What are encodings.dir Error Messages?

General encodings.dir Runtime Errors

encodings.dir file errors often occur during the startup phase of MATLAB, but can also occur while the program is running. These types DIR errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while MATLAB is running. Here are some of the most common encodings.dir runtime errors:

• encodings.dir could not be found.
• encodings.dir error.
• encodings.dir failed to load.
• Error loading encodings.dir.
• Failed to register encodings.dir / Cannot register encodings.dir.
• Runtime Error - encodings.dir.
• The file encodings.dir is missing or corrupt.

Most DIR errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your encodings.dir file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with MATLAB), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, encodings.dir file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading MATLAB, system crash while loading or saving encodings.dir, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

How to Fix encodings.dir Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your encodings.dir issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the encodings.dir error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

You can uninstall MATLAB software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
4. Find the entry for MATLAB R2009a and click "Uninstall"
5. Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall MATLAB software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

MATLAB R2009a

MathWorks

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many encodings.dir error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the encodings.dir error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your encodings.dir File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate encodings.dir file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free encodings.dir files for every applicable version of MATLAB. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download encodings.dir Files".
2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
3. Copy this file to the appropriate MATLAB folder location:
   
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2019b\sys\fonts\type1\cm\
   
4. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.

You are downloading trial software. The purchase of a one-year software subscription at the price of $29.97 USD is required to unlock all software features. Subscription auto-renews at the end of the term (Learn more). By clicking the "Start Download" button above and installing "Software", I acknowledge I have read and agree to the Solvusoft End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy.