Quit Illustrator CS2.
Last updated on
Sep. 28, 2021
Facing an issue where Illustrator is crashing on launch and showing missing plugin error or CANT error? Follow the resolution mentioned below.
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Right-click Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (2012-2017) and choose Repair.
- Reset Illustrator preferences. The Illustrator preferences file is available at the following locations:
[Windows] Username > App Data > Roaming > Adobe > Adobe Illustrator version-number Settings
[macOS] /Users/<Username>/Library/Preferences/Adobe Illustrator 24 Settings - Restart your computer and open Illustrator.
Error message examples
Issue
When you try to start Adobe Illustrator CS2 or CS3, the application returns this error or a similar error: "Missing required plugins: BRS Pencil Tool. ExpandS. Pathfinder Suite."
Solution
Do one or more of the following solutions:
Solution 1: Re-create the Illustrator preferences files.
The "Missing required plugins" error may appear because one of the Illustrator preferences files has become damaged. Follow the instructions below to re-create the preferences files.
Warning: When you re-create the preferences files, you will lose any unsaved actions that you created. To save actions that you created, choose Save Actions from the Actions palette menu in Illustrator before you follow the instructions below. To load your custom actions in Illustrator after you have re-created the preferences folder, choose Load Actions from the Actions palette menu.
Note: The Windows instructions in this solution require you to locate hidden files and hidden folders. By default, Windows Explorer doesn't show hidden files or hidden folders. To make these items visible, see "Show hidden files and folders (Windows XP, Vista)" (TechNote kb402324).
To re-create the Illustrator CS2 preferences files:
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Do one of the following:
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Mac OS: Rename the Adobe Illustrator CS2 Settings folder (for example, to Old Adobe Illustrator CS2 Settings) in the /Users/[your user name]/Library/Preferences folder. Rename the com.adobe.illustrator.plist file (for example, to Old com.adobe.illustrator.plist) in the same folder.
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Windows XP: Rename the Adobe Illustrator CS2 Settings folder (for example, to Old Adobe Illustrator CS2 Settings) in the C:\Documents and Settings[your user name]\Application Data\Adobe folder.
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Windows Vista: Rename the the Adobe Illustrator CS2 Settings folder (for example, to Old Adobe Illustrator CS2 Settings) in the C:\Users\[your user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe folder.
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Open Illustrator CS2. Illustrator will create new preferences files.
To re-create the Illustrator CS3 preferences files:
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Quit Illustrator CS3.
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Do one of the following:
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Mac OS: Rename the Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings folder (for example, to Old Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings) in the /Users/[your user name]/Library/Preferences folder. Rename the com.adobe.illustrator.plist file (for example, to Old com.adobe.illustrator.plist) in the same folder.
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Windows XP: Rename the Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings folder (for example, to Old Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings) in the C:\Documents and Settings[your user name]\Application Data\Adobe folder.
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Windows Vista: Rename the the Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings folder (for example, to Old Adobe Illustrator CS3 Settings) in the C:\Users\[your user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe folder.
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Open Illustrator CS3. Illustrator will create new preferences files.
If the problem continues, then damaged preferences file are not the cause. To restore custom settings, delete the new preferences folders and restore the original name of the previous preferences folders. On Mac OS, also delete the new com.adobe.illustrator.plist file and restore the original name of the previous file.
If the problem continues, then damaged preferences file are not the cause. To restore custom settings, delete the new preferences folders and restore the original name of the previous preferences folders. On Mac OS, also delete the new com.adobe.illustrator.plist file and restore the original name of the previous file.
Solution 2 (Illustrator CS3 on Windows only): Verify that the required font is installed and active.
The "Missing required plugins" error may appear because a Windows system font required by Illustrator CS3 has been disabled or deleted.
On Windows XP, Illustrator CS3 requires the Tahoma font. On Windows Vista, Illustrator CS3 requires the Segoe-UI font.
To verify that the required font is installed and active, use the Fonts item in the Control Panel, or use your own font management utility if you prefer.
If Tahoma or Segoe-UI is no longer installed, then contact Microsoft for instructions on reinstalling it as well as any other missing system fonts.
Solution 3: Run Illustrator in a new administrator user account.
A damaged user account or an account with limited system permissions may be the cause of the "Missing plugins" error. Create a new administrator account, log on to it, and then try to start Illustrator in the new account.
To create a new administrator account, contact your system administrator or do one of the following:
- Mac OS: See "Install or run an Adobe application from within a new user account (Mac OS X)" (TechNote kb404927).
- Windows XP: Choose Start > Help And Support and see the article "To add a new user to the computer."
- Windows Vista: See "Create new local administrator account (Windows Vista)" (TechNote kb404912).