How do i do this again?

Question

So i want to play a game using microsoft visual c++, Buuuut it tells me for vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi folder, and i dont have it. i tried to uninstall other visual c++s but no it wont let me uninstall them! What do i do???

Answer 1

Download the following package:

https://download.visualstudio.microsoft.com/download/pr/73aabf2e-9532-4f68-99f7-3247081a619c/0C09F2611660441084CE0DF425C51C11E147E6447963C3690F97E0B25C55ED64/VC_redist.x86.exe

Run it. Choose Repair.

Does that resolve the issue?

Answer 2

Download the Microsoft installer for the exact installed version 14.51.36247, use it to remove the broken x86 runtime, and then install the latest x86 Visual C++ Redistributable.

1. Remove version 14.51.36247 using its matching installer

The dialog indicates that Windows has lost the cached vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi. Do not download that individual MSI from an unofficial website.

1. Cancel the MSI prompt.
2. Open Microsoft’s Welcome to Dev Essentials downloads page, sign in or create a free account, and search for Visual C++ Redistributable.
3. Locate x86 version 14.51.36247 and download its VC_redist.x86.exe.
4. Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as administrator.
5. Select Uninstall.
6. Restart Windows.

Microsoft documents this matching-old-installer method for situations where an older VC++ runtime cannot be removed because its cached installer is missing. Microsoft also warns that old redistributables should be downloaded only from Microsoft and must be Microsoft-signed.^1^

2. Install the current x86 runtime

After restarting:

1. Download the latest official x86 installer:
   https://aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x86.exe
2. Right-click vc_redist.x86.exe and select Run as administrator.
3. Select Install, or Repair if that option appears.
4. Restart Windows and launch the game again.

The x86 package is required here even on a 64-bit PC because the runtime architecture must match the game’s architecture. The latest v14 redistributable supports applications built with Visual Studio 2017 and later.^2^

Do not remove unrelated Visual C++ 2013, 2012, 2010, or other older entries: different games can require those side-by-side versions.

If the exact old installer is unavailable

Because normal uninstall has already failed, use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter rather than trying the same uninstall again:

1. Download and open:
   https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/E/9/7E9188C0-2511-4B01-8B4E-0A641EC2F600/MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab
2. Select Uninstalling.
3. Select Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 X86 Minimum Runtime – 14.51.36247.
4. Allow the tool to remove or repair its damaged Windows Installer registration.
5. Restart Windows.
6. Install the latest x86 package from step 2 above.

The troubleshooter is intended to repair incomplete uninstall data and registry information that prevents programs from being removed or updated.^3^

Avoid manually deleting entries from the registry or C:\ProgramData\Package Cache; that can damage other installed runtimes.

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References

1. Troubleshoot Visual C++ Redistributable installation problems
2. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable latest supported downloads
3. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/fix-problems-that-block-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed)