I’m getting “Could not parse xxx.json”

When opening DRE and you see this popup with

“Could not parse C:\Users\[Owner]\AppData\Local\DRE\Docs\States.json: App will now close.”

Please rectify this by doing the following:

Make sure DRE has closed
1. Check Task Manager with Ctrl+Alt+Delete
2. Look for DRE.exe in the Processes tab
3. Right-click it and End task
Open a Windows Explorer window (use Windows key + E if unsure)
Copy this: %LocalAppData%/DRE/Docs (including the %’s)
Paste into the address bar of the Windows Explorer window and hit enter
Find the corrupted file specified in the popup message (in this instance States.json)
Delete the file by right-clicking -> Delete
Now open DRE again and it should restore the file back to default

You may attempt to manually fix the file by opening it, fixing the issue and saving it. But if the content of the file is empty, you need to delete the file and restart DRE.

Latest Updates from the blog

iRacing Control Profile Bindings

DRE reads the active saved iRacing profile for supported voice requests and optional controller actions, including changes you save during a session.

Smart Turn and Echo Cancellation

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Your League Classes, Not the Sim’s

DRE 2026.3.0 brings your league’s Pro, Pro-Am, Am, and other custom classes into live race information, the roster, track map, and Analytics.

Braking Overlap Signal

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DRE 2026.2: Assetto Corsa Support, Braking Overlap Coaching, and Faster Startup

DRE v2026.2.0 adds full Assetto Corsa support, Braking Overlap coaching, adjustable pit speeding offsets, app keybind control, faster startup, and fixes.

DRE 2026.1 is live

DRE 2026.1 is live with pit stall location alerts before pitting, rollback installs when moving down release lanes, no Neural word caps, faster chat recall, and Turkish support.

DRE Now Supports Le Mans Ultimate

Le Mans Ultimate now works with DRE, bringing voice race engineering, spotter awareness, fuel guidance, and quick mid-race answers into LMU.

Speak with intents

Tired of memorizing exact voice commands? DRE’s new Neural and Hybrid recognition lets you speak naturally. Your race engineer just got a whole lot smarter.

Black Friday 2025 is here

Black Friday Sale: Save big on DRE subscriptions! New users get 50% off the first year, existing subscribers enjoy 25% off on renewals. Use codes: BFNEW2025 for new sign-ups, BFRENEW2025 for renewals. Act before Nov 30th!

DRE 2025.1 is now in beta

DRE 2025.1 beta is here, Read the quick run-down of the major features in this new release.