Missing MSVCP120.dll file

Question

Upon startup or trying to install a new program I get a message saying that the install can't be completed or the system is missing the MSVCP120.dll file and it must be reinstalled. I have found two programs that I have tried to uninstall but when I have tried to do this it tells me they can't be uninstalled because this same file is missing!! What can I do?? I am running Windows 7, with Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64)-12.0. I have a Toshiba Satellite A505. I have run McAfee and nothing shows up. I have also cleared temp files.

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Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for visiting Microsoft Community.

As per the description I understand that you are getting an error which says missing MSVCP120.dll. I will certainly help you with the issue.

I would like you to know that msvcp120.dll is a part of Microsoft Visual C++ and is often required for running programs developed with Visual C++.

Some games or applications may need the file in the game/application installation folder. Copying it from Windows systemfolder to the install-folder of the game/application should fix that problem. Make sure to use the 32bit dll-file for 32bit software, and 64bit dll-file for 64bit software.

Possible error messages regarding this file:

"msvcp120.dll Not Found"'

"The file msvcp120.dll is missing"

"File msvcp120.dll not found"

"The program can't start because MSVCP120.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem

If it for some reason doesn't work by just replacing the file, you might need to re-install the Microsoft visual C++ Redistributable package which can be found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40784

x86 for 32bit (x86) Windows, x64 for 64bit (x64) Windows. If using a 64bit Windows, install both.

Hope this information helps.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ankit Rajput

Answer 2

Why is it when somebody says they are having a problem "installing a program" nobody asks what the program is?

Why is it when somebody says they have an error about a missing file they don't seem to bother to perform a search on their system to see if the file is really missing?

In the case of msvsp120.dll that file belongs to Microsoft Visual Studio 2013:

That file is not included in any Windows installation, Service Pack or update.

The problem is that the developers have used some version of C++ to create their programs and the programs require some runtime files (Dynamic Linked Libraries) to be present in order to install/run and the developers do not include those files with their installation (why not?) and the websites for the programs often do not list the prerequisites and requirements of what you need to have installed for their programs to work.

They think that since the program installs and works fine on their system (because they have all the requirements) that the install will work fine on every other system in the world too.  Short sighted thinking.

These files are not part of or included in a regular Windows installation so no amount of Safe Mode, Clean Boot or sfc /scannow is going to help you or make the missing file magically appear (sorry Microsoft engaged Support Engineer alleged "experts").

What you need to do is install the Visual C++ Runtime 2013 which you can download from this link (choose the right architecture/bitness for your system):

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3179560/update-for-visual-c-2013-and-visual-c-redistributable-package

You should also install this KB Update if it is not already installed (you can't install it twice):

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2999226/update-for-universal-c-runtime-in-windows

After the installation you shouldn't have to restart your system but do it anyway then see how your install works.

FYI:

Over time you may find that you may need several C++ runtimes installed as you can see here:

Having several versions of C++ Redistributable is normal... depending on what third party programs you might have installed.

Answer 3

Thanks bro..!!

Answer 4

i want this file because a download the sims 4 and i cant open it.

Answer 5

This download is no longer available on the link you supplied, so now what?