Missing Profapi.dll . Internet Explorer and Google Chrome No longer operate Windows 8.1

Question

Is there an easy way to fix this problem ?  Do I have to uninstall Windows ? 

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

A DLL is a library that contains code and data that can be used by more than one program at the same time. The program may not run if one of the following actions occurs:

• A dependent DLL is upgraded to a new version.
• A dependent DLL is missing or corrupted.
• A dependent DLL is overwritten with an earlier version.

These actions are generally known as DLL conflicts. If backward compatibility is not enforced, the program may not successfully run. Try these methods:

Method 1:

 I would suggest you to turn off Internet Explorer and turn it on from program and features and see if it helps you to fix the issue.

1. Press Window key + X.
2. Select Control Panel from the list.
3. Under view by option select large icons.
4. Click on Programs and Features.
5. Click on Turn on Windows Features on or off.
6. Uncheck the box of Internet Explorer.
7. Press OK for confirmation.
8. For more confirmation you may refer to the screen shot provided below.

Now try to turn it on back.

1. Press Window key + X.
2. Select Control Panel from the list.
3. Under view by option select large icons.
4. Click on Programs and Features.
5. Click on Turn on Windows Features on or off.
6. Check the box of Internet Explorer.
7. Press OK for confirmation.

Method 2:

If the issue still persists, then I would suggest you to perform a SFC Scan and check if it helps.

Follow these steps:

a) Boot to the desktop view.

b) Open command prompt, right click in the left corner when the Start window appear and select command prompt (admin).

c) Type the following command, and then press ENTER:

sfc /scannow.

The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

Hope this helps.

Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

Answer 2

Hi Anusha, Thank you for responding.  It appears I have lost masses of files.  I was using Windows 8.1 but that disappeared and left me with Windows 8.  Google Chrome disappeared along with APS Daemon..Dropbox..ipuninstall.exe...etc etc etc.  My Internet Explorer is working.  When I try to start a programme a box appears telling me ...The programme can't start because profapi.dll is missing from computer.  Try reinstalling programme to fix problem.  I have tried for eg...Uninstalling Chrome and reinstalling from my Programmes & Features but it will not uninstall.  I have tried straightforward installation from internet but I again get the box appearing telling me prog (Chrome.exe) can't start because Profapi.dll missing.