Slowly pulling my hair out.
Engine DJ isn’t launching.
I’ve uninstalled, re-installed but still nothing.
Error says 'A version of Engine DJ is already running. Nothing showing on Task Master and no second screen.
When I re-install it offers me the choice to uninstall or repair?
I’ve tried both, but still not launching.
Move or rename the library folder on your hard drive. The errors in the library prevent from running Engine dj properly.
Can you be more specific?
I’ve tried renamimg it to Engine Library1 but still no joy. It says a version of Engine DJ is already running?
Restart your computer. Rename all Engine library folders on your computer.
Then start engine dj.
No joy, keeps saying another version is already running. Gonna chuck it out the window! Lol
Check your background processess. I assume, you are on windows, right? Check if windows starts up some processes associated with Engine dj in the background and kill those processes.
In such a case, there is a resource running in the BG, Look at engine pre-start-up files, and any drivers Engine might use. Remove them all.
(However, basing this on the fact I am guessing your running Windows)
If Windows, then what Windows version do you run?
I’ve had this before, I had to actually shut down for 5 minutes (not restart, don’t know why) but then it worked & hasn’t happened again since.
Just another windows funny half hr I presume.
Yes, Windows 11
Windows 11 25H2
Tried everything suggested, still no joy.
Just says another version is running.
Where have you looked (which tab) in Task Manager?
I had an issue with some software a while ago that was showing as “suspended”… but it was not showing in the Processes tab. It was showing in the Details tab.
Even turning off my PC and removing the power IEC from the back for three hours didn’t get rid of it. I ended up renaming the software and uninstalling it.
Looked in all the tabs, nothing. I am bamboozled.
moin,
are you using a second screen? I had the same problem. I detached the 2nd screen, on which Enging DJ was still running.
As I switched on the detached screen again, I moved the window to remaining screen, shut down engine dj, and the the button “do you want to exit” (together with back up appeared) and then I could shut down the Engine DJ.
Good luck and stron nerveves Brgds BeatMaser
It is a good point there is something holding on to a driver or system resource file, that thinks denon dj is running. Think of USB’ driver, Second monitors, audio driver, (external Soundcard/interface)/.
Try go back to a raw system, and see if this helps.
Here is the responce from my little buddy Gem2
That “already running” loop is incredibly frustrating, especially when standard troubleshooting like reinstalling and checking Task Manager comes up empty.
Looking at the community thread you linked and Engine DJ’s official support documentation, this error usually stems from one of three things: a hidden suspended process, a corrupted library file, or residual registry files conflicting with the new installation.
Since you’ve already ruled out the second monitor glitch, here are the most effective fixes to tackle those root causes:
Check the ‘Details’ tab in Task Manager
As user PKtheDJ pointed out in the thread, suspended Engine DJ processes often don’t appear in the standard Processes tab. Open Task Manager, click on the Details tab (the list icon on the left sidebar in Windows 11), and look for anything related to Engine DJ or Denon. If you find an orphan process, right-click and select End task.
Do a hard shutdown
A standard “Restart” in Windows doesn’t fully clear the system state because of a feature called Fast Startup. User AndyC fixed this exact issue by choosing Shut down, physically unplugging the PC from the wall for 5 minutes, and then turning it back on.
Isolate your library files
A corrupted library file can lock the application on boot and throw a false “already running” flag. Go to your main Music folder and rename the Engine Library folder to Engine Library_OLD. Crucially, if you have any external USB drives plugged in, completely disconnect them. If the app launches after doing this, a corrupted database was causing the lockup.
Nuke the residual files
Denon’s official documentation notes that this error can trigger if residual files from an older installation conflict with the new version’s background detection. The standard Windows “Uninstall” (and the repair option) leaves registry keys and hidden AppData behind. You will likely need to use a deep-cleaning tool like Revo Uninstaller to completely wipe all Engine DJ registry items and folders, then reinstall fresh.
Disconnect all external audio gear
Another user in the thread (dopeNL) noted that an external sound card, DJ controller, or audio driver might be holding onto a system resource that makes Windows think the software is active. Unplug all USB audio devices before trying to launch.
Did you try booting in Safe Mode? I don’t know if Engine DJ will run in Safe Mode but maybe after that and a hard shutdown it will clear things up.
in my case the command “shutdown /r /f /t 0” proceeded as admin didn’t leave to anything.
As the second screen was still disconnected the system started again together with Engine DJ. But Engine DJ was not shown, because the second screen was not connected. As I connected the screen again, ENGINE DJ popped up and all problems had been solved.
Good luck BeatMaster