The Visual C++ missing error PLAGUE! How to fix that missing file in 5 easy steps!

Image from Microsoft support

vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi, a file supposedly missing and never found! Here's the once and for all fix! (Quick Post)

2020 is full of problems, problems with playing computer games or streaming SHOULD NOT be one of them. Recently, maybe with the most recent windows update, I've been running into an issue with installing and running certain games. It's even happening with my streaming and desktop recording programs. A mysterious and ugly "missing" registry key for C++ in relation to vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi. So, what is this and how do we fix it? Here's the solution!

What is Microsoft visual C++ redistributable? (Skip fluff?)

I'll try to make this as simple as possible. Visual C++ Redistributable is what many programs, that use the C++ programming language, use as quick references to pre-made functions and classes. So, in order for that program to, lets say, show a mouse pointer or tell the computer what to do when clicking a close button, it looks it up in a C++ library book in the C++ library, borrowing that action. So, Visual C++ redistributable = the brick and mortar library your computer needs to complete a task. Which makes it essential.

So what happens when that copy of the library is broken? The library is closed and no one can access it. The desired program crashes. It becomes SUPER annoying especially when you cannot fix it, until now!

So what is the problem?

Somehow, some way, like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, windows update or something else may have corrupted your visual C++ package. Before you go and hit "repair" in programs settings it won't work because the error runs deep. When I say deep, I mean down to the registry. Don't know what the registry is, don't worry. If you do know what the registry is, DO NOT go deleting things!

How to fix it!

I'm going to tell you how to fix this in five easy steps. If you're getting the error like my title picture or similar then you're in luck. I've looked everywhere, forums, reddit, windows, and after days of frustration and losing hope, I got lucky and found the solution.  

 

Disclaimer: This is not a full proof plan and if anything other than the C++ redistributable was removed in the process or if other 3rd party software removed additional dependent files, issues can arise when going through this tutorial. Although this process is mostly safe and should not create issues, there still is a small chance something can go wrong. If something goes wrong I would suggest referring to this blog post to try and help your computer recover. I assure you that I do my best to help, I'm not trying to destroy your computer, and this process has helped me, on many occasions, on many computers without issue. Also, NO guarantees on bootleg, cracked, hacked, or illegally attained software.

GIVE ME THE SOLUTION! (5 step guide) (Go back to top?)

1. Uninstall: Right click start 🠞 go to settings or a tiny gear, like this: ⚙ 🠞 Click on apps or in older windows/classic view programs 🠞Look for all "Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable programs you can find 🠞 Now uninstall each to the best of your ability. Do not repair as it will likely not work

   

   Step 1 reference
   

2. Download the fix: Go to the Microsoft support link I am providing here Troubleshooter (This is legit as from Microsoft directly. No shady/sketchy sites). It is up to you if you want to read through the instructions or notes but, to be honest, its just informational.  
3. Use the fix: Double click the troubleshooter program you've downloaded 🠞 Click next 🠞 let it run and click on Uninstall 🠞 let it run again. This may take a while as it is searching through your registry. 🠞 find all of the Microsoft Visual C++ redistributables and uninstall them all. You may need to repeat this process several times as you can do only one at a time. 😿
4. Get the latest C++ redistributable: Now go download the newest C++ redistributable from the Microsoft support page found RIGHT HERE! (Again, this is legit as from Microsoft directly. No shady/sketchy sites)
5. Run the problematic program: Run the game or program that was giving you issues. It will now use the newest C++ redistributable. You just fix and install any other ones it uses along with it.
   

Pat Yourself On The Back!

You made it! You're a computer tech now! Haha. I hope this tutorial has helped you. Soon, there will be a video for it, for the more visual/audio learners. Please show some support and like and share this post! Thank you for reading!

Reading Material not doing it for you? Check out the video! (Go back to top?)