There are times when some of the Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files do not get installed or registered during the installation of the runtime library. This causes the application to not work properly. First, we will need to understand what types of error messages we can get from missing DLL files and then we will discuss how to identify which version of Visual C++ redistributable DLL is missing and finally will go to the solution to all these error messages. Also check: Download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (All Versions)
What is a DLL
A Dynamic Link Library is a piece of code or data that can be recalled by multiple programs and processes, so every software does not need to repeat the same code. In the programming language, a DLL can be referred to as a function that can be called every time it is needed, without needing to duplicate the code itself. If a DLL is corrupted, every app, program, or software that will need it would no longer function properly. Therefore, you must fix issues relating to a DLL file.
DLL Error Codes
When these DDL files are missing, there are a few errors you will get while running or installing applications. The most common missing DLL files are the following:
MSVCP140 MSVCP120 MSVCP110 MSVCP100 D3DX9_43 NTDLL
Some of the error messages that may be associated with these DLLs are listed below:
The program can’t start because MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem. The program can’t start because MSVCP120.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
These error messages can be for an extended range of DLL files including msvcr80.dll, msvcr100.dll, msvcr120.dll, msvcr140.dll, msvcp80.dll, msvcp100.dll, msvcp120.dll, msvcp140.dll, etc. These error messages can come in applications that need Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable installed to run. These applications can range from WAMP, XAMP, nVidia, MySQL, games like MaxPayne, etc. There are three types of Visual C++ DLL libraries
MSVCR: C Runtime Library (CRL) MSVCP: Standard C++ Library MFC: Microsoft Foundation Classes Library
And each number at the end of each DLL file corresponds to the Visual Studio version number.
90: Visual Studio 2008 (Version 9.0) 100: Visual Studio 2010 (Version 10.0) 110: Visual Studio 2012 (Version 11.0) 120: Visual Studio 2013 (Version 12.0) 140: Visual Studio 2015 (Version 14.0) 150: Visual Studio 2017 (Version 15.0) 160: Visual Studio 2019 (Version 16.0)
Although these error messages appear to be different, they have similar solutions. The error messages primarily indicate that either our Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable installation has become corrupt, it was not installed properly or the application requires a different version of the runtime library to run.
Fix Missing DLL Files
Reinstall VC++ Redistributable Package
The first solution is to reinstall the VC++ redistributable packages. This will copy the missing DLL files to their right locations automatically. Here are the steps you can take to reinstall it correctly: After the restart, check to see if you can run the application that showed the “DLL file is missing” error. If the error remains, continue to perform the remaining solutions below. The last digits of the DLL file are essential. For example, if MSVCR100.DLL is written in the error message, note “100.” For example, if you noted “100,” this means that you need to reinstall VC++ 2010 redistributable package.
Re-Register the Missing DLL File
If you can find the missing DLL file in the C:\Windows\System32 folder but still get the error message, you can re-register the DLL file to make it work again. Here are the steps you have to follow to re-register the DLL files. Now check whether the issue has been resolved. If it hasn’t, continue to perform the remaining solutions below.
Install Pending Windows Updates
Windows updates often include DLL libraries. If your computer has any pending updates that are yet to be installed, we recommend that you install them now and then check if the issue is fixed. Use the following steps to check and install pending Windows updates: After the restart, check if you are now able to run the app without seeing the “missing DLL file” error message.
Reinstall Problematic Program
Even if the respective DLL file is available and working on your computer, an issue with the app or program can prevent it process accessing it, resulting in the “missing DLL file” error message. Try reinstalling the problematic application and then check to see if it resolves the issue. Use the following steps to uninstall the app:
Repair Windows
If the problem is still not resolved, you can attempt to repair any corrupted or missing system files using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool and System File Checker (SFC) tools. These are Windows-native command line tools used to troubleshoot system files. Apply the following steps to repair the Windows image: Once the scans and fixes (if any) are completed, restart the computer and check to see if the “missing DLL file” error has been mitigated.
Scan for Malware
A virus or malware could potentially be affecting the DLL file in question. It may have corrupted it or is preventing the program from accessing it. If the issue has not been fixed up until now, perform a malware scan and quarantine it using the built-in Windows Security software:
Restore to an Earlier State
If none of the solutions above have worked in resolving the issue, maybe a system restore will help. A system restore is a point in time that you can revert your computer to when it was working fine. You can also perform a scan using a third-party antivirus. Here is a list of the top antivirus software to use to perform the scan. If you are proceeding to purchase antivirus software, here are the 17 aspects you should always consider. It may be possible that an action performed by you has affected the computer, resulting in the “missing DLL file” error. Restoring it to an earlier state will undo everything. Here is how to restore a Windows computer: Note: This method will only work if you have configured automatic restore point creation or created one yourself. The system will now begin the restoration process. This may take a while. The system restore wizard will now launch. Once the computer is restored, check to see if the missing DLL problem is fixed.
Closing Words
Hopefully, the solutions I have given here will be enough to fix the DLL missing issues. I would love to hear about your experiences in fixing these issues. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
