Repair “The Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” Error

Encountering the “The Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” error can be frustrating, especially when trying to run a critical application. This guide provides several methods to troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding the Error

This error typically occurs when a dynamic link library (DLL) file required by an application is missing or corrupted. It can also happen if there are compatibility issues or conflicts between software versions.

1. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can often resolve temporary system glitches that cause the error.

Steps:

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Select the Power icon and choose Restart.

2. Update Your Software

Ensure that the application and all related software are up to date.

Steps:

1. Open the application and check for updates.
2. If no update option is available, visit the official website and download the latest version.

3. Reinstall the Application

Reinstalling the application can replace any missing or corrupted files.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Find the application, select it, and click Uninstall.
4. Download the latest version from the official website and install it.

4. register the DLL File

registering the DLL file can resolve issues if the file is present but not registered correctly.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   php

   regsvr32 <DLL name>


   Replace <DLL name> with the name of the missing or corrupted DLL file.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including DLL errors. Running SFC and DISM can repair these files.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. After the scan completes, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.

6. Check for Windows Updates

Keeping your system up to date ensures compatibility and security.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. Restart your computer.

7. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

Many applications rely on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. Reinstalling these can resolve the error.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Find all Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages, select them, and click Uninstall.
4. Visit the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page and install the latest versions.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if third-party applications are causing the issue.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
4. Disable all startup items and restart your computer.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “The Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” error. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and managing software installations properly, can help prevent such issues in the future.