Fixes For Msvcrt.dll Errors

Msvcrt.dll is a core file in the Windows system which contains vital Visual C++ functions and commands. Any program created with the Visual C++ framework OR general C++ functions require the use of this file, and is specifically used for the likes of mathematical calculations and geometric information.

Errors Caused By Msvcrt.dll

Msvcrt.dll is responsible for a series of common errors on the Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems and are generally seen in this format:

“Msvcrt.dll Not Found”

“This application failed to start because msvcrt.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.”

“Cannot find [PATH]\msvcrt.dll”

“The file msvcrt.dll is missing.”

“Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: msvcrt.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.”

These errors are often shown when you want to either run or install a program on your PC. Because many different programs use the msvcrt.dll file, the errors can be extremely annoying and appear random.

Solutions To Fix Msvcrt.dll Errors

If you want to fix the msvcrt.dll errors, you should follow this simple method. The msvcrt.dll file is required by Windows, so there are only a small number of parts of it which could be causing the problems you’re seeing on your PC. Fortunately, this method will show you how to fix these errors for good:

Method 1 – Use The Installation Disc To Recover This File

You can use the installation disc to recover this file and place a copy of the file that is intact and reliable. To do this, you should insert the Windows installation disc into the CD / DVD drive of your PC and then press “R” to open the recovery console. This will load up a black and white screen where you will have to select various options. You should press the numbered key which corresponds to the operating system installation you wish to repair and then proceed.  Your PC will then prompt you to login with your administrator details and will then show you the actual recovery console. Onto this screen, you should type the following commands:

cd system32
ren msvcrt.dll msvcrt.bak
D:
cd \i386
expand msvcrt.dl_ C:\windows\system32
exit

Please note that C:\ assumes your Windows installation is on the C:\ drive; and D:\ assumes your CD / DVD reader is assigned to the D:\ drive. You should replace these letters with the letters of your drives

This step will basically replace the current msvcrt.dll file with the one that’s on the Windows installation CD. This will make the file readable and accessible again as it will put a fresh copy of the file onto your system.

Method 2 – Manually Replace Msvcrt.dll

If method #1 does not work, or you are not able to get method #1 to work, you may wish to replace msvcrt.dll manually on your PC. This is done by downloading a replacement file from the Internet and then placing it onto your system, overwriting the current file that’s on there.

1) Download this version of msvcrt.dll

2) Unzip the msvcrt.dll file to your PC

3) Browse to C:\Windows\System32 on your system

4) Locate the current msvcrt.dll

5) Rename the current msvcrt.dll to msvcrtBACKUP.dll

6) Take the new msvcrt.dll and put it into C:\Windows\System32

7) Restart your PC

This will replace the msvcrt.dll file that’s on your computer and causing a lot of problems for your PC. It should allow Windows to read the file again, if it’s showing a lot of the “msvcrt.dll is missing” errors on your system.

Method 3 – Scan For Viruses

– Download This Antivirus Tool

Viruses can also cause the errors you are seeing. There are viruses which basically latch onto files such as msvcrt.dll and then corrupt them, preventing Windows from not being able to recognize them again. This is a big problem which can only be fixed by using an antivirus program to scan through your computer and fix the viruses that are inside it. We’ve for a recommended antivirus tool called “XoftSpySE”.

Method 4 – Clean The Registry

– Download This Registry Cleaner

The ‘registry’ is a big database inside Windows which keeps a large list of references for the DLL files on your system. This central database is where Windows keeps a list of the DLL file locations for your computer, and is where your system looks each time it wants to use a dll file such as msvcrt.dll. Unfortunately, it’s prone to becoming damaged and corrupted and is constantly being unable to read the files and references that it needs to open the files that it wants. This is a major problem that causes a lot of damage to many different parts of your system. Running a registry scan will remove all the damaged references inside the registry, allowing it to run as quickly and smoothly as possible.