Alex Ruben
How to Fix the “Ucrtbase_clr0400.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error” Issue
If you’ve encountered the error message stating that the “Ucrtbase_clr0400.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error,” you’re not alone. This issue can prevent certain applications from running, making it crucial to address promptly. In this guide, you will learn how to troubleshoot and resolve this problem through a series of systematic steps, ensuring your system remains operational and your applications function smoothly.
Step 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)
The first step in resolving this error is to check for corrupted system files. The sfc /scannow command can automatically scan and repair these files. To perform this operation, follow these instructions:
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- In the terminal window, type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete. It might take some time depending on your system.
- Once done, review the results to see if any integrity violations were found and repaired.
Running this command is essential as it checks the integrity of all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.
Step 2: Use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM)
If the SFC command doesn’t resolve the issue, you can further repair the Windows image using the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). This tool can be used with three primary commands:
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin) as previously described.
- To check the health of the Windows image, type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthand press Enter. - If any issues are detected, proceed with
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthto scan for corruption. - Finally, run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthto restore health and repair any found issues.
These commands are crucial as they ensure your Windows OS image is in good health, thereby preventing further application-related errors.
Step 3: Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
A common cause of the error is an outdated or missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. To update it, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Microsoft documentation for the latest supported Redistributable version: Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Select the correct version for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Download and install it by following the setup prompts.
Updating the Visual C++ Redistributable is essential for ensuring that applications built using Visual C++ can function correctly without missing dependencies.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you continue to experience issues after following the above steps, consider the following tips:
- Restart your computer after completing every major change to ensure updates are applied effectively.
- If the error persists, consider reinstalling the specific application that produced the error.
- Check for Windows updates under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to ensure your system is up-to-date.
Many users find that a simple reboot can resolve lingering issues after applying updates or running repair commands.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the “Ucrtbase_clr0400.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error” issue efficiently. Ensuring your system files are intact and the necessary Visual C++ Redistributables are updated will help maintain application functionality and overall system stability. If issues persist, further troubleshooting may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I still see the error after following these steps?
If the error persists, it may be worthwhile to check for hardware issues or to perform a system restore to revert your computer to a previous state before the error occurred.
Can I remove Ucrtbase_clr0400.dll manually?
It is not recommended to manually delete DLL files as it can lead to further instability. Use the repair commands provided instead.
How often should I update my Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables?
It’s a good practice to check for updates at least every few months or any time you encounter application errors suggesting a missing or outdated Visual C++ Redistributable.
