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How to Fix The Witcher 3 “Matches Count” Error on PC

The Witcher 3’s “Matches Count” startup error is associated in historical PC reports with hooks and mods. Check mod compatibility first; treat the dsound.dll rename as a reversible, version-dependent workaround.
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If The Witcher 3 shows “Matches Count Error” or “Hook Matches Count Check Error” at startup, first check for the Debug Console Enabler or another DLL-based mod. Historical PC reports associate the message with a hook or mod, but this is not an official CD Projekt Red diagnosis, and no single fix is confirmed for every game version.

What the error is associated with

Players have reported the startup message alongside the Debug Console Enabler and its hook files. A 2015 Steam discussion also describes renaming dsound.dll to remove the message, while other users connect that DLL to console functionality. These are community reports, not confirmation of a universal cause or current fix: Steam community discussion (2015).

The available reports concern PC game files and mods. They do not establish a fix for console editions or every current PC build.

Troubleshoot in this order

  1. Check for a console enabler or other hook mod

    If you installed the Debug Console Enabler or another mod that adds a DLL to the game, treat it as the first thing to investigate. Note which mod files you installed so you can restore them if needed.

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  2. Disable or update the suspected mod

    Follow the mod maintainer’s instructions to disable it or install a version intended for your game version. If several mods are installed, disable them one at a time and test startup after each change; this can help identify a conflict. Historical Debug Console Enabler posts discuss version mismatch and DLL unblocking, but refer to older game versions, including 1.21 and 1.22—not a current universal procedure: Debug Console Enabler discussion on Nexus Mods. A secondary guide also recommends isolating mods individually: PC Strike’s troubleshooting guide (February 16, 2024).

  3. Consider the reported dsound.dll rename only if appropriate

    Some Steam users reported that renaming dsound.dll in the game’s bin directory removed the startup message. However, the file is associated in those reports with console-mod functionality, so renaming it may disable that functionality. If you choose to test this workaround, keep a backup and restore the original filename if you need the mod again. The reports are old and do not establish that this will work with every build or mod setup. See the Steam discussion and the PC Strike guide.

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  4. Verify game files if the error persists without the suspected mod

    After removing or updating mods, use your launcher’s game-file verification option. This is a reasonable later diagnostic step, not a guaranteed repair; secondary troubleshooting guides list verification among possible approaches: Silicophilic guide, updated May 16, 2022 and FAQusha guide (Russian, 2015).

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What not to assume

  • Do not assume the message has one cause or that renaming dsound.dll is a confirmed fix for your version.
  • Do not install an old mod build or an unverified replacement DLL as a shortcut. Check the installed game version and the mod maintainer’s compatibility guidance instead.
  • Do not treat these community and secondary-guide recommendations as current official instructions. No official fix applying across current builds and platforms is established by the cited material.

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