Official Fix to msvcr90.dll Missing Error - Complete Solution Guide
⚠️ Missing DLL Error
File: msvcr90.dll
Error: "The program can't start because msvcr90.dll is missing"
Cause: Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable missing
Fix Time: 5-10 minutes
Program launch attempted - game, professional software, or simple application - Windows immediately blocks: "The program can't start because msvcr90.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem." Program reinstallation doesn't help.
msvcr90.dll file part of Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable. "MSVCR" = Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime, "90" indicates 2008 version (internal version 9.0). Thousands of programs - especially games and applications from 2008-2012 era - built using Visual C++ 2008, require this DLL to run.
When Windows cannot find msvcr90.dll, typically because Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable never installed, got corrupted, or accidentally deleted. Positive: fix straightforward - install or repair correct Visual C++ package.
Understanding msvcr90.dll
DLL = Dynamic Link Library - shared code multiple programs can use. Instead of each program including same functions, they reference DLL.
Why error occurs:
- Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable not installed - Fresh Windows install or program requires it but never installed
- DLL deleted - Overzealous cleaning tools or malware removal sometimes delete DLLs
- Corrupted installation - Incomplete update or system crash corrupted file
- Wrong version (32-bit vs 64-bit) - Program needs x86 version but only x64 present, or vice versa
- Registry issues - Windows cannot locate DLL despite existence
Fix #1: Install Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (Official Method)
Correct, Microsoft-approved method - download and install redistributable package.
- Determine architecture requirement:
- For 64-bit Windows: Install BOTH x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions
- For 32-bit Windows: Install only x86 (32-bit) version
- Most modern PCs 64-bit, but many programs still use 32-bit DLLs
- Download Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable:
- Visit Microsoft official download center
- Search "Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable"
- Or use direct links:
- 32-bit (x86): vcredist_x86.exe
- 64-bit (x64): vcredist_x64.exe
- Important: Only download from microsoft.com, never from unverified DLL sites
- Install 32-bit version:
- Execute vcredist_x86.exe
- Accept license agreement
- Click Install
- Wait for completion
- Install 64-bit version (if on 64-bit Windows):
- Execute vcredist_x64.exe
- Follow same installation process
- Restart computer
- Retry running program
Fix #2: Repair Existing Visual C++ 2008
If already installed but corrupted, repair often resolves issue.
- Open Programs and Features:
- Press Windows + R
- Execute
appwiz.cpl
- Find Visual C++ 2008 entries:
- Scroll through list
- Look for "Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86"
- And "Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64" (on 64-bit systems)
- Repair each entry:
- Click entry
- Click "Change" or "Repair" (button at top)
- Choose "Repair" in dialog
- Wait for repair completion
- Repeat for both x86 and x64 versions
- If repair unavailable:
- Uninstall Visual C++ 2008 entry
- Restart computer
- Reinstall using Fix #1
Fix #3: Register DLL Manually (Advanced)
If DLL exists but not registered with Windows, manual registration required.
- Verify DLL presence:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\
- Search for msvcr90.dll
- Also check C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ (for 32-bit DLL on 64-bit system)
- If found, register it:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Execute:
regsvr32 msvcr90.dll - Press Enter
- Note: msvcr90.dll typically cannot be registered this way - better to reinstall redistributable package
Important Warning
⚠️ Never Download DLL Files from DLL Websites
Searching "msvcr90.dll download" reveals many sites offering individual DLL file downloads. AVOID these.
Reasons:
• Unknown file source - may contain malware
• Wrong version - may not match your system
• Improper installation - won't register correctly
• Security risk - unofficial files dangerous
Always use official Microsoft redistributable packages. Free, safe, guaranteed functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why multiple Visual C++ versions installed?
Each program requires specific Visual C++ version used to build it. Can't be consolidated - different versions coexist, each serving different programs.
Can I uninstall old Visual C++ versions?
Not recommended. Even if seems unused, some program may depend on it. Safe to keep - minimal disk space usage (few MB each).
Will this fix other MSVCR DLL errors?
Only msvcr90.dll (2008 version). Other versions: msvcr100.dll = 2010, msvcr110.dll = 2012, msvcr120.dll = 2013. Each requires respective Visual C++ Redistributable.