How to Fix Msimg32.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

Msimg32.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of msimg32.dll, which Microsoft calls the GDIEXT Client DLL file. In some cases, these errors could indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even a hardware failure.

Msimg32.dll Errors

There are several ways msimg32.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common error messages:

• Msimg32.dll Not Found
• This application failed to start because msimg32.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
• Cannot find [PATH]\msimg32.dll
• The file msimg32.dll is missing.
• Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: msimg32.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.

These error messages might appear while using or installing certain programs, when Windows starts or shuts down, or maybe even during a Windows installation. The context of the error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the issue.

How to Fix Msimg32.dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they're given below, which starts off with the easier and more relevant solutions first.

1. Restore msimg32.dll from the Recycle Bin. The easiest possible cause of a "missing" msimg32.dll file is that you've mistakenly deleted it.

   If this could be the reason for the error, but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you might be able to recover the file with a file recovery program.

   Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete this step, or any of the following steps, if you're unable to access Windows normally due to the error.

2. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Some msimg32.dll errors could be related to a virus or other malware infection on your computer that has damaged the DLL file. It's even possible for the error you're seeing to be related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the file.

3. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, System Restore could solve the problem.

4. Run the sfc /scannow System File Checker command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the msimg32.dll file. This file is provided by Microsoft, so the System File Checker tool should restore it.

5. Reinstall the program that uses the msimg32.dll file. If the DLL error occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.

6. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to this file. If, for example, you're receiving a "The file msimg32.dll is missing" error when you open an audio-related program, try updating the drivers for your sound card.
   

   The file may or may not be related to sound cards—this was just an example. The key here is to pay very close attention to the context of the error and troubleshoot accordingly.

7. Roll back a driver to a previously installed version if msimg32.dll errors began after updating a particular hardware device's driver.

8. Install any available Windows updates. Many service packs and other patches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your computer. The msimg32.dll file could be included in one of those updates.

9. Test your memory and then test your hard drive. We've left the majority of hardware troubleshooting to the last step, but your computer's memory and hard drive are easy to test and are the most likely components that might cause msimg32.dll errors as they fail.

   If the hardware fails any of your tests, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.

10. Repair your installation of Windows. If the individual troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.

11. Use a free registry cleaner to repair msimg32.dll related issues in the registry. A free registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid DLL registry entries that might be causing the error.

    We rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. The option is included here as a "last resort" attempt before the destructive step coming up next.

12. Perform a clean installation of Windows. This will erase everything from the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the msimg32.dll error, this should be your next course of action.

    All the information on your hard drive will be erased during this step. Make sure you've made the best attempt possible to fix the error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one.

13. Troubleshoot for a hardware problem if any msimg32.dll errors persist. After a clean Windows installation, your DLL problem can only be hardware related.

Need More Help?

If you're not interested in fixing this problem yourself, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more.