Microsoft Visual C++ Error

Question

Hello, please help if anyone has any suggestions on how to fix Visual C++.

When I try to Run, update or install some software(Games or Visual Studio) i get the same error every time. Most games run regardless, but other software, do not.

I tried to uninstall, reinstall or repair Visual C++ multiple times, but i get the same error every time. (Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 X64 Runtime - 12.42.34433)

When i try to install i get the "Click OK to try again or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package "vc_runtimeMinimum_X64.msi"

What does that mean? And shouldn't that be fixed through a repair/re-installation?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello again, it took me a while to get back to this issue.

Iv tried all the steps listed above and unfortunately that did not work.

I cleaned out all traces of Visuals C++ (every version again) and used https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17588/windows-fix-problems-that-block-programs-being-installed-or-removed

I thought it was a pathing issue, but for some reason Visuals C++ wasn't completely removed when uninstalling or it was blocked from installing properly.

I reinstalled Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170#visual-studio-2015-2017-2019-and-2022

When restarting i got a few errors form different drivers, but all the previous issues is fixed and running.

Thanks again Leo.Z for your assistance. Diagnosing and finding out what's causing problems like this is a mess, so mad respect to you for helping out.

Answer 2

Hello ,  Urdalen Welcome to Microsoft Community.Based on your description, you encountered an error related to Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable while trying to run, update, or install certain software. This indicates that the current installation package is either corrupted, incomplete, or there are issues with paths, permissions, or conflicts.Here are the detailed steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check and Uninstall Existing Visual C++ Runtime Libraries 
2. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
3. In the list of installed programs, locate all versions related to Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
4. Right-click each version and select Uninstall. 
   • If the system provides a repair option, try repairing once. If the repair fails, proceed with uninstallation.
5. Check and Repair System Files Corrupted system files may cause Visual C++ installation to fail. 
6. Press Win + S, search for cmd, and run Command Prompt as an administrator.
7. Enter the following commands one by one: 
   • sfc /scannow 
     • This command scans and repairs corrupted system files.
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
     • The DISM tool repairs the system image to ensure a healthy system environment.
8. After completing these commands, restart your computer.
9. Download and Reinstall Visual C++ 
10. Visit the Microsoft Official Download Page.
11. Download the latest versions of Visual C++ Redistributable for your system architecture (x64, x86).
12. Install them in the following order: 
    • Start with the earliest version and proceed to the latest version.
13. Verify if Windows Installer is Working Properly If the Windows Installer service is malfunctioning, the installer may fail to locate the required files. 
14. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open Services.
15. Locate the Windows Installer service and ensure its status is Running. 
    • If it is not running, right-click and select Start.
16. Retry installing the Visual C++ Redistributable.
17. Check the Registry If the issue persists, it may be due to corrupted installation information in the registry: 
18. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
19. Navigate to the following path: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products
20. Under Products, search for subkeys related to Visual C++ (you can check the display names in the right pane).
21. Delete the registry entries corresponding to old versions of Visual C++ Redistributable (proceed with caution and back up the registry first).

Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article.

6. Test and Confirm the Results 
7. Rerun the problematic software to confirm if the issue is resolved.
8. If the issue persists or installation problems continue, try reinstalling Visual C++ in Clean Boot mode: 
   • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter to open System Configuration.
   • Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
   • Restart your system and reinstall Visual C++. Disclaimer: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to help determine if background programs are interfering with your software. While the steps for a clean boot may seem complex, follow them carefully and step by step to avoid complications. This will help you get back on track.If none of the above methods work, please let me know the steps you have tried and the latest error messages so I can assist you further. Thank you!Best wishesLeo Z | Microsoft Community Support Specialist