.exe <SteamFolder>steam.exe for example mklink steam.exe C:Program Filesteamsteam.exe
  4. After inputting these commands make sure Steam is running while trying to launch the game again.

5. Verify integrity of game files in Steam

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Locate the problematic game in the Library tab.
  3. Right click on the game > select Proprieties.
  4. Select the Local files section > click Verify integrity of game files…
    verify integrity of game files steam Application Load Error 5:0000065434 steam
  5. Wait for the process to finish, then relaunch the game to see if it works.

We hope that our guide on how to fix the Steam game launching issue was of help for you. If you found this article helpful, leave a comment in the comment section below.

FAQ: Read more about Application load error 5:0000065434

  • What is Application load error 5:0000065434?

The Application load error 5:0000065434 is an error that appears when you’re trying to start a Steam game and the error prevents you from playing it at all. Here is how to fix common Steam errors in no time.

  • What causes Application load error 5:0000065434?

In most cases, the error is often caused by the fact that the game installation folder is not the same as the Steam folder or because you’re modding your game.

  • How can I fix Application load error 5:0000065434?

First, delete the app cache folder, then, try to run Steam as administrator. If that doesn’t work, fix the problem with our complete guide.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in April 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in June 2019 and was revamped and updated in June 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.