Fix: procedure entry point ucrtbase.terminate is missing or could not be located

The error, “The procedure entry point ucrtbase.terminate could not be located in the dynamic link library api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll“, or “The program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer“, typically stems from corruption or outdated Visual C++ Redist wherein another program has overwritten the libraries. Alternatively, it may be because the program you are attempting to run requires a newer version of Visual C++. The latest version is 2017. Another common cause of this issue is outdated Windows Updates or failure of the KB2999226 (Universal CRT). You cannot install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 redist (runtime) unless you have Windows Update KB2999226 installed, particularly for Windows 7 64-bit SP1. Consider reinstalling the program to rectify this problem.

 

Method 1: Check for and Install Windows Updates

On Windows 10

  1. Click Start.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Choose Update and Security.
  4. Choose Windows Updates.
  5. Click Check for Updates.
  6. If there are updates, you’ll see a message telling you that important or optional updates are available. To review these important or optional updates, please click on the message to view the updates available for installation.
  7. In the list, enable the checkboxes for the updates Important or Optional, and then click Install.

On Windows 7

  1. Click Start.
  2. Type Updates.
  3. Choose Windows Updates.
  4. Choose Check for Updates.
  5. Install the Updates, and Reboot the PC.

The one we are looking for through Windows Update is the Universal CRT Update KB2999226 which can also be downloaded and installed as a stand alone package from (here).

For Windows 7 Only:

If the issue is still not resolved on Windows 7 after running the updates and install the KB2999226 manually, then follow these steps:

  1. Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the Run Dialog, type cmd and Click OK.
  2. In the command prompt window, type net stop wuauserv.
  3. Then type ren c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir WuRedir1.

Then run the Windows Update again, reboot multiple times and check to make sure that all the updates are installed.

Method 2: Reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable

The application giving you that error may have Visual C++ Redistributable as a dependency. Installing the package could fix the problem. However, as some programs are older and rely on earlier versions of the C Package, it’s advisable to check the software requirements or consult with the vendor to determine which version of C is necessary. If you can ascertain the required version, download and install it using the steps below; otherwise, follow these steps to install the most recent version.

  1. Download Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017 for your PC with the right architecture.
  2. Run the vcredist_x32.exe (32 bit) or vcredist_x64.exe (64 bit) and select Uninstall.
  3. Run the Visual C++ Redistributable setup again and select Install.

Method 3: Reinstalling Printer Drivers

If the above fails, then as per suggestions from some users this method should be used (it does no harm, and will simply reinstall the drivers if nothing else).

  1. Open the start menu, type and select ‘Control Panel’ and then select ‘Uninstall a program’ under Programs. In Windows 8/10, press Windows Key + X and then select ‘Programs and Features’.
  2. Scroll through the list of installed programs and double click your printer software. Follow the prompt to uninstall.
  3. Visit your printer vendor’s website. You can do that with a simple Google search.
  4. Go to the ‘Support’ page and then enter the model number for your printer there.
  5. When the software for your printer is displayed, select the correct standalone driver with the right architecture (32 bit or 63 bit) for your PC and then download it.
  6. Run the printer software you downloaded.

Method 4: System Restore

If you have a restore point created, and the program was working, let’s say, a few days ago, then doing a system restore may also fix the issue. Do this only if all of the above suggestions have failed. You can view the system restore guide here. Although this guide was written using Windows 10, it also works for Windows Vista, 7, and 8.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kamil Anwar


Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.