How to Fix Msvcrt.dll Errors

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In this post I will be discussing the msvcrt.dll file, providing you with a plethora of information about what this file is, it’s many associated errors, and what you can do to rectify them. Below, you will find a number of viable solutions for solving any error you may have encountered involving this file. But before you scroll down to that section, I recommend you give the post a read in its entirety, as this will give you addition context on what, why and how your issue may have occurred.

Msvcrt.dll is a core Windows file that contains vital functions and commands via Visual C++. Essentially, any program that was/is programmed using Visual C++ or your general C++ functions, will utilise this file at some point, which is used primarily for geometric and mathematical calculations.

Is Msvcrt.dll A Dangerous File?

Msvcrt.dll is a harmless Windows file that is likely to pose no real threat or danger to your computer system.

Can You Remove or Stop Msvcrt.dll?

Although msvcrt.dll is a file used by a great many programs on your system, it is a non-system process, which means it can be stopped. However, it’s not recommended, due to its general importance.

Is Msvcrt.dll Resource Hungry?

Msvcrt.dll is not a process that is considered to be resource hungry. However, if you have an excess number of processes running on your system at the same time, it can adversely affect its performance. In order to reduce the strain these processes may be having on your computer, you can use the Microsoft System Configuration Utility.

The Windows Resource Monitor is a built-in system utility that can be used to find out which applications and processes are using the most system resources. This way you can best determine what to disable or uninstall. To access this tool simply press windows key + R, type resmon and click on OK.

open windows monitor using run box

What Causes Msvcrt.dll Errors?

There are a number of errors associated with the msvcrt.dll (as previously stated), with varying error messages. These errors are known to occur on virtually every version of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10), with its most common error messages being the following:

This application failed to start because msvcrt.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
Cannot start XXX. A required component is missing: msvcrt.dll. Please install XXX again.
The file msvcrt.dll is missing.
Msvcrt.dll Not Found.
Cannot find [DIRECTORY]\msvcrt.dll

These error messages may occur either while running or installing a program on your system.

Because a significant portion of the programs on your system are likely to use the msvcrt.dll file, these error messages can be very consistent.

That said, the most common causes for msvcrt.dll errors, looks something like the following:

  • References to the msvcrt.dll file are missing from the Windows registry.
  • The msvcrt.dll file was intentionally or unintentionally deleted from your system.
  • The file has been corrupted by a virus.
  • The version of msvcrt.dll on your system is outdated.

If you notice multiple instances of the msvcrt.dll file in Windows Task Manager, that is usually indication of a virus. Having all the relevant internet security software on your computer is integral to safeguarding it from such problems.

How to Fix It

When it comes to fixing errors associated with the msvcrt.dll file, there are several viable methods that you can deploy. Msvcrt.dll is an essential non-system file, used by many of the applications on your computer.

Which method works best for you, will depend entirely on the root cause of your current predicament. That said, I’ve listed the solutions in order of difficulty and effectiveness.

Run a Registry Scan

The Windows registry is a very important area of your operating system. Essentially, it’s a database, containing various pieces of data, including references to DLL files on your computer. It’s these references that Windows will use, when attempting to locate a specific file, and is where Windows will look, when trying to locate msvcrt.dll.

Unfortunately, the registry is highly susceptible to corruption, resulting in portions of the registry becoming unreadable to the operating system. The end result is a system unable to locate certain key Windows files. Fortunately, it is possible to repair the registry through the use of specialised software, such as Advanced System Repair Pro. Simply download, install and run this program and it will carry out the necessary checks and repairs on your computer.

You can learn more about Advanced System Repair Pro and how it can help you, from the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO

Run a Virus Scan

Viruses are known to cause a great many problems that occur on your computer. There are many different types of virus files, but generally, they all latch onto your system, replicate and corrupt system files while doing so. The effects of these viruses varies, depending on how long it’s been lingering on your system, and how dangerous the file is.

Fortunately, it is possible to remove these viruses from your computer, by using an antivirus tool. Assuming you have one, I’d recommend you ran a full scan of your system, right now. Alternatively, I’d like to introduce you to SpyHunter, which is one of the very best antimalware tools around. Capable of not just detecting and removing said viruses but also restoring full Windows functionality in the process.

You can learn more about SpyHunter, from the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT SPYHUNTER

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Replace the Msvcrt.dll File

If both method above fail to rectify the msvcrt.dll issue on your system, then I suggest you consider replacing the file altogether. To do this, you will need to download a replacement file, and use that to overwrite the current one on your system.

To do that, follow the instructions below:

1. First, you will need to boot into your computer system as a full administrator.

2. Then download one of the following msvcrt.dll files:

Msvcrt.dll for 32-bit Windows: http://www.mediafire.com/file/v5nkgodg8tttn6y/msvcrt+32.zip/file
Msvcrt.dll for 64-bit Windows: http://www.mediafire.com/file/8hpehef8z3g2qb7/msvcrt+64.zip/file

3. Next, press windows key + R, type C:\Windows\System32 and click on OK.

open system32 folder using run box

4. When the System32 folder opens, locate and rename msvcrt.dll to msvcrtBACKUP.dll.

rename msvcrt.dll to msvcrtBACKUP.dll

5. Then, open the Msvcrt.zip and click on Extract To.

extract msvcrt.dll utility program

Note: Step may vary depending on which utility tool you’re using. For this tutorial, I’m using WinRAR.

6. This will bring up the Extraction path and options applet, from here, type C:\Windows\System32 into the Destination path box, then click on OK.

export file to system32 folder

7. Lastly, restart your computer.

If done successfully, you should have a new, working version of the msvcrt.dll file, on your computer. Any and all issues relating to the msvcrt.dll file, should now be solved.

Use Windows CD to Recover File

If you’re on an older version of Windows, such as XP, then it’s possible for you to use the msvcrt.dll file on your Windows installation CD to replace the one on your system.

To do this, you will need to enter the Recovery Console. If you don’t know how to do that, you can find, step-by-step instructions on my post on fixing Advapi32.dll errors.

1. Once you’re in the Recovery Console, you will need to type the following commands, pressing Enter, after each line:

CD System32
Ren msvcrt.dll msvcrtBACKUP.bak
D:
CD \i386
Expand msvcrt.dll_ C:\Windows\System32
Exit

Note: C: assumes your operating system is installed on the C drive, while D: refers to your primary CD-ROM drive. Both may vary, depending on how you have things setup.

When successfully completed, you should now have the original working copy of msvcrt.dll on your system.

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