Microsoft Visual C++

Question

Norton tells me there is an update for Microsoft Visual C++ (x86), but it fails to update..

When I check programs, click on Microsoft Visual C++ (86), then repair, screen changes to VC_redistx86, and file not found.

If I try to uninstall the program, I get the message as per the screen shot attached.

If there is an update available, how do I get it?

Nothing appears in Windows Update

Answer 1

Hi,

I added a new suggestion in the comments. If possible, take a look; it would probably solve the problem. I'm glad you were able to resolve it with Microsoft support. You can always count on the Microsoft Q&A community. Have a good week.

Thanks

Answer 2

Followed suggestions provided, all without any success.

Contacted Microsoft technical support, and set up remote connection.

Agent tried all the same previous suggestions, and troubleshooting, again no success, so decided a new install of Windows was the final option.

This cleared the problem with Norton, and the latest version of Visual C++(x86) is now installed.

Answer 3

Hi,

I'm sorry, I should explain better in case it's not working. You have to search the registry in the directory: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products\

For each folder and MSI installation package, you will use the product name when accessing each of these folders to find Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 and 2015 so you can delete them. There will be more than one.

The image shows an example; when you find it, you have to delete the folder.

Before anything else, create a restore point as a precaution.

After deleting all the Microsoft Visual C++ 2022, Microsoft Visual C++ 2015, and Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 folders, restart your PC and try installing the visual package again.

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Answer 4

Hi ,

I understand according to the error log because there is a corrupted version of visual c++, follow these procedures first uninstall everything and remove the installation registry folder.

Microsoft FIx it application to completely uninstall visual C++ after uninstallation.

https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/E/9/7E9188C0-2511-4B01-8B4E-0A641EC2F600/MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab

Create point system before

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/system-protection-e9126e6e-fa64-4f5f-874d-9db90e57645a

Open the on command(admin) prompt and run the commands: sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth , wait for the process to finish and restart the PC.

Open, as an administrator, the Windows Registry by typing "Regedit" into the Windows Start button.

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products to remove MSI

Go to "Edit" and look for the missing *.msi file that was called out in the error message.

You have to search in the regedit tab and search according to the location you will find out yours should be 2015-2022 or just 2022 and delete the registry.

Restart on the computer and install Visual C AIO

Reinstall using Visual C++ AIO after download extract the install.bat file right click run as administrator.

https://www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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Answer 5

The issue is caused by a corrupted or missing Windows Installer cache entry for the existing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (x86). When Norton or Programs and Features tries to repair or uninstall it, Windows Installer can’t find the original VC_redist installer in the Package Cache, so the operation fails.

To fix it and get the update installed, remove the problematic old VC++ redistributable and then install the current one again using the same version installer.

Follow these steps:

1. Identify the exact VC++ Redistributable version that’s failing
   • From the error/logs (or the Programs and Features entry), note the product name and version (for example, “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x86)” with a specific version number).
2. Manually remove the old version using its original installer
   • Download the VC Redist installer that matches the failing version. The official guidance is:
     • Download the VC Redist installer for the old version.
     • Run that installer and choose to uninstall the old VC Redist.
   • After the uninstall completes, the broken entry should be removed from Programs and Features.
3. Reinstall the latest supported VC++ Redistributable (x86)
   • Run the latest VC_redist.x86.exe for the 2015–2022 (or 2013, etc., depending on what Norton is flagging) redistributable.
   • This recreates a healthy installation and a valid Windows Installer cache entry.
4. Retry the Norton update
   • Once the redistributable is cleanly installed, Norton’s update check should succeed or stop flagging the component.

If the installer still reports that an older version cannot be removed (error 1714 or similar), use the two-step method described in the official troubleshooting guidance:

1. Try removing the old VC Redist via Windows Installer (Programs and Features) and let the Windows Installer Troubleshooter attempt to fix the problem.
2. If that fails, use the matching old VC Redist installer to uninstall, then reinstall the latest version and retry.

This process repairs the corrupted installer cache and allows updates to complete normally.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Visual C++ Redistributable installation problems
• Update for Visual C++ 2013 and Visual C++ Redistributable Package