Official Fix to msvcr90.dll Missing Error - Complete Solution Guide

Understanding the msvcr90.dll Error

The msvcr90.dll file is a critical component of Microsoft's Visual C++ 2008 runtime environment, specifically part of the Microsoft C Runtime Library (CRT). This file contains essential functions that many C++ applications require to execute properly. When Windows cannot locate this file in the expected system directories, applications that depend on it will fail to start.

Where msvcr90.dll should be located:

• C:\Windows\System32\ (64-bit Windows, 64-bit DLL)
• C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ (64-bit Windows, 32-bit DLL)
• C:\Windows\System\ (32-bit Windows)

Common error messages you might encounter:

• "The program can't start because msvcr90.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem."
• "msvcr90.dll not found"
• "Cannot find msvcr90.dll"
• "msvcr90.dll is missing. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem."
• Application crashes silently without error message (less common)

Why this error occurs:

• Missing Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable: The most common cause - the redistributable package was never installed on your system
• Corrupted installation: System crashes, incomplete updates, or malware infections can corrupt the DLL file
• Architecture mismatch: 32-bit application trying to use 64-bit DLL or vice versa
• Incorrect version: Your application requires a specific build of Visual C++ 2008 that isn't installed
• Registry issues: Windows registry may have incorrect entries pointing to non-existent or corrupted DLL locations
• Antivirus interference: Overly aggressive antivirus software may have quarantined or deleted the file
• Incomplete uninstallation: Previous software uninstallations may have removed shared components

Method 1: Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (Recommended First Step)

This method addresses the most common cause of msvcr90.dll errors: missing Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable package. Installing the correct redistributable provides the required DLL file.

1. Determine your system architecture:
   • Press Windows + Pause/Break or right-click "This PC" → Properties
   • Look for "System type" - it will show "64-bit operating system" or "32-bit operating system"
   • Note your system architecture
2. Download Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable:
   • Visit Microsoft's official Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable download page
   • Download vcredist_x64.exe (for 64-bit Windows)
   • Download vcredist_x86.exe (for 32-bit Windows, or for 64-bit Windows running 32-bit applications)
   • For 64-bit Windows, download BOTH x64 and x86 versions
   • Save installers to easily accessible location
3. Install x64 version first (if on 64-bit Windows):
   • Right-click vcredist_x64.exe → Run as administrator
   • Follow installation wizard
   • Accept license terms and click Install
   • Wait for "Setup successful" message
4. Install x86 version (for 32-bit applications):
   • Right-click vcredist_x86.exe → Run as administrator
   • Follow installation wizard
   • Accept license terms and click Install
   • Wait for "Setup successful" message
5. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure DLL files are properly registered
   • Allow Windows to complete startup sequence
6. Test the application:
   • Launch the previously problematic application
   • Check if msvcr90.dll error is resolved
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 2

Why this works: msvcr90.dll is part of Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable. Installing the redistributable package places the DLL file in the correct system directories and registers it properly, allowing applications to locate and use it.

Method 2: Reinstall Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (If Already Installed)

If Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable is already installed but msvcr90.dll error persists, the installation may be corrupted. Reinstalling ensures a clean, working installation.

1. Uninstall existing Visual C++ 2008 Redistributables:
   • Open Settings (Windows + I) → Apps (Windows 10/11)
   • Or Control Panel → Programs and Features
   • Search for "Visual C++ 2008"
   • Uninstall ALL Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable entries (both x64 and x86)
   • Restart computer after uninstalling
2. Clean temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, press Enter
   • Delete temporary files (optional but recommended)
   • Empty Recycle Bin
3. Download fresh installers:
   • Visit Microsoft's official Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable download page
   • Download fresh copies of vcredist_x64.exe and vcredist_x86.exe
   • Ensure you download from official Microsoft website
4. Install redistributables as Administrator:
   • Right-click each installer → Run as administrator
   • Install x64 version first (if on 64-bit Windows), then x86 version
   • Follow installation wizard for each
   • Wait for "Setup successful" message
5. Verify DLL file exists:
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\
   • Search for "msvcr90.dll"
   • File should exist if x64 version installed correctly
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\
   • Search for "msvcr90.dll"
   • File should exist if x86 version installed correctly
6. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure DLL files are properly loaded
   • Test the application after restart

When to use this method: Use Method 2 when Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable appears to be installed but msvcr90.dll error persists, when you suspect the redistributable installation is corrupted, or when Method 1 doesn't resolve the error.

Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

When msvcr90.dll error persists after installing redistributables, system file corruption may be preventing proper DLL registration. This method repairs corrupted system files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X → "Command Prompt (Admin)"
   • Or search "cmd", right-click → "Run as administrator"
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts
2. Run System File Checker:
   • Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter
   • This scans and repairs corrupted system files
   • Process takes 15-30 minutes - do not interrupt
   • Wait for scan to complete
   • Review final message - it will indicate if files were repaired
3. Run DISM to repair component store:
   • Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press Enter
   • This quick check (1-2 minutes) confirms if component store corruption exists
4. Scan component store for issues:
   • If CheckHealth found issues, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • Press Enter - this scan takes 5-15 minutes
   • Wait for completion
5. Restore component store if needed:
   • If corruption was found, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • Press Enter - this may take 20-40 minutes
   • Requires internet connection to download replacement files
   • Do not interrupt this process
6. Re-run SFC after DISM:
   • After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again
   • This ensures all system files are now properly repaired
7. Reinstall Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable:
   • After system file repair, reinstall Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (Method 1)
   • This ensures DLL files are properly installed on repaired system
8. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to apply all repairs
   • Test the application

Why this works: Corrupted system files can prevent DLL files from being properly registered or accessed. SFC repairs corrupted system files, and DISM ensures the component store (source of system files) is healthy. Together, they restore proper DLL functionality.

Method 4: Manually Verify DLL File Existence and Permissions

If the DLL file exists but isn't properly accessible, verifying file existence and permissions can resolve the error. This method should only be used if other methods fail.

1. Locate msvcr90.dll file:
   • Open File Explorer
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\ (for 64-bit DLL)
   • Or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ (for 32-bit DLL)
   • Search for "msvcr90.dll"
   • If file doesn't exist, install Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable first (Method 1)
2. Verify DLL file permissions:
   • Right-click msvcr90.dll → Properties → Security tab
   • Ensure "SYSTEM" and "Administrators" have "Read & Execute" permissions
   • Ensure "Users" have "Read & Execute" permissions
   • If permissions are incorrect, click Edit to fix them
3. Check file integrity:
   • Right-click msvcr90.dll → Properties → General tab
   • Check file size - should be around 600-700 KB
   • If file size is 0 KB or unusually small, file is corrupted
   • Reinstall Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable if file is corrupted
4. Check for multiple versions:
   • Search entire C: drive for "msvcr90.dll"
   • Multiple versions in different locations can cause conflicts
   • Note locations of all msvcr90.dll files
   • Keep only the ones in System32 and SysWOW64
5. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure DLL is properly loaded
   • Test the application

Note: Runtime DLLs like msvcr90.dll are typically loaded automatically by Windows when applications need them. Manual verification is primarily useful for troubleshooting file existence and permissions issues.

Method 5: Install All Visual C++ Redistributable Versions for Maximum Compatibility

Some applications require multiple Visual C++ Redistributable versions. Installing all versions ensures maximum application compatibility and resolves msvcr90.dll errors for applications that may have additional dependencies.

1. Check currently installed redistributables:
   • Open Settings → Apps (Windows 10/11)
   • Or Control Panel → Programs and Features
   • Search for "Visual C++" to see installed versions
   • Note which versions are missing
2. Download all Visual C++ Redistributable versions:
   • Download Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64 and x86) - for very old applications
   • Download Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (x64 and x86) - includes msvcr90.dll
   • Download Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable (x64 and x86)
   • Download Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x64 and x86)
   • Download Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64 and x86)
   • Download Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64 and x86) - for modern applications
3. Install redistributables in order:
   • Install older versions first (2005, 2008, 2010, 2012)
   • Then install 2013
   • Finally install 2015-2022 (most modern)
   • Install x64 versions before x86 versions for each year
   • Run each installer as Administrator
4. Verify msvcr90.dll installation:
   • Open File Explorer
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\
   • Search for "msvcr90.dll" - file should exist
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\
   • Search for "msvcr90.dll" - file should exist
5. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure all runtime libraries are properly loaded
   • Test the application

Why this works: Different applications require different Visual C++ runtime versions. While newer redistributables provide some backward compatibility, older applications may specifically require older runtime versions. Installing all versions ensures maximum application compatibility and resolves msvcr90.dll errors for applications with complex dependencies.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check Application Architecture Compatibility

Ensure the application architecture matches your Windows version. 32-bit applications on 64-bit Windows need x86 (32-bit) Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable. 64-bit applications need x64 (64-bit) redistributable. Check application requirements and install the correct architecture version.

Check Antivirus Exclusions

Antivirus software may block or quarantine msvcr90.dll. Add exclusions for System32 and SysWOW64 folders in your antivirus settings. Temporarily disable antivirus to test if it's causing the issue (re-enable after testing).

Use Dependency Walker (Advanced)

Dependency Walker is a tool that shows which DLLs an application requires. Download Dependency Walker, open your application's .exe file in it, and check if msvcr90.dll or other dependencies are missing. This helps identify all missing dependencies, not just msvcr90.dll.

Prevention Strategies

• Keep Visual C++ Redistributables installed: Don't uninstall redistributables - they're shared components
• Install redistributables before applications: Install required runtime libraries before installing software
• Keep Windows updated: Regular updates include runtime library updates
• Use reputable software sources: Download applications only from official websites
• Don't manually delete DLL files: Never manually delete system DLL files
• Create system restore points: Before major software installations, create restore points
• Monitor antivirus exclusions: Ensure antivirus isn't blocking legitimate runtime library files

When to Seek Professional Help

If all methods fail to resolve msvcr90.dll error, consider these scenarios:

• Application-specific incompatibility: If msvcr90.dll error only affects one application and all methods fail, the application may be incompatible with your system
• Persistent system file corruption: If SFC and DISM cannot repair system files, professional system repair may be needed
• Multiple DLL errors: If multiple different DLL errors occur, deeper system issues may require professional diagnostics
• Enterprise environments: In business environments, consult IT support before attempting advanced repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need both x64 and x86 versions of Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable?

A: If you're on 64-bit Windows, yes. Install x64 version for 64-bit applications and x86 version for 32-bit applications. Many systems run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, so having both versions ensures compatibility. If you're on 32-bit Windows, you only need x86 version.

Q: Can I download msvcr90.dll from the internet and copy it manually?

A: Not recommended. Downloading DLL files from unofficial sources can introduce malware, viruses, or incompatible versions. Always install Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable from Microsoft's official website, which ensures you get the correct, safe version of msvcr90.dll.

Q: Why does msvcr90.dll error appear after Windows updates?

A: Windows updates sometimes modify system files, change runtime library versions, or update system components in ways that affect DLL registration. Updates may also remove or modify Visual C++ Redistributables. Reinstalling Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (Method 2) often resolves post-update msvcr90.dll errors.

Q: Will installing Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable affect my other programs?

A: No, installing Visual C++ Redistributables typically helps other programs rather than harming them. These runtime libraries are shared components - having properly installed versions benefits all applications that depend on them. However, if you uninstall redistributables without reinstalling, other programs may stop working.

Q: How do I know if I need Visual C++ 2008 or a different version?

A: Check the application's system requirements or documentation. The error message mentioning msvcr90.dll specifically indicates Visual C++ 2008 is needed. However, installing all Visual C++ Redistributable versions (Method 5) ensures maximum compatibility and resolves errors for applications requiring different versions.