Resolving 'MSVCR100.dll is Missing' Error When Installing WAMP Server on Windows

Introduction

When setting up a local development environment using WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP), you may encounter an error indicating that the MSVCR100.dll file is missing. This DLL is part of Microsoft’s Visual C++ runtime libraries, which are essential for running applications developed with certain versions of Visual Studio. This tutorial explains what this file is, why it might be missing, and how to resolve the issue to successfully run WAMP Server.

Understanding MSVCR100.dll

The MSVCR100.dll file belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package. It’s a shared component that provides runtime components of Visual C++ Libraries needed to run applications developed with Visual C++. When you encounter an error stating this DLL is missing, it typically means your system lacks the necessary redistributables required by some applications, including WAMP Server.

Why MSVCR100.dll Might Be Missing

1. Incomplete Installation: The redistributable package might not have been installed correctly or at all.
2. Corrupted Files: Existing files might be corrupted due to various reasons like disk errors or malware.
3. System Updates: Occasionally, system updates may alter the installation state of these libraries.

How to Obtain and Install MSVCR100.dll

To resolve the missing MSVCR100.dll error, you’ll need to download and install the appropriate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify Your System Architecture

First, determine whether your Windows operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit. You can find this information by right-clicking on "This PC" (or "My Computer") and selecting "Properties."

• Windows 32-bit: Install the x86 version.
• Windows 64-bit: It’s recommended to install both x86 and x64 versions for compatibility.

Step 2: Download the Correct Redistributable

Visit the official Microsoft download page:

1. For Windows 32-bit, download:

   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)

2. For Windows 64-bit, it’s a good practice to install both versions:

   • x86 version: Download here
   • x64 version: Download here

Step 3: Install the Redistributable Packages

Run the downloaded executable files and follow the on-screen instructions to install them. You might need administrative privileges for this step.

Step 4: Verify Installation and Restart Your System

Once installed, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect. After rebooting, try starting WAMP Server again.

Additional Considerations for WAMP Server

For certain versions of WAMP Server, additional redistributables might be required:

• WAMP Server 2.5: Also requires Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012. Download both x86 and x64 versions from:

  • Visual Studio 2012 x86
  • Visual Studio 2012 x64

• WAMP Server 3: Requires Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012 Update 4.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. WampServer Icon Status: If the WAMP icon remains orange, it indicates an issue with one of the components (Apache, MySQL, or PHP). The aforementioned redistributables should resolve many such issues.

2. Reinstallation: In some cases, completely uninstalling and then reinstalling WAMP Server after applying the above fixes can help ensure all configurations are set correctly.

3. Check Compatibility: Always verify that you’re using compatible versions of WAMP Server with your Windows version and other software components like PHP and MySQL.

Conclusion

By ensuring that the necessary Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages are installed, you can resolve the MSVCR100.dll missing error and successfully run WAMP Server. Regularly updating these redistributables as part of system maintenance will help prevent similar issues in the future.