The msvcr120.dll file is a crucial component of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013. This DLL file contains essential runtime libraries that enable programs developed using Visual Studio 2013 to function properly. When a program requires msvcr120.dll and it's missing or corrupted, you'll likely encounter error messages that prevent the program from launching.
Understanding the Importance of msvcr120.dll
The msvcr120.dll file is a dynamic-link library (DLL), which means it's a shared library of code that multiple programs can utilize. It provides a set of functions and resources that help programs perform various operations, including:
- Memory Management: Managing the allocation and deallocation of memory for program execution.
- String Handling: Manipulating strings, such as character manipulation, searching, and comparison.
- Input/Output Operations: Performing operations like reading from and writing to files.
- Mathematical Calculations: Executing mathematical functions and calculations.
- Exception Handling: Managing unexpected errors and exceptions during program execution.
What Causes msvcr120.dll Errors?
Several factors can contribute to msvcr120.dll errors. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- **Missing or Corrupted msvcr120.dll: The msvcr120.dll file may be missing from your system or corrupted due to a failed installation, a virus infection, or a system crash.
- Incompatibility: The program you're trying to run requires msvcr120.dll, but your system has a different version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package.
- Registry Issues: Corrupted entries in the Windows registry related to msvcr120.dll can cause errors.
- Hardware Issues: Hardware malfunctions or driver problems can also contribute to msvcr120.dll errors.
Troubleshooting msvcr120.dll Errors
Here's a step-by-step guide to resolving msvcr120.dll errors:
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Install or Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013:
- This is the most common solution. Download the correct version (x86 or x64) from the Microsoft website. Ensure you download the package that corresponds to your system's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Important: You may need to uninstall any older versions of Visual C++ Redistributable before installing the 2013 version.
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Run a System Scan: Use a reputable antivirus program to scan your system for malware infections. Malware can corrupt or delete critical system files, including msvcr120.dll.
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Run the System File Checker (SFC): This tool scans for corrupted system files and attempts to repair them.
- Open the Command Prompt (as Administrator).
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
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Clean Your Registry: Use a dedicated registry cleaner (use caution with these tools; backups are essential). A cluttered or corrupted registry can cause problems for msvcr120.dll and other system files.
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Reinstall the Program: If the error persists, reinstalling the program that's causing the issue might resolve the problem.
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Update Your Drivers: Outdated or corrupted device drivers can lead to msvcr120.dll errors. Update your device drivers to the latest versions.
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Check for Hardware Issues: If you suspect hardware problems, perform diagnostic tests on your computer components.
msvcr120.dll Error Examples
Here are some common error messages you might encounter related to msvcr120.dll:
- "The program can't start because msvcr120.dll is missing from your computer."
- "This application failed to start because msvcr120.dll was not found."
- "Cannot find msvcr120.dll. Please reinstall the program."
Additional Tips
- Avoid downloading msvcr120.dll from unofficial sources: Downloading DLLs from untrusted websites can be risky and introduce malware to your system. Always obtain DLL files from the official Microsoft website.
- Back up your system before making any significant changes: Creating a system restore point or a complete system backup before making any major changes can help you easily revert your system to a previous state if problems occur.
Conclusion
Errors related to msvcr120.dll are commonly caused by a missing or corrupted file. Following the troubleshooting steps outlined above will help you identify and resolve the issue. Remember to download the msvcr120.dll file only from official Microsoft sources to avoid potential security risks.
