with regards to winxp os in gamers' pcs-
BE SURE you have BOTH vcredist_x86 files: one dwnlded from windows and loaded into the program files folder and one within the navy field folder. both must also be activated/opened OR repaired.. both are C++ files from 2008, but they are different!!!
the vcred 64 files are all defunct/useless.
as far as C++ stuff goes, 2005 and 2008 are all you need, possibly also the 2013(?) win7 C++ files. win 8 has a built in themida worm within...i would bet 8.1, and 10 also do.
be sure you also update the enfuns updater.
check all main.dll, navy field, and navy field launcher files, as they may be locked!! unlock them! if you know how to adjust virt mem in the system file , i run virtual memory at 1650-2200.
i also skew pc energy and priority to graphic processes, in all checkboxes in internet options, and system files within the control panel.
i did this for xp-set compatabilites to win NT 4.0(service pack 5) with advanced text services turned off.
load the vcred>>program files first, main client 2nd and load its vcred 86 file, launch program and get updates 3rd, then EXIT LAUNCHER. load winxp update, then enfuns updater. finally load current update for main client(7 8 8.1 10 steam version)-this gives you correct version and also a bunch of empty/crap/defunct files IF YOU DID EVERY THING ELSE CORRECTLY ABOVE!
ENDED MY CRASHES MOSTLY...MAYBE 1 IN 8 GAMES CRASHED CURRENTLY, AND MANY TIMES IT IS WINDOWS FAULT.
THIS IS REALLY NOT AS DIFFICULT AS IT LOOKS.