7 Effective Solutions to Resolve MFC90.dll Errors: Missing, Crashing, or Loading Failures

Step 1: Utilize a DLL Repair Tool

The quickest way to resolve a missing mfc90.dll is through a reliable DLL Repair Tool. These tools scan your system for missing or damaged DLLs and restore the correct version swiftly.

1. Visit Microsoft’s official site to download the latest Visual C++ Redistributables for both x64 and x86 architectures.
2. Install the downloaded files by running each setup and following the instructions provided.
3. Restart your PC and check if the application can now launch successfully.

Step 2: Repair Corrupt System Files

If the issue persists, repairing corrupt system files might help. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + S to access Search, type Command Prompt, and choose Run as Administrator.
2. Click Yes to allow administrative access.
3. Type the following DISM commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth , DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth , DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth .
4. Finally, run the command: sfc /scannow to initiate the System File Checker.
5. After completion, restart your PC and observe if the error is resolved.

Pro Tip: If the error persists, the SFC and DISM commands could replace corrupted files with their backup versions from the system.

Step 3: Reinstall the Affected Application

If the problem continues, reinstalling the application reliant on mfc90.dll can remedy the situation:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Locate and select the problematic application, then click Uninstall.
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to proceed with uninstallation.
4. Restart your computer, then reinstall the application using a legitimate source.

Pro Tip: If issues persist, consider using a dedicated uninstallation tool to ensure all remnants of the app are completely removed from your system.

Step 4: Disable Unused Startup Apps Causing Errors

If an unused startup application is linked to the error, take these steps:

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to the Startup Apps tab.
2. Select the troublesome application and click Disable.
3. Restart your computer, and the error message should no longer appear.

Step 5: Download Visual Studio Express

For many users, installing Visual Studio Express resolved the missing mfc90.dll error:

To install, visit Microsoft’s website, download the setup file, and follow the installation instructions.

Step 6: Execute an In-Place Upgrade

If other troubleshooting steps fail, an in-place upgrade of Windows may be necessary:

1. Go to Microsoft’s download page to download the Windows 11 ISO.
2. Right-click the downloaded ISO, select Mount, and confirm the action.
3. Run setup.exe from the mounted ISO.
4. Click Yes in the UAC prompt, then select Next.
5. Accept Microsoft’s license terms to proceed.
6. Ensure the setup option reads Keep personal files and apps and click Install.
7. Allow time for the upgrade to complete, which may take between 30 minutes to an hour.

Pro Tip: This method is akin to reinstalling Windows but allows you to retain your personal files and applications.

What causes the mfc90.dll missing error?

How do I check if mfc90.dll is present on my system?