Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages are pieces of software that act as “library” files.

This means that if a program wants to include a certain type of functionality, the developer can simply include various files from a specific version of VC++, rather than having to code it themselves.

Thus, when you use certain games, applications or other features of Windows, it may be the case that strange errors appear.

One such error is the “MSVCP100.dll is missing” issue:


The program can’t start because MSVCP100.dll is missing from your computer

The cause of the error, as mentioned, is that the file “MSVCP100.dll” is missing from your PC.

This file is part of the VC++ Redistributable 2010 package (MS=Microsoft, VCP=Visual C PlusPlus, 100=version).

While you may have the package installed, it often happens that its DLL files are missing, corrupted, or overwritten.

To fix the problem, you need to make sure that the MSVCP100.dll file is back on your system.

This can be done by following the steps below…

Solution

1. Reinstall VC++ 2010

The first step is to reinstall VC++ 2010.

This is a free process and can be accessed by following the steps below:

  • In Windows 7, click “Start” > “Control Panel” > “Programs and Features”

  • In Windows 10, right-click the “Start” button > select “Apps & Features”

  • Scroll down to any reference to “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable”

  • Ignore any listing other than the 2010 version

  • Click on the list and select “Uninstall”

  • Restart your PC

  • After reboot, click on the Internet and search for “Download Visual C++ 2010”

  • You should find a page from Microsoft as the first link

  • Click on it and click the orange “Download” button

  • Let the app download

  • Run the installer

  • follow in his footsteps

  • After it installs, restart your PC

This will have reinstalled the VC++ 2010 package in its entirety, thus replacing the MSVCP100.dll file on your system.

If you try the app again, it should work this time. If not, continue with the next steps.

2. Reinstall any app causing the error

If the above doesn’t work, it usually means you have a problem with a particular app.

The way to fix this is to essentially reinstall the app causing the error, which is very simple:

  • In Windows 7, click “Start” > “Control Panel” > “Programs/Features”

  • In Windows 10, right click “Start” > select “Apps & Features”

  • Locate the app you want to reinstall/uninstall

  • uninstall it

  • Reboot your system

  • Reinstall a fresh copy of the app

As mentioned, the reason this works is because many applications try to replace MSVCPxxx.dll files on your system.

Reinstalling the app should fix the error for you.

3. Manually replace MSVCP100.dll

If you still have no luck, you need to replace the MSVCP100.dll file manually on your system.

To do this, you need to find a version of the file online (which isn’t that hard) and replace it:

  • Search online for “MSVCP100.dll download”

  • Select the first link that appears (or search for DLLMe.com)

  • Download the file to your system

  • Go to C:/Windows/System32

  • Extract the file into that folder

  • Once this is complete, press the “Windows” + “R” keys on your keyboard

  • Type “cmd” and press “Enter”

  • In the black box that appears, type “regsvr32 msvcp100.dll”

  • Press “Enter”

  • Once this completes, reboot your system

  • Please try your application again

This should provide the application with the file it requires. Whether that fixes the problem, we’ll have to see.

4. Clean registry errors

Lastly, cleaning up any registry errors can give the system the ability to read your DLL files again.

What most people don’t know is that the “registry” (which is Windows’ central database, responsible for storing all your system settings) stores a huge list of available DLL files and their locations.

The problem for most systems is that this database/list can often become corrupted, preventing your applications from locating the file.

To fix it, you can “clean” the registry…

  • You need to download a “registry cleaner” app

  • CCleaner is the only tool worth using in 2018; there are others, but CCleaner is the most reliable (and it’s free)

  • From here you should run the program and let it scan all your registry files/errors

  • If you find any, clean them up.

  • Reboot your system

  • Try the app again

If you still can’t get the app to work, it means you have more problems with your system.

It is likely that a piece of software (usually a game) has overwritten the original MSVCP100.dll file with its own.

To resolve this, you need to get information from someone with specific expertise on your system, which can be accomplished by going to SuperUser or MicrosoftAnswers.

If you need more help and are willing to pay, you’d do well to search Fiverr for someone who can help.

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