Persistent MSVCR120 DLL problems disrupt Windows programs by preventing access to essential runtime functions from the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package. These issues manifest as missing file errors, side-by-side configuration failures, or application crashes that resist simple fixes. This ultimate troubleshooting guide delivers systematic solutions to resolve even the most stubborn cases efficiently.
“Persistent MSVCR120 DLL problems require methodical diagnosis and targeted repairs rather than random file replacements.”
Users face these challenges when standard installation attempts fail due to corruption, conflicts, or system configuration errors. The following sections provide detailed procedures that address every potential cause. Following this guide transforms recurring frustrations into permanent resolutions.
Initial Assessment of MSVCR120 DLL Problems
Begin troubleshooting by documenting the exact error message and affected applications. Note whether the problem occurs during startup, specific operations, or randomly. This information guides the selection of appropriate diagnostic tools and repair strategies.
Check Event Viewer for detailed logs related to the failure time. Application and System categories contain entries about DLL loading attempts. Error codes reveal whether the issue involves missing files, version mismatches, or access violations.
Verify system architecture through System Information to ensure 32-bit and 64-bit compatibility. Many persistent problems stem from incomplete redistributable installations covering only one architecture. Complete coverage requires both variants for modern Windows environments.
Gathering Diagnostic Information
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run dependency checking commands. Tools like depends.exe display required DLL versions for specific executables. The output highlights mismatches between expected and available MSVCR120 DLL files.
Process Explorer monitors real-time library loading for running applications. Search for MSVCR120 DLL in the lower pane to see loaded paths and versions. Multiple entries indicate potential conflicts between system and private copies.
Identifying Symptom Patterns
Startup errors suggest missing system files or registry corruption. Runtime crashes point to function-level incompatibilities within the library. Understanding these patterns narrows the troubleshooting scope significantly.
Official Redistributable Reinstallation Procedures
Download fresh Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable packages from Microsoft sources exclusively. Both x86 and x64 versions ensure comprehensive coverage across all applications. Save files to a neutral location before execution.
Uninstall existing Visual C++ 2013 entries through Programs and Features first. Select each instance and choose Uninstall to remove corrupted registrations. Restart the system to clear memory resident library instances.
“Complete removal followed by clean installation resolves most persistent MSVCR120 DLL problems effectively.”
Run installers sequentially with administrator privileges for proper system integration. Accept default settings unless specific requirements dictate otherwise. Monitor progress indicators to confirm successful completion.
Verification After Installation
Launch affected programs immediately after the final restart to test functionality. Success confirms the resolution of basic missing file issues. Persistent errors indicate deeper system corruption requiring advanced techniques.
Check installation logs in the temporary folder for error details during setup. These text files document file placement and registry operations. Analysis reveals partial failures that need manual correction.
Handling Installation Failures
Error code 0x80070643 indicates component store corruption, preventing package registration. DISM repair commands restore the Windows image before retrying installation. This prerequisite step enables successful redistributable deployment.
Insufficient disk space triggers setup rollbacks that leave partial configurations. Free at least 500 megabytes in the system drive before attempting installation. Temporary file cleanup provides necessary space without affecting user data.
System File Integrity Restoration
Windows System File Checker examines protected files for corruption or replacement. Open an elevated Command Prompt and execute sfc scannow to initiate scanning. The process compares current files against cached originals automatically.
Corrupted MSVCR120 DLL instances trigger replacement from the component store. Successful repairs appear in the CBS log with detailed restoration entries. Review this log to confirm specific file corrections.
“System File Checker serves as the first line of defense against persistent MSVCR120 DLL problems caused by file corruption.”
Multiple scan passes may be necessary for complete restoration. Restart between executions to release file locks from running processes. This iterative approach ensures thorough system cleanup.
Advanced SFC Usage
The /verifyonly parameter checks file integrity without performing repairs. Use this mode to assess damage extent before committing changes. Results guide subsequent repair strategy decisions.
Offline scanning through Windows Recovery Environment bypasses file locks completely. Boot from installation media and access the Command Prompt for maintenance. This method resolves issues unreachable in normal mode.
Component Store Repair
DISM /Online /Cleanup Image /RestoreHealth rebuilds the component store when SFC cannot complete repairs. Internet access downloads replacement files from Microsoft servers. The process duration varies with connection speed and corruption extent.
Local Windows image sources accelerate repair through the /Source parameter. Specify installation media paths to avoid online downloads. This technique works well for offline environments or metered connections.
Registry Configuration Verification
Visual C++ redistributables create specific registry keys during installation. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\VisualStudio\12.0\VC\Runtimes for version entries. Missing or corrupted keys prevent proper library registration.
Export the entire Runtimes branch before modifications for safety. Manual recreation follows Microsoft’s documented key structures precisely. Incorrect values cause immediate application failures.
Side-by-side configuration depends on manifest information in the registry and application folders. Compare expected entries against working systems for accuracy. Discrepancies explain persistent loading errors.
Common Registry Issues
Duplicate version entries create conflicts during library resolution. Remove obsolete keys while preserving active installations. The cleanup reduces confusion in the loading process.
Permission problems prevent registry access during installation. Local Administrators group membership ensures proper key creation. Temporary elevation resolves these access issues.
Safe Editing Practices
Registry Editor warnings emphasize backup importance before changes. System Restore point creation provides additional recovery options. These precautions enable confident troubleshooting of configuration problems.
Safe Mode Troubleshooting Techniques
Boot into Safe Mode to eliminate third-party software interference during repairs. Minimal driver loading allows file operations without access conflicts. This environment proves essential for stubborn file replacement issues.
Network-enabled Safe Mode maintains internet access for update downloads. Choose this option when DISM requires online component restoration. The combination provides maximum troubleshooting flexibility.
“Safe Mode creates the ideal environment for resolving persistent MSVCR120 DLL problems that resist normal mode repairs.”
File operations complete successfully without process locks in Safe Mode. Manual DLL placement becomes possible when installers fail. Verification occurs immediately upon returning to normal boot.
Safe Mode Access Methods
Shift Restart from the login screen opens Advanced Startup options. Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options to reach the Safe Mode selection. This method works across all modern Windows versions.
MSConfig boot configuration enables a persistent Safe Mode entry until disabled. Check the Safe Boot option under the Boot tab for automated startup. Remember to uncheck after troubleshooting completion.
Post Safe Mode Verification
Run affected applications after normal boot to confirm repair persistence. Temporary Safe Mode fixes indicate ongoing conflicts with startup items. Clean boot procedures isolate problematic software permanently.
Clean Boot Conflict Isolation
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal services and startup programs. This state reveals software conflicts affecting MSVCR120 DLL loading. Systematic re-enabling identifies the specific culprit.
Third-party antivirus software sometimes blocks runtime library registration. Temporary disable allows installation completion without interference. Re-enable protection after confirming functionality.
Device drivers occasionally hook into runtime functions, causing crashes. Updated drivers from manufacturers resolve compatibility problems. Windows Update may provide the necessary corrections automatically.
Step-by-Step Isolation Process
- Open System Configuration: Type msconfig in the Run dialog to access settings.
- Disable Startup Items: Uncheck all non-Microsoft entries in the Startup tab.
- Manage Services: Hide Microsoft services, then disable remaining items.
- Restart and Test: Verify application functionality in a clean state.
Re-enabling Components
Enable items in small groups to pinpoint conflict sources efficiently. Document changes between tests for accurate tracking. The process continues until the problematic component reveals itself.
Dependency Conflict Resolution
Multiple MSVCR120 DLL versions in different locations create loading confusion. Windows prioritizes application directory copies over system files. Private deployments override global installations unexpectedly.
Application manifests specify exact version requirements through dependency declarations. Mismatched manifests cause side-by-side configuration errors. Updating application packages aligns requirements with available libraries.
The global assembly cache stores shared components for framework applications. Visual C++ libraries typically avoid GAC placement. Understanding this distinction prevents inappropriate deployment attempts.
Manifest Analysis Tools
SxS Trace enables detailed side-by-side logging during application startup. Command line activation captures loading sequence information. The output reveals exact failure points in dependency resolution.
A manifest comparison between working and failing systems highlights differences. Copy valid manifest files to problematic applications when appropriate. This targeted fix resolves specific program issues.
Private Deployment Considerations
Application local DLL copies require identical versions to system files. Mismatches cause immediate crashes despite file presence. Synchronize versions through coordinated updates for consistency.
Advanced Memory Diagnostics
Memory corruption affects library loading even with the correct files present. Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM modules for hardware errors. Schedule the test during the next restart for comprehensive checking.
Faulty memory causes intermittent crashes that appear as DLL problems. Pattern recognition in error reports suggests hardware involvement. Replacement modules resolve issues permanently when confirmed.
Page file configuration impacts large application memory handling. Insufficient virtual memory triggers out-of-memory errors during library loading. Proper sizing prevents these secondary failures.
Memory Test Interpretation
Extended test mode detects subtle errors missed in standard checks. Multiple passes increase detection accuracy significantly. Results appear after automatic restart completion.
Virtual Memory Optimization
System-managed page file sizing accommodates varying workload demands. Manual configuration requires understanding application memory patterns. Automatic management works well for general use scenarios.
Update Management Strategies
Windows Update delivers runtime library patches through regular channels. Disabled updates prevent security and stability improvements. Enable automatic updating for continuous protection.
Feature updates introduce new runtime components and compatibility layers. Major version upgrades sometimes resolve long-standing issues. Plan update windows during low usage periods.
Offline update packages apply specific fixes without full update cycles. Microsoft Update Catalog provides these targeted solutions. This approach suits systems with connectivity limitations.
Update History Analysis
| Security Updates | Monthly | Critical vulnerability patches |
| Quality Updates | Monthly | Stability improvements |
| Feature Updates | Semi annual | New functionality and compatibility |
Rollback Procedures
System Restore returns to pre-update states when problems arise. Create manual restore points before major updates. This safety net enables quick recovery from incompatible changes.
Malware and Security Considerations
Malware sometimes replaces system DLL files with malicious versions. Comprehensive antivirus scans detect these intrusions. Remove threats before attempting library repairs.
Rootkit activity hides file modifications from standard detection. Specialized rootkit scanners reveal hidden processes and files. Complete system imaging may be necessary for severe infections.
Security software conflicts block legitimate library operations occasionally. Temporarily disabling during troubleshooting isolates these issues. Re-enable protection after confirming resolution.
Scan Strategy Development
Full system scans examine all files, including protected directories. Scheduled weekly scans maintain ongoing protection. Real-time monitoring catches infections immediately.
Post Infection Recovery
Clean system images ensure complete malware removal. Backup verification confirms data integrity before restoration. The process establishes trusted baseline configurations.
Enterprise Environment Solutions
Group Policy deployment standardizes redistributable installation across networks. Centralized management ensures version consistency. This approach prevents individual machine variations.
Software distribution systems track installation status comprehensively. Reporting identifies systems requiring attention. Automated remediation maintains compliance continuously.
License tracking documents, runtime component usage, organization-wide. Audit preparation requires detailed deployment records. Proper documentation supports compliance verification.
Deployment Package Creation
Merge modules include runtime files in application installers. Silent installation parameters enable unattended deployment. Testing validates functionality across target configurations.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Performance counters track library loading efficiency. Baseline establishment enables anomaly detection. Proactive maintenance prevents widespread issues.
Legacy Application Compatibility
Older applications require specific runtime versions for operation. Compatibility modes emulate previous Windows environments. These settings resolve function call differences.
Application shims intercept API calls for behavior modification. Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit creates custom fixes. This solution addresses unique program requirements.
Virtual machines isolate legacy software completely. Independent runtime environments prevent system-wide conflicts. This approach works well for limited-use applications.
Compatibility Mode Settings
Right-click the application properties to access compatibility tab. Select the appropriate Windows version for testing. Multiple settings may require experimentation for optimal results.
Shim Database Management
Global shim application affects all matching programs. Targeted deployment limits the scope appropriately. Regular review maintains system performance.
Performance Optimization Post Repair
Library loading efficiency impacts application startup times. Defragmented system drives improve file access speed. Regular maintenance preserves these gains.
Startup program management reduces resource contention. Selective loading focuses resources on essential applications. The optimization improves overall responsiveness.
Memory management settings fine-tune system behavior. Working set trimming prevents excessive caching. Balanced configuration supports diverse workloads.
Benchmark Establishment
Baseline performance measurements document improvement levels. Consistent testing methodology ensures accurate comparisons. The data validates repair effectiveness objectively.
Ongoing Monitoring
Resource Monitor tracks real-time library usage patterns. Unusual activity indicates emerging problems. Early detection enables preventive action.
Conclusion
The ultimate troubleshooting guide for persistent MSVCR120 DLL problems encompasses systematic diagnosis, targeted repairs, and preventive maintenance. Beginning with accurate error documentation and progressing through official reinstallation, system file restoration, and advanced diagnostics ensures comprehensive resolution. Each technique builds upon previous steps to address increasingly complex scenarios.
Key takeaways include always using official Microsoft redistributable packages, verifying both architecture installations, and employing Safe Mode for resistant file operations. Create backups before major changes and maintain Windows Update for ongoing protection. Understanding dependency conflicts and security implications prevents problem recurrence.
Implementing this structured approach transforms persistent MSVCR120 DLL problems into manageable maintenance tasks. The knowledge extends to other runtime libraries with similar characteristics. Regular system health checks incorporating these principles ensure long-term stability and performance across Windows environments.