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FIX: MSVCR71.dll is missing or not found by Bas Wijdenes

“Program can’t start because it is missing MSVCR71.dll” the basics.

Before we start, if you are a system administrator, Adam the Automator has created a PowerShell function for this problem that is quite convenient to use.

Programs often use certain .DLL files. These files can get corrupted and your program can be unresponsive. By repairing or even replacing the .DLL you can fix the problem.

The tutorial below is not only for MSVCR71.DLL, but can be used for other .DLL files as well.

Applications use .dll programs for functions or settings. These files (such as MSVCR71.DLL) can become corrupt and that may cause the program to stop working or be unresponsive. By repairing or replacing these files you can solve the problem.

The manual is in two parts. The first part replaces the MSVCR71.DLL file with a few commands. Several screenshots have been added. And the second runs a scan over your C-drive to solve problems.


Lets fix “Program can’t start because it is missing MSVCR71.dll”

  1. Open the Explorer.
  2. Go to C:\Windows\System32 (you can also copy/paste this).
  3. Search for MSVCR71.DLL and make a copy.
    You can either search function and type in MSVCR71.DLL or alternatively write the first few letters and it will find the MSVCR71.DLL automatically.
  4. Open Start and search for CMD, right click CMD and click Run as administrator.
  5. Type in: Regsvr32.exe msvcr71.dll (you can also copy/paste this).
  6. Press Enter.
Program can't start because it is missing MSVCR71.dll
Program can’t start because it is missing MSVCR71.dll

Last Resort..

If that didn’t solve your problem, last resort is to scan your system with System File Checker (SFC).

SFC is used to detect and fix problems with your system. This will run a check on corrupt files and replace these.

  1. Open Start and search for CMD, right click CMD and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type: sfc /scannow (You can also copy paste)
  3. Press Enter.
Program can't start because it is missing MSVCR71.dll
Program can’t start because it is missing MSVCR71.dll

The scan will take awhile. Wait it out and test it again.

Published by

Bas Wijdenes

My name is Bas Wijdenes and I work as a PowerShell DevOps Engineer. In my spare time I write about interesting stuff that I encounter during my work.

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