The errors include MSVCR71.dll missing
while opening some programs in Windows 10/11. An error of this kind may come forth principally either because a DLL file is missing or corrupted or bad configuration of the said file.

Below are a number of other possible causes, and effective ways on how to approach the problem in question are discussed further below.
What Is MSVCR71.dll Missing Error in Windows 10/11?
The MSVCR71.dll missing error
is the system message that pops up if any application fails to locate the required MSVCR71.dll
file necessary for proper functionality.
This is a part of the Microsoft C Runtime Library. Applications that are compiled using the compiler in Visual Studio require it to work with precision.
Errors related to the MSVCR71.dll
file can vary depending on the program you’re trying to open. Some common error messages include:
“The file msvcr71.dll is missing.”
“Msvcr71.dll Not Found.”
“This application failed to start because msvcr71.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem.”
“Cannot find [PATH]\msvcr71.dll.”
“Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: msvcr71.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.”
“The program can’t start because msvcr71.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.”
These errors are most likely to occur when launching a certain program, but, in general, can even occur while installing the application, during Windows startup and shutdown, and even immediately after a fresh installation of Windows.
The problem wasn’t noticed for the very first time and has also been reported along various versions, including Windows 10/11, 8, 7, Vista, XP.
What Causes MSVCR71.dll Missing Error in Windows 10/11
A number of factors contribute to the MSVCR71.dll
error:
- Accidental deletion: This may happen during cleaning up the system.
- Malware infection can corrupt or delete the DLL file.
- Poor software installation: Most of the times whenever any application is not properly installed their DLL dependencies do not install.
- Registry problems: damaged or missing registry entries related to the
MSVCR71.dll
file. - These are files that get corrupted due to faulty shutdowns or failures in the operating system’s power.
How to Fix MSVCR71.dll Missing Error in Windows 10/11
Restore MSVCR71.dll From the Recycle Bin
First, check the Recycle Bin. If the MSVCR71.dll
file was deleted, perhaps it can still be restored. Right-click on the file and choose Restore to restore the file to its previous location.
Scan Your Whole Computer for Malware
Also, malware is capable of editing or deleting system files such as MSVCR71.dll
. Run a full system scan using a dependable antivirus program to detect and remove any malware threat such as Outbyte AVarmor. This will ensure the missing file isn’t caused by malicious activity.
Reinstall the Software That Uses the MSVCR71.dll File
Often, when a DLL error happens after opening a certain program, reinstalling the program will fix it. If it happens with Roblox or Minecraft for example, then reinstall those games.
The correct msvcr71.dll
file is usually in the *C:\Windows*
folder. Reinstalling the program replaces the missing file.
To reinstall:
- Open Control Panel, go to Uninstall a program, and select the app.
- Click Uninstall and restart your computer.
- Download and install the latest version of the program.
- Restart your computer and see if the error is gone.

Search Your PC for a MSVCR71.dll Backup Copy
Sometimes, a backup of the missing file may exist on your computer. Use the File Explorer search bar to look for MSVCR71.dll
. If found, copy it to the required directory.
Download the VC++ Redistributable Package
The MSVCR71.dll
file is a part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. Download the appropriate package from the official website of Microsoft for your OS. Install and then reboot your computer to see if that clears up the error.

Run an SFC Scan
System File Checker is a utility inbuilt in Windows for repairing corrupt system files.
- Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Hit ‘
sfc /scannow
‘ and press Enter. - Wait until it finishes scanning and then follow the directions.

Edit the Windows Registry for Errors Related to SQL Developer
If the msvcr71.dll is missing
error appears when you first run SQL Developer, you can fix it by editing the Registry. Back up your Registry first to avoid issues.
Here’s what to do:
- Open Run, type
Regedit
, and pressEnter
. - In the Registry Editor, go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/App Paths
. - Add a new KEY named
sqldeveloper.exe
. - Create a STRING VALUE called Path and set its value to your
sqldeveloper path
ending with\jdk\jre\bin
. - Close the Editor and restart your PC.

This should resolve the error.
Replace the DLL File
DLL errors happen often, but downloading replacements can be risky. Always get files from trusted sources and scan them for viruses.
After downloading msvcr71.dll:
- Copy it to the correct folder:
C:\Windows\System32
for 32-bit systems.C:\Windows\SysWOW64
for 64-bit systems.
- If the file already exists, skip replacing it—it may just need registering.
To register the DLL:
- Open Command Prompt as an admin.
- Type:
regsvr32 msvcr71.dll
and press Enter. - Restart your PC and try opening the program again.
Use System Restore
If the error persists, use System Restore to roll back your computer to a previous state when the error did not exist.
- Search for System Restore in the Start menu.
- Follow the prompts to restore your system.
- Restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

Read about other common Windows errors:
How to Fix Error: 21 – ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED
How to Open .JSON Files on Windows 10/11
How to Disable YourPhone.exe in Windows 10/11
FAQs
Can you manually download the MSVCR71.dll file?
You can, but only from sources that you would consider safe, like mentioned. Do not get records from those third-party sites to prevent distributing infected files in your machine.
How safely is the MSVCR71.dll error fixed?
Very often, simply re-installing the involved application or installing a VC++ redistributable package solves the issue painlessly and safely.
The MSVCR71.dll file only is required by certain programs.
The error usually occurs with applications relying on MSVCR71.dll.
How can you tell whether malware is to blame?
Perform an in-depth scanning with antivirus programs. If a malware has been found and erased, it may have corrected the problem.
Does System Restore wipe off my documents?
No, System Restore only involves systems, their files, and settings without touching the personal documents.