What is “DLLRegisterServer Was Not Found” error

DLLRegisterServer Was Not Found is a message error that makes its presence known when users are trying to manually register a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) or OCX (OLE Control EXtension) file via Command Prompt. The error usually appears in a pop-up window that states the following text:

“The module “FileName.dll” was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found. Make sure that “FileName.dll” is a valid DLL or OCX file and then try again.”

It has also been reported to occur on both Windows 10 and 11. While there is no single reason that drives users to see this error, it can be related to a lack of certain permissions in registry keys, corrupted/missing system file elements, problematic DLL files, or even incompatibilities caused by the side of third-party software (such as antivirus). Trying to find the exact reason and solution immediately is like a shot in the dark, so we advise you to try each method we wrote down below until the issue gets resolved eventually. The instructions are almost the same on both Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.

dllregisterserver was not found error

Download Windows Repair Tool

Download Windows Repair Tool

compatible with microsoft

There are special repair utilities for Windows, that can solve problems related to registry corruption, file system malfunction, Windows drivers instability. We recommend you to use Advanced System Repair Pro to fix “DLLRegisterServer Was Not Found” error in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

1. Copy the DLL File into the SysWow64 Folder

This is the first quick method we advise you to try. Some users who faced the issue when opening an OCX or DLL file in the System32 folder reported they managed to fix it by copying the file to the SysWow64 folder and re-registering it again. Thus, let’s try to do the same here below:

  1. Press Windows key + E buttons on the keyboard to open File Explorer. Then open This PC on the left panel. Alternatively, you can also open This PC from the desktop as you see it there.
  2. Then navigate to this path C:/Windows/System32 and search for a DLL or OCX that you are trying to re-register, right-click on it and choose Copy (or Copy icon on Windows 11).
  3. Then navigate to this path C:\Windows\SysWOW64, right-click on empty space and choose Paste.
  4. If prompted, click Continue to provide administrator permission.
  5. After this process, you can try to re-register the problematic DLL or OCX file again.

2. Check integrity of system files

As mentioned, one of the reasons why you may be subject to facing the “DLLRegisterServer Was Not Found” error is if there are corrupted or missing files within your system. To check this and fix the issue, you can use in-built scanning utilities like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management), which will detect and restore absent components, if any will be eventually found. Make sure to use both utilities as they may have a different impact on solving the problem. This is how:

Using SFC

  1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching box next to the Start Menu button.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Once the console is opened, type the sfc /scannow command and click Enter.
  4. When the fixing process is done, restart your computer.

Using DISM

  1. Open Command Prompt as we did in the previous step.
  2. Copy and paste this command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
  3. Click Enter and wait until Windows ends the scanning and fixing.
  4. Once done, restart your PC and install the update again.

After performing both of these scans, attempt to re-register the problematic file again. If this does not work, get down to the other solutions presented below.

3. Modify Permissions for the TypeLib Registry Key

If the same error continues its presence, and you have not been lucky to resolve it with the two previous methods, then this solution might have more chances to do it. Your system may display the “entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found” message simply due to insufficient administrative permissions granted in the TypeLib Registry key. Let’s see how this can be sorted:

  1. Press Windows key + R buttons, copy-paste regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor. Click Yes if UAC (User Account Control) window appears.
  2. Then, navigate through the following path HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\TypeLib on the left pane.
  3. Once you reach the TypeLib folder, right-click on it and choose Permissions.
  4. Select your username under Group or user names section and tick the box under Allow next to Full Control.
  5. Finally, click Apply and OK to save the changes.
  6. Once done, feel free to re-register the DLL (or OCX) file you had problems with.

4. Disable third-party antivirus

If you have a third-party antivirus installed on your PC, try to disable it and check whether this changes the situation in your favor. Antimalware software may sometimes lead to certain conflicts with Regsvr32. As a side effect, this can prevent a DLL file from getting registered. In case everything works fine after disabling the antivirus, then you might have found the problem. If you feel like you want to try another antivirus, we advise you to consider trying MalwareBytes – a trusted and talented group of experts constantly maintaining their software to combat both minor and global threats. It is now available for Windows 11 as well. You can download it now using the link below and try a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience for free.

Download Malwarebytes

5. Download VCOMP140.DLL manually

If you are trying to install a DLL file from scratch rather than simply instructing Windows to its location, then you can search and download the necessary DLL file manually from the web. Open this page, enter your DLL file name and follow the instructions written on it. They will guide you towards a successful installation of any DLL file.

6. Reinstall the problematic application

If you are manually trying to register a missing DLL file for a specific program, maybe try to reinstall the program itself, unless you did it already. If you downloaded a pirated or cracked version of the software, then this could be a reason as well. Such software may contain certain bugs and flaws, thus, it is recommended to install only official copies of programs/games.

  1. Left-click on the magnifying glass right next to Start menu and search for Control Panel.
  2. Open it up and choose Uninstall a program under Programs.
  3. Select the program dealing with the error and click Uninstall.
  4. Finally, install it again and check if the error is fixed.

Summary

We hope you have finally liberated yourself from encountering the “DllRegisterServer was not found” error” and managed to re-register the necessary file eventually. Unfortunately, no system is flawless, and it sometimes leads to inconveniences in form of various errors. Luckily, there are already tested instructions that can potentially resolve the problem without taking too much of your time. Our guide counts more than 100 articles related to troubleshooting various Windows errors. Feel free to use them if anything else happens to surface in the future of your PC experience. We also have a number of step-by-step guidelines dedicated to removing numerous malware on your PC, Mac, and even smartphone.

Previous articleHow to remove Beijing Ransomware and decrypt .beijing files
Next articleHow to remove CryWiper Ransomware and decrypt .CRY files