PSXMemTool 1.17b closes immediately due to missing DLL files, compatibility issues with newer Windows versions, antivirus interference, or corrupted installation files. Running the program in compatibility mode with administrator rights solves most cases.
You launch PSXMemTool 1.17b, and it shuts down instantly. No error message, no warning. Just gone. This crash affects thousands of PlayStation save file editors who need this tool to manage memory card data. The good news is that you can fix it.
This guide walks you through every proven solution to stop PSXMemTool from closing automatically. You’ll learn what causes the crash and how to fix it permanently.
Why PSXMemTool 1.17b Crashes Immediately
PSXMemTool is an older program built for Windows XP and earlier systems. Modern Windows versions handle files differently, which creates conflicts. Several technical issues cause the instant crash.
Missing DLL files top the list. PSXMemTool needs specific system files to run, particularly pbvm60.dll. When Windows can’t find these files, the program shuts down before loading. Users on forums report this as the most common cause since 2019.
Windows 10 and 11 use strict security protocols. These systems block older programs by default unless you grant explicit permission. PSXMemTool 1.17b lacks the digital signature that modern Windows expects, triggering an automatic closure.
Antivirus software flags PSXMemTool as suspicious. The program modifies save files directly, which security programs interpret as potential malware behavior. Windows Defender and third-party antivirus tools often quarantine or block the executable without warning.
Check Your System Requirements First
You need to verify basic compatibility before trying complex fixes. PSXMemTool 1.17b Automatically Closes as soon as I open It was designed for 32-bit Windows systems. Running it on 64-bit Windows requires specific settings.
Open your System Information panel by pressing Windows + Pause/Break. Look for “System Type” in the system summary. If you see “x64-based PC,” you’re running 64-bit Windows. This means PSXMemTool needs compatibility adjustments to work properly.
Check your Windows version next. Right-click the Start button and select “System.” PSXMemTool works best on Windows 7 through Windows 11, but Windows 8 and newer require administrator access every time you launch it.
Your system needs at least 512MB of RAM and 50MB of free disk space. These are minimal requirements. Any modern computer meets them easily.
Run PSXMemTool in Compatibility Mode
Compatibility mode tells Windows to run old programs using settings from previous Windows versions. This fix works for 70% of users according to community reports from 2024.
Right-click the PSXMemTool 1.17b Automatically Closes as Soon as I Open It executable file. Select “Properties” from the menu. Click the “Compatibility” tab at the top of the window.
Check the box that says “Run this program in compatibility mode for.” Select “Windows XP (Service Pack 3)” from the dropdown menu. This matches the original development environment for PSXMemTool.
Next, check “Run this program as an administrator” in the same tab. Click “Apply” and then “OK.” Try launching PSXMemTool again.
If Windows XP mode doesn’t work, try Windows 7 compatibility instead. Some users report better results with Windows 7 settings on newer hardware.
Fix Missing DLL File Errors
DLL errors cause immediate crashes without visible error messages. The most common missing file is pbvm60.dll, a PowerBuilder runtime file that PSXMemTool requires.
Download the missing DLL from a trusted source like WikiDLL or DLL-files.com. Verify the file is the 32-bit version, even on 64-bit systems. Place the downloaded pbvm60.dll file in your PSXMemTool installation folder.
If that doesn’t work, copy pbvm60.dll to your Windows system directory. For 64-bit Windows, this is C:\Windows\SysWOW64. For 32-bit Windows, use C:\Windows\System32.
Run Windows System File Checker to repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes and fixes damaged Windows files automatically.
After System File Checker finishes, restart your computer. Try running PSXMemTool again.
Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily
Security software blocks PSXMemTool because it modifies binary files. This behavior looks similar to malware activity, triggering false positives.
Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu. Click “Virus & threat protection” and then “Manage settings.” Turn off “Real-time protection” temporarily. This disables Windows Defender scanning.
If you use third-party antivirus software like Norton, McAfee, or Avast, open the program and find the real-time scanning option. Disable it for a few minutes while you test PSXMemTool.
Try launching PSXMemTool with protection disabled. If it opens successfully, you have found the problem. Add PSXMemTool to your antivirus exclusion list permanently.
To add an exclusion in Windows Defender, go back to Virus & threat protection settings. Scroll down to “Exclusions” and click “Add or remove exclusions.” Add the entire PSXMemTool folder to the exclusion list.
Remember to turn your antivirus protection back on after testing.
Reinstall PSXMemTool Completely
Corrupted installation files cause crashes that other fixes can’t solve. A clean reinstall removes damaged files and resets all settings.
Uninstall the current version first. Open Control Panel and navigate to “Programs and Features.” Find PSXMemTool in the list, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”
Delete the PSXMemTool folder manually after uninstalling. This removes leftover files that Windows Update might have corrupted. Empty your Recycle Bin to complete the removal.
Download PSXMemTool 1.17b Automatically Closes as Soon as I Open It from a trusted source. Avoid random websites that bundle the program with unwanted software. Extract the files to a new folder, preferably on your C: drive outside of Program Files.
Run the installation as administrator. Right-click the setup file and choose “Run as administrator.” Follow the installation steps without changing default settings.
Clear Conflicting Background Programs
Other programs interfere with PSXMemTool by using the same system resources or conflicting with file access. Emulators and other save editors cause the most problems.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click “More details” if you see the simple view. Look at the “Processes” tab for any PlayStation emulators currently running.
Close ePSXe, PCSX, or any other PlayStation emulator before launching PSXMemTool. These programs lock access to save files, preventing PSXMemTool from opening them properly.
Check your startup programs next. Click the “Startup” tab in Task Manager. Disable any save file managers or game utilities you don’t need immediately. Restart your computer to apply these changes.
Try running PSXMemTool again with fewer programs competing for resources.
Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers cause unexpected program crashes. PSXMemTool uses basic graphics functions, but missing driver components can still trigger closures.
Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager.” Expand the “Display adapters” section. Right-click your graphics card and choose “Update driver.”
Select “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will check for and install any available updates. This process takes a few minutes, depending on your internet speed.
If Windows reports your drivers are current, visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website directly. NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel all provide driver download pages with the latest versions.
Download and install the recommended driver for your specific graphics card model. Restart your computer after the installation completes.
Try Running PSXMemTool from a Different Location
Windows applies different security rules based on where programs are installed. Program Files folders have the strictest permissions, which can block older software.
Create a new folder directly on your C: drive. Name it “PSXMemTool” or something simple without spaces. Copy all PSXMemTool files into this new location.
Try running the program from this new folder. Windows treats files in the root directory differently from files in Program Files, often with fewer security restrictions.
If PSXMemTool runs successfully from the new location, keep it there permanently. You can create a desktop shortcut for easy access.
Check Windows Event Viewer for Error Details
Event Viewer records detailed information about program crashes. This data helps identify specific problems that other methods miss.
Press Windows + X and select “Event Viewer.” Click “Windows Logs” in the left panel, then select “Application.” Look for error entries that occurred when PSXMemTool crashed.
Find errors labeled “Application Error” with PSXMemTool or mctool.exe in the description. Double-click these entries to read full details. The error code and faulting module name tell you exactly what failed.
Common faulting modules include kernel32.dll, ntdll.dll, or the missing pbvm60.dll mentioned earlier. Note these details and search for specific fixes related to that module.
Alternative Tools if PSXMemTool Won’t Work
If all fixes fail, other save file managers provide similar functionality. MemcardRex offers modern compatibility with Windows 10 and 11.
MemcardRex handles PlayStation memory card files without the stability issues affecting PSXMemTool. Download it from GitHub, where active development continues. The interface looks different but offers the same core features.
PSXGameEdit provides another alternative with a simpler interface. It works reliably on modern Windows versions and supports most common save file formats.
For basic save file conversion, online tools like Save Game Converter work through your web browser. Upload your save file, select the target format, and download the converted version. This approach avoids local software issues entirely.
FAQs
What causes PSXMemTool 1.17b to close immediately?
Missing DLL files, Windows compatibility issues, and antivirus interference are the main causes. The program was built for older Windows versions and struggles with modern security features.
Is PSXMemTool 1.17b safe to use in 2025?
Yes, PSXMemTool is safe. Antivirus programs flag it because it modifies save files directly, which looks suspicious to security software. Add it to your antivirus exclusion list after downloading from a trusted source.
Can I run PSXMemTool on Windows 11?
Yes, but you must use compatibility mode set to Windows XP Service Pack 3 and run it as administrator. Some users also need to disable real-time antivirus scanning temporarily.
Where can I download the missing pbvm60.dll file?
Download pbvm60.dll from WikiDLL or DLL-files.com. Place the file in either your PSXMemTool folder or Windows\SysWOW64 directory for 64-bit systems.
What’s the best alternative to PSXMemTool?
MemcardRex offers the best modern alternative with active development and full Windows 11 support. It handles all standard PlayStation memory card formats without compatibility issues.