[Fix] ImportError: dll load failed: the specified module could not be found

ImportError occurs when a user installs a new library, and DLL files related to that library are not loading because Microsoft Visual C++ is incompatible with the application you are installing.

You are having trouble solving this error? This guide will provide all the possible solutions to troubleshoot this error.

1. Repair the Corrupted and Missing DLL Files

To check the missing DLL, Windows has a built-in system file checker to find and install the missing and replace the corrupted DLL files. Follow the steps below to implement:

1. Open the Windows search box and search for CMD; once you have found the CMD, right-click on it to run it as an administrator.

   

2. Write the following command in CMD.

   

3. You will get the following output after running the above command in your CMD.

   

Windows has verified all the DLL files and repaired the corrupt files.

2. Download and Install DLL Files Manually

If the above method is not working and you still have missing DLL files, then you can also find those files and add them manually:

1. Open the browser, go to “dll-files.com,” and search for the missing DLL.

   

2. Once you have found the missing DLL files, click on them to proceed to the next page and find the compatible version for your Windows.

   

3. Download this file, open the “Downloads” folder, right-click on the downloaded file, and click “Extract ALL”.

   

4. After extraction of files, open the folder and copy the DLL file.

   

5. Once copied, go to the disk where Windows is installed, look for the “Windows” folder, and then enter the “System32” folder. Inside the System32 folder, paste the copied DLL file.

   

6. After pasting the file, windows will ask to “Replace the file in the destination,” click on it to proceed.Replace the existing file

Your missing files are updated, and your missing files issue is solved.

3. Run the DISM tool

Another way to fix the missing DLL is to run the “Deployment Image and Services Management (DISM).” The step-by-step procedure of this method is provided below:

1. To run this tool, open the search box, and find “CMD.” Then, run it as administrator.

   

2. Once you are in the CMD, write the following command and hit enter.

   

3. Windows will start restoring health online. Wait for the process to finish successfully, and then restart your PC.

   

Once the operation is completed, restart your PC to eliminate the error.

4. Configure Environment Variables

Let’s have a look at another solution, which is to configure the environment variables. The steps to carry out this operation are below:

1. Open the Windows search feature and write “system environment.” You will see the “Edit the system environment variables” file click and open this file.

   

2. Now, choose the “Environment Variables” option.

   

3. Once in Environment Variables, select the path file and click on the “Edit” option.

   

4. There are two possibilities:

• If the path is already present, click on the path and input the file’s updated location, or click browse and find the file, then click ok to set the file location.
• If you are adding a new path, copy the path of the file’s location first. Then, click “New” and paste it into the text field, i.e., “D:\Drivers\geckodriver.exe” in this case.

  

Once the path is added, restart the PC to apply the changes.

5. Repair the Microsoft Visual C++

Compatibility issues with Microsoft Visual C++ can also create this error; repairing Visual C++ is the solution to deal with it. Let’s see how it works:

1. To repair or reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++, open the Windows search box and open “Settings”.

   

2. In Settings, Choose the “Apps” option and open “Installed apps”.

   

3. Find the installed version of Microsoft Visual C++ in the installed apps section. Click on three dots to modify the app.

   

4. Once you click “Modify,” Windows will ask permission to launch the app. After giving permission, you will see this window. Click “Repair” to repair your Visual C++ application.

   

5. When Windows finishes repairing, you will get a notification “Setup Successful.” Click Close.

   

Visual C++ is repaired successfully, and the error will be fixed.

6: Install Microsoft Visual C++

In case your PC, if the system doesn’t have the updated version of Microsoft Visual C++, you can download and update it manually:

1. Search for Microsoft Visual C++ and open the “learn.microsoft.com” link.

   

2. This link will lead you to the Visual C++ download page. Here, download the suitable version of Microsoft Visual C++ for your PC. If you are running a 64-bit system, pick ARM64; if your system is a 32-bit system, then pick X86.

   

3. Open the folder where you have downloaded the .exe file, right-click on it, and run the setup. Check I agree to the license and then click “Install.”

   

You have installed Microsoft Visual C++, and the missing DLL or DLL compatibility issue is solved.

ImportError caused by DLL files not loading due to incompatibility with Microsoft Visual C++ can be resolved through several methods. First, repairing the corrupted and missing DLL files using the built-in file checker in Windows (sfc /scannow) can help. If that doesn’t work, manually downloading and installing DLL files from a trusted source can be attempted. Another option is to run the DISM tool (Deployment Image and Services Management) to restore the health of Windows online.

Other solutions include configuring environment variables and repairing/reinstalling Visual C++ (it can also be installed manually). By following these troubleshooting steps, users can overcome the ImportError caused by DLL files not loading due to incompatibility with Microsoft Visual C++ and ensure the smooth functioning of their installed applications.