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 multiple files from a specific version of VC ++, rather than having to code it themselves.
Therefore, when you use games, applications or other particular Windows features, it may be the case that strange errors appear.
One such error is the “MSVCP100.dll is missing” problem:
The program cannot 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 your 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 through the following steps:
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In Windows 7, click “Start”> “Control Panel”> “Programs and Features”
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In Windows 10, right-click the “Start” button> select “Apps and Features”
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Scroll down to any reference to “Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable”
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Ignore any listing other than version 2010
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Click on the list and select “Uninstall”
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Restart your PC
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After restarting, click Internet and find “Visual C ++ 2010 Download”
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You should find a Microsoft page as the first link
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Click on it and click the orange “Download” button
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Let the app download
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Run the installer
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Follow in their footsteps
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After it installs, restart your PC
This will have reinstalled the VC ++ 2010 package as a whole, thus replacing the MSVCP100.dll file on your system.
If you try the app again, this time it should work. If not, continue with the next steps.
2. Reinstall any application 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 application that triggers the error, which is very simple:
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In Windows 7, click “Start”> “Control Panel”> “Programs / Features”
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In Windows 10, right click on “Start”> select “Applications and Features”
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Find the application you want to reinstall / uninstall
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Uninstall it
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Reboot your system
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Install a fresh copy of the application again
As mentioned, the reason this works is because many applications are trying to replace the MSVCPxxx.dll files on your system.
Reinstalling the application should fix the error.
3. Manually replace MSVCP100.dll
If you are still unlucky, 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 is not that difficult) and replace it:
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Search online for “MSVCP100.dll download”
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Select the first link that appears (or search for DLLMe.com)
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Download the file to your system
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Go to C: / Windows / System32
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Extract the file into that folder
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Once this is complete, press the “Windows” + “R” keys on your keyboard
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Type “cmd” and hit “Enter”
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In the black box that appears, type “regsvr32 msvcp100.dll”
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Press “Enter”
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Once this is complete, reboot your system
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Please try your application again
This should provide the application with the file it needs. If it fixes the problem, we’ll have to see it.
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 the central Windows database, responsible for storing all your system settings) stores a large list of available DLL files and their locations.
The problem for most systems is that this database / list can often get corrupted, preventing your applications from locating the file.
To fix it, you can “clean” the registry …
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You need to download a “registry cleaner” application
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CCleaner is the only tool worth using in 2018; there are others, but CCleaner is the most reliable (and it’s free)
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From here you need to run the program and let it scan all your files / registry errors
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If you find any, let them clean.
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Reboot your system
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Try the app again
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If you still can’t get the app to work, it means you have more problems with your system.
A piece of software (usually a game) may have overwritten the original MSVCP100.dll file with yours.
To figure this out, you need to get information from someone with specific experience with your system, which can be obtained by going to SuperUser or MicrosoftAnswers.
If you need more support and are willing to pay, you would do well to search Fiverr for someone who can help you.
