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Explore our short-fix approach to quickly remedy this issue and restore the smooth operation of your PC. We’ll walk you through anything from easy file restores to a few clicks in your system settings to permanently solve this issue.

MSVCR71.dll Error Explained

An MSVCR71.dll error shows up when the DLL file is missing, or when it gets corrupted or deleted. Consequently, the software relying on it for proper operation cannot run. 

It is possible that this error is caused by issues with the registry, a malicious program in the PC, a virus infection, or problems with the computer hardware. This problem can affect any Windows program or operating system, including Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Error messages related to the MSVCR71.dll file may appear in various scenarios. You may be trying to run a certain program or installing an application. In some cases, the error can show up while you’re starting or shutting down Windows. 

This can be annoying, especially when you need to use the affected program right away. As such, we’ve put together this guide to teach you how to fix MSVCR71.dll missing on Windows 10. Make sure you read our instructions carefully to resolve the issue permanently.

How to Fix “MSVCR71.dll Not Found”

There are several things you can try to get rid of the MSVCR71.dll missing error on Windows. Let’s go over each of the potential solutions one by one. 

Solution 1: Check if the MSVCR71.dll file is in the Recycle Bin

There is a chance that you have accidentally deleted the MSVCR71.dll file from your PC. If this is the case, you should have no problem finding the file in the Recycle Bin and getting it back. 

“ If you have deleted the MSVCR71.dll file for good and it’s no longer in the Recycle Bin, consider using a third party recovery program to restore it on your PC. ”

By default, when applications that require this DLL are installed correctly, MSVCR71.dll is typically found in a few common locations on a Windows system:

  • System32 directory: For 32-bit systems, the file is often located in C:\Windows\System32\.
  • SysWOW64 directory: On 64-bit Windows systems, it might also be found in C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ for compatibility with 32-bit applications running on a 64-bit system.
  • The application’s installation folder: Some applications that require this DLL file may include a copy of it within their own installation directory. This is because the application might need a specific version of the file to run correctly.

Solution 2: Run the System File Checker

One of the great things about Windows 10 is that it has a built-in program which scans and repairs corrupted files. You can use the System File Checker to restore the missing MSVCR71.dll file and get your programs to start. Simply follow the steps below:

  • Click the search icon on the taskbar.
  • Type “cmd” (no quotes).
  • Right-click Command Prompt from the results.
  • Select Run as administrator.
  • Once Command Prompt is up, type “sfc /scannow” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  • System File Checker will now scan and repair corrupted files for a few minutes.
  • Once the process is done, restart your PC.

Solution 3: Install Visual C++ Redistributable packages

It is worth noting that the MSVCR71.dll file comes with Visual C++ Redistributable packages. So, if you try installing them, you can possibly resolve the issue. 

Important
“The MSVCR71.dll file is specifically part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2003 Redistributable, which is an older version not actively distributed or supported by Microsoft on their Visual C++ Downloads page.”

Installing the latest versions of the Visual C++ Redistributable packages might not resolve the MSVCR71.dll missing error because these versions do not include the MSVCR71.dll file. The link we’ve provided below will take you to Microsoft’s download archive where you should find the right Visual C++ Redistributable package with the MSVCR71.dll file.

Here are the steps to take:

  • On your keyboard, press Windows key + S.
  • Type “cmd” (no quotes), then right-click Command Prompt from the results.
  • Select Run as administrator.
  • In Command Prompt, type “control /name microsoft.system” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  • Check whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
  • Visit Microsoft’s website and go to the Visual C++ Downloads page.
  • Download the specified redistributable package for your system.
  • Install the package on your PC.
  • Restart your computer and check if the error has been fixed.

Solution 4: Update your device drivers

It is also possible that you have outdated or incorrect drivers on your computer, causing the MSVCR71.dll missing error to appear. So, it wouldn’t hurt if you try to update your drivers.

Also read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

“ You can either update your drivers manually or automate the process, using Auslogics Driver Updater. It is important to know that manually updating drivers can take a significant amount of your time and energy. Before choosing to go that path, you must be certain that you have the skills, patience, and time to find and install the right drivers.”

Solution 5: Get the MSVCR71.dll file from another computer

One of the best workarounds for this issue is copying the MSVCR71.dll file from another computer that has the same system as yours. Just follow the instructions below:

  • Open the search box on your computer by pressing Windows key + S.
  • Type “Command Prompt” (no quotes).
  • Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as administrator.
  • Inside Command Prompt, type “control /name microsoft.system” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  • Repeat the first four steps on the computer you’re going to get the MSVCR71.dll file from.
  • You must make sure that the PC’s have the same Windows edition and system type. Otherwise, it is advisable to find another computer.
  • Use the other computer and press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  • Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 or C:\Windows\System32, whichever is applicable.
  • Copy the MSVCR71.dll file and save it to an external hard drive or a flash drive.
  • Go to your own computer, then launch File Explorer.
  • Go to the exact location from Step 8 and paste the MSVCR71.dll file there.
  • Check if this method fixes the error.
“ Alternatively, you can download the missing MSVCR71.dll file from the web and place it in the needed application folder or the System32 (for 32-bit systems) or SysWOW64 (for 64-bit systems) folder. Warning: it’s essential that you download ONLY from a reputable source. ”

Solution 6: Perform a Windows update

Running a Windows update can sometimes resolve missing DLL file errors by installing the latest system patches and updates that might include the missing MSVCR71.dll file.

  • Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
  • Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

Solution 7: Reinstall the affected application

If the error occurs when trying to use a specific program, reinstalling that program might help. Sometimes, the installation process will restore the missing DLL file.

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  • Find the program in the list, select it, and click “Uninstall.”
  • Download the latest version of the program from the official website and reinstall it.

Solution 8: Use a registry cleaner to repair missing files

Using a free registry cleaner is an effective strategy to address issues associated with DLL files, such as the MSVCR71.dll missing error. These tools work by scanning the Windows Registry, a critical database that stores low-level settings for the operating system and installed applications, for invalid or corrupt entries and removing them. Such invalid entries often occur due to improper software uninstallations, leaving behind remnants that could lead to errors, including those related to DLL files.

PRO TIP
For instance, Auslogics Registry Cleaner is a user-friendly and powerful tool designed for this purpose. It meticulously examines your registry for outdated or invalid entries that might be causing system instability or errors like the missing MSVCR71.dll file. By cleaning out these entries, Auslogics Registry Cleaner can help streamline your system’s operation, reducing the risk of DLL errors and improving overall performance.

Solution 9: Use System Restore

If the error persists at this point, you might want to try reverting your computer to a previous time when everything worked fine using System Restore. This will change lots of important system files back to the state they were in at an earlier date, which may be what you need to do if your error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration.

Note that this solution is only available if you have previously created a system restore point on your PC.

Here are the steps to take:

  • Right-click on the Start menu and select “Control Panel.”
  • In the Control Panel, go to “System and Security” > “System.”
  • Click on “System protection” on the left panel.
  • In the System Properties window, under the System Protection tab, click on “System Restore.”
  • In the System Restore window, click “Next.” You might be prompted to choose a specific restore point. If you see this option, you can select a recommended restore point or choose a different one if you have a specific restore point in mind.
  • Click “Next” to proceed.
  • You will see a list of available system restore points, along with information about when they were created and what system changes (like installed applications or Windows updates) will be rolled back. Select the restore point that predates the onset of your current problems.
  • Review the details of the restore point to ensure it’s the correct one. System Restore will also inform you that once started, the process cannot be interrupted. Confirm your choice and click “Finish” to begin the restoration process.
  • After confirming your restore point, System Restore will need to restart your computer to apply the changes. Save any open files and close all applications, then click “Yes” to restart. The restoration process will begin, and your computer will reboot. This process can take several minutes to over an hour, depending on the speed of your computer and the amount of data to be restored.
PRO TIP
If you haven’t yet created a restore point on your PC, we suggest you do so. This way, should you run into issues on your computer in the future, you will always have this fix in your arsenal.

Here’s how to create a restore point on Windows:

  • Press Windows key + S to open the search bar, type “Create a restore point,” and press Enter.
  • In the System Properties window, under the “System Protection” tab, you should see your main system drive (usually C:) with protection turned on. If it’s not, select the drive, and click the “Configure” button to enable system protection.
  • Once the process is complete, you’ll see a message saying the restore point was created successfully. Click “Close” to finish.

Also read: System Restore Not Working in Windows 10?

Solution 10: Perform a clean installation of Windows

If none of the steps from above have been able to fix the error, consider performing a clean install of Windows. Just as the name suggests, a clean install will remove the current installation of your OS and delete all the files on your hard drive. You will then be installing a shiny new copy of Windows. 

MSVCR71.dll Missing or Not Found Error: Resolved

So, there you have it…ten ways to resolve the MSVCR71.dll error message. If you’ve tried all the methods in this article and yet the problem persists, do not hesitate to share your experience in the comments below. Let us know what the issue is and how you dealt with it. 

This way, we help each other troubleshoot the error and find the best solution to your problem.

FAQ

The MSVCR71.dll file might be missing from your computer for a number of reasons. It could file corruption, you could have deleted the file by mistake, or there could have been errors during software installation or uninstallation. 
Downloading the MSVCR71.dll file from the Internet might temporarily solve the problem, but it carries risks such as potential malware. It’s safer to restore the file from a backup or the original software source.
If you receive error messages stating the MSVCR71.dll file is missing, it’s likely the file has been deleted or misplaced. If the file exists but you’re still facing errors, it might be corrupted. You can check the presence of the file in the System32 or SysWOW64 directory (depending on your system’s architecture). Running the System File Checker scan can help identify corrupted files.