How to Fix Msxml3.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

If installing the MSXML 3.0 SDK doesn't fix the error, run System File Checker

Msxml3.dll errors are caused by the removal or corruption of the msxml3 DLL file. Msxml3.dll errors could be due to problems with the Windows registry, a computer virus or malware issue, or even hardware failure.

Msxml3.dll Errors

Here are some common ways you might see these errors:

  • Msxml3.dll Not Found
  • This application failed to start because msxml3.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
  • Cannot find [PATH]\msxml3.dll
  • The file msxml3.dll is missing.
  • Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: msxml3.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.
  • C:\Windows\System32\msxml3.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.
Msxml3 dll error message

These error messages may appear while using certain programs, when Windows starts up, or even during a Windows installation. Identifying the context where you see the error is an important step that will be helpful when troubleshooting the problem.

Information in this article applies to all Microsoft operating systems including Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP, and Windows 2000.

How to Fix Msxml3.dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they're presented so you can attempt the simpler solutions first.

Do not download msxml3.dll from a DLL download website There are many reasons why download a DLL like that is dangerous. If you need a copy of this file, it's best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

  1. Download and install Microsoft's MSXML 3.0 SDK to replace the missing msxml3.dll file. There are several versions of Microsoft XML parser (MSXML), but v3.0 is the only one that provides the msxml3.dll file.

    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. Restore the file from the Recycle Bin if you suspect that the "missing msxml3.dll" error is due to it having been deleted.

    If you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you might have luck restoring it with a data recovery program.

    Recycle bin on the Windows 10 desktop
  3. Scan your computer for malware. The msxml3.dll error you're seeing could be related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the DLL file.

  4. Reinstall the program displaying the error to see if that software will replace the file.

  5. Use the SFC /scannow System File Checker command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the msxml3.dll file. If this DLL file is provided by Microsoft, System File Checker should restore it.

  6. Use System Restore to restore your PC to an earlier state. If you suspect the msxml3.dll error was caused by recent changes made to an important file or configuration, System Restore could fix the error.

  7. Check for updates to the Windows OS. Some service packs and patches include important updates for the DLL files on your PC, one of which could be this one, or at least a file that msxml3.dll relies on to work properly.

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

    Startup Repair on the Windows Advance Options menu
  9. Use a free registry cleaner to remove invalid msxml3.dll registry entries that might be causing the error.

  10. Update drivers for hardware devices that might be related to msxml3.dll. For example, if you see the "msxml3.dll is missing" error when you play a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card.

  11. Roll back a device's driver to the previous version if the msxml3.dll error began after updating that particular hardware device's driver.

  12. Perform a clean installation 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. Be sure to try the other troubleshooting steps before this one.

  13. 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.

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