How to Fix Msvcr90.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

Microsoft has an MFC Security Update that you can install to fix the error

Msvcr90.dll errors are caused by the removal or corruption of the msvcr90 DLL file. Msvcr90.dll errors could be due to problems with the Windows registry, a virus or malware issue, or even hardware failure.

Msvcr90.dll Errors

These error messages can appear while using certain programs, when Windows starts up, or even during a Windows installation.

The error might appear in any Microsoft operating system, including Windows 11, Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP, and Windows 2000.

Here are some common ways that you might see these errors:

  • Msvcr90.dll Not Found
  • This application failed to start because msvcr90.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
  • Cannot find [PATH]\msvcr90.dll. The file msvcr90.dll is missing.
  • Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: msvcr90.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.
Msvcr90.dll Error Message

We don't recommend downloading DLL files like msvcr90.dll from a DLL download website. If you need a copy of this file, it's best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

How to Fix Msvcr90.dll Errors

Try these solutions in order until the problem is fixed:

  1. Download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package MFC Security Update to restore the msvcr90.dll file with the most recent copy provided by Microsoft.

    You must choose between the 64-bit or 32-bit versions; here's how to know if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit system.

    Download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package MFC Security Update.

    You may need to start Windows in Safe Mode to complete these steps if you're unable to access Windows normally due to the error.

  2. If you accidentally deleted msvcr90.dll, you may be able to restore the file from the Recycle Bin. If you've already emptied it, try using data recovery software to get it back.

    Recycle bin on the Windows 10 desktop

    Only recover a deleted msvcr90.dll file if you're positive that you deleted it yourself, because it wouldn't be wise to restore a malicious file that was deleted by your antivirus program.

  3. Run a virus/malware scan. The msvcr90.dll error you're seeing could be related to a hostile program that is masquerading as the DLL file.

  4. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the msvcr90.dll error was caused by recent changes made to an important file or configuration, System Restore should be able to fix it.

  5. Reinstall the program that uses the msvcr90.dll file if the error occurs when you use a particular program.

    Uninstall apps in the Windows settings
  6. Install Windows Updates. Some service packs and patches include important updates for the DLL files on your PC, and one of them could apply to this particular file.

  7. Perform a Windows Startup Repair to restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.

    Startup Repair on the Windows Advance Options menu
  8. Use a free Windows registry cleaner to remove invalid msvcr90.dll registry entries that might be causing the error.

  9. Perform clean install of Windows as a last resort to start with a fresh copy of the operating system.

    All the information on your hard drive will be erased if you complete this step.

  10. Use a free memory testing tool or a hard drive testing program to check for hardware-related DLL errors.

    If the hardware fails any of your tests, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible, or take your PC to a professional computer repair service.

    Steps for replacing your hard drive
     Maritsa Patrinos / Lifewire

Msvcr90.dll Errors in Microsoft Excel

If you get the msvcr90.dll error while opening Microsoft Excel, hold down the Ctrl key and double-click the program icon to start Excel in safe mode. This will disable add-ins so that you can uninstall whatever is causing the DLL error. Go to File > Options > Add-ins and re-enable them one at a time, closing and reopening Excel each time until you find the culprit.

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