I got the following error message : "The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCR120.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix the problem" I have done what was suggested from many options but have yet to find a solution. Can someone help?

Question

AS mentioned in the subject window, I have attempted to solve this issue by implementing recommendations from searching on the error message but have yet to resolve the issue. I am novice-like in this type of problem. Can someone help? Many thanks!

Answer 1

The error message "The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCR120.dll was not found" typically indicates that the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which includes the MSVCR120.dll file, is either not installed or is corrupted. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable: Download and install the appropriate version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for your system. You can find it on the Microsoft website. Make sure to install both the x86 and x64 versions if you are using a 64-bit operating system.
2. Check for Missing DLLs: Sometimes, the application may depend on other DLLs that are missing. Ensure that all required DLLs are present in the application directory or the system directories.
3. Update Windows: Ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date. Sometimes, updates can fix underlying issues that may cause DLL errors.
4. Repair the Application: If the application that is giving you this error has a repair option, try using it to fix any corrupted files.
5. Reinstall the Application: If all else fails, uninstall and then reinstall the application that is causing the error. This can often resolve issues related to missing or corrupted files.

If you continue to experience problems after trying these steps, consider seeking further assistance or checking forums related to the specific application you are using.

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References:

• Troubleshooting C/C++ Isolated Applications and Side-by-side Assemblies

Answer 2

Hello Frank,

Thank you for sharing your question. I know how annoying it is to get that “MSVCR120.dll was not found” error, especially when you've tried fixing it already. Based on my knowledge it's because the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 package is missing or messed up. That package has the MSVCR120.dll file. This error pops up when something needs the Visual C++ 2013 stuff, but it's not there or not installed right. Just reinstalling the program that’s giving you trouble usually doesn't work because those DLL files are separate things that need to be installed on their own.

To fix it, here’s what to do.

Get and install both the x86 and x64 versions of the Visual C++ 2013 thing. Even if you have a 64-bit computer, some programs still need the 32-bit (x86) version. [learn.microsoft.com]

Restart your computer after installing it to make sure the changes stick.

If you still see the error, try this System File Checker:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

Wait for it to finish and follow any instructions it gives you.

You could also try the DISM tool to fix system images:

In Command Prompt, type:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and hit Enter.

May I also ask did you install both versions of that redistributable thing, or just one? Do you know which program is causing the error?

I hope this answer is helpful, if you have any questions, feel free to reply.

Best Regards,

Noel

Answer 3

Hi Frank Bonsignore,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

The error message means the program you’re trying to run depends on the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable, and that component is missing or corrupted. Since you haven't mentioned exactly what solutions you tried, I will go through everything below. Feel free to skip any steps if you're 100% sure you have done it correctly (but it's better to try again, in order this time):

1 - Download the official package from Microsoft:

• Go to Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads | Microsoft Learn
• Under Latest supported redistributable version > Download both x86 and x64:
  • https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x86.exe
  • https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe
• Run the downloaded installer .exe files > choose repair or install (if prompted)
• After installing the redistributable, reinstall the program that gave the error
• Restart your computer after the reinstallation and test the program again.

2 - If you still see the error after installing both packages:

• Make sure your system is fully updated:
  • Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
  • Click Advanced options > Check for any Optional updates
• Attempt to repair any corrupted Windows system files:
  • Right-click Windows logo (Start button) > Terminal (Admin)
  • In the PowerShell window, type sfc /scannow > press Enter
  • The process can take a while; let it finish then restart your PC
• Manually replace the DLL:
  • Download msvcr120.dll from a trusted source (e.g. msvcr120.dll | DLL‑[files.com])
  • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 and move the downloaded file there
  • Also copy it to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 64-bit systems)

3 - If you're comfortable with using a third-party tool:

• Download Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes AIO Repack - MajorGeeks
• Click the first option Download (EXE) > Run the downloaded file as Administrator
• You can also check out the video tutorial on the same page for clearer instructions

Disclaimer: Above are non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site, and thoroughly research any product before you decide to download it. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.  

I hope the suggestions above help. If the error persists even after trying the third-party tool, it'd be helpful if you can share with me the name of the program having issue and your Windows version (you can check by pressing Win + R > type winver > Enter). Thanks for your time!

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