Summary
Staring at a frustrating msvcr120.dll not found error just as you’re about to launch your favorite game or a critical application? You’re not alone. This common Windows issue can halt your progress, but a solution is almost always within reach. This guide will clearly explain what causes this DLL error in games and apps and provide a step-by-step, easy-to-follow troubleshooting plan to get you back on track quickly. Let’s fix this for good.
常见问题解答 (FAQ)
Even after following a detailed troubleshooting guide, specific questions often linger. This FAQ section addresses the most common concerns surrounding the msvcr120.dll not found error, providing quick, authoritative answers to solidify your understanding and ensure a complete resolution.
Q1: Is it safe to download msvcr120.dll from a “DLL download” website?
Absolutely not. This is arguably the most critical point to emphasize. While these sites might seem like a quick fix, they pose significant risks. Files from unofficial sources can be outdated, incompatible, or, worst of all, bundled with malware or viruses that can compromise your entire system. The only safe sources for this file are the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package (as detailed in Method 2) or a known-clean system file checker tool like SFC. Installing the official Redistributable is the correct way to ensure file integrity and system security.
Q2: I have multiple versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed. Should I uninstall the old ones?
No, you should not randomly uninstall them. Having multiple versions (e.g., 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015-2022) is perfectly normal and necessary. Different applications are built to depend on specific runtime versions. Uninstalling an older version like the 2013 package could break all software that relies on it, causing the very error you just fixed. Think of them as a set of different rulebooks; an application needs its specific book to run correctly.
Q3: The error only occurs with one specific game, but others work fine. What does this mean?
This scenario typically points to one of two issues. First, the game’s installation itself might be faulty or incomplete, which is why Method 1 (reinstalling the application) is the recommended first step. Second, the game might be packaged with its own copy of the DLL file, but that specific copy is missing or corrupted. In this case, using the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” feature in clients like Steam or the Epic Games Launcher can often resolve the issue by redownloading the missing game-specific files without affecting your system-wide runtimes.
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure whether a Visual C++ Redistributable is installed, you can always check your installed programs list. The presence of multiple versions, including “Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x86)” and “(x64)”, is a sign of a healthy software ecosystem, not clutter.
Q4: Could this error be a sign of a hardware problem, like a failing hard drive?
While less common, yes, it is possible. If you consistently encounter file corruption errors across different applications, not just DLL issues, it could indicate a failing storage drive. The system may be unable to read files correctly from a damaged sector. If you suspect this, especially after running the SFC scan which found corrupt files it couldn’t repair, use the Windows chkdsk /r command to check your drive for physical errors.
By addressing these final questions, we close the loop on this comprehensive DLL error troubleshooting guide. You are now equipped not only to fix the current problem but also to understand and prevent future occurrences, ensuring a smoother computing experience.
Conclusion
By following the logical progression from simple reinstallation to advanced manual replacement, this guide provides a complete DLL error troubleshooting guide to resolve the msvcr120.dll not found error for good. To ensure long-term stability, your next step should be to review the preventative tips, which help safeguard your system against future disruptions. With these actionable solutions, you can confidently get back to your games and applications without interruption.
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