What is msvcp100.dll? Should I remove it?

Msvcp100.dll is a process by Microsoft which aims to launch various applications that are based on Visual C++ code

Msvcp100.dll is a Microsoft-created Dynamic Link Library (DLL) which is often necessary when activating some types of applications that use Visual C++ Redistributable. Even though it is not crucial to have this process running on your Windows computer system, you might not be able to launch and play some programs or games without the file. The msvcp100.dll file includes programming code and other features that might be essential for properly executing various applications.

These DLL files are often essential for not only Windows but also third-party applications, so users often encounter errors like “This program can't start because Msvcp100.dll is missing” or “Msvcp100.dll not found.” Nevertheless, be aware that various errors related to DLL files might also indicate malware infection, so checking the computer with anti-virus software is essential.

You can find msvcp100.dll located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory and the file size usually takes up to 421,200 bytes of space. This is the natural location of this process and if you find the dynamic link library running in multiple places, that may be a sign of some type of malware disguising as a legitimate-looking file.

Even though it is not common for this process to hold the name of msvcp100.dll virus, in some rare occasions, cybercriminals might place this file on your Windows computer system for executing malicious tasks. Usually, Trojan viruses are planted onto the machine this way in order to gain time before it is found by the user.

Msvcp100.dll might be malicious if you have downloaded this component from a third-party developer or if it has appeared on your computer but you cannot remember installing it. In addition, you might receive malicious payload via this filename if you have recently opened some bogus attachments or entered suspicious hyperlinks on the Web/through email.

If you have any concerns that msvcp100.dll might be malicious, you need to scan the file with reputable anti-malware right away, otherwise, you might find yourself struggling to deal with such kind of malware-related risks:

• The possibility of sensitive data and identity theft;
• Money swindling straight from your bank account;
• Corruption of software or crucial systems;
• Cryptocurrency mining on your computer;
• High CPU and GPU power usage;
• Regular system freezes or even crash down.

All of these activities can be performed by a Trojan virus or other dangerous malware form that pretends to be the legitimate msvcp100.dll file. In order to find out if any suspicious files are running on your Windows machine, you can download and install a computer file repair program such as FortectIntego. This app might indicate and fix corrupted system files.

In addition, if you already have an antivirus tool and it has been bombarding you with warnings about the questionable file, you need to take immediate actions. Remove msvcp100.dll with the help of a trustworthy antimalware program.

Do not postpone the msvcp100.dll removal process if the file has been found malicious. However, not in all situations, this component has to be dangerous for you to eliminate it. If you are not using any programs or playing any games that require this dynamic link library, you can also remove it from your system.

About the “Msvcp100.dll is missing” error

If msvcp100.dll is missing and you are trying to run some apps that require this file, you might be provided with an error message. Also, the required file might be damaged, blocked, corrupted in different ways, or just not properly installed and you can start receiving the “Msvcp100.dll is missing” error note too:

The program can't start because MSVCP100.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.

According to cybersecurity specialists, you can try fixing the error code manually or automatically. If any type of malware has caused the corruption of msvcp100.dll, you should use a reputable security tool for the fixing process.

However, if the problem is somewhere in your system, for example, like a failed installation process or a corrupted component that has been forcing the problem, scanning the machine with anti-malware will not help you. Instead, you should try using the following msvcp100.dll is missing error fix which requires completing an SFC scan, downloading Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, or booting your Windows computer system via the System Restore feature.

Malware often disguises as legitimate processes to avoid detection

Trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency mining threats, worms, and other malware might run .dll and .exe files on your machine to perform the activities these viruses were designed to do. In some cases, malware authors name these executables identically to those that are used by Windows or other reputable parties in order to arouse no suspicions.

In most of the cases, users may download malicious executables from such sites like torrents or hacked websites without suspecting anything. While the malware-induced installer might install what expected, the underlying malicious software will be executed in the background as well, and the user will see no difference. In other cases, the payload might be disguised as an attachment that is sent out via email spam campaigns.

The best thing to do here is to keep a fair distance from all p2p sites that offer to download illegal games, videos, movies, and programs for free. Be aware that pirated software is one of the most leading causes of malware infections besides being illegal in the first place.

In addition, you should carefully sort out all of your received emails, especially those messages that you were not expecting to find. If any attachment comes clipped to a particular email message, launch your antivirus tool, and scan the attachment just to make sure no underlying content will be executed once it is opened.

Removal guidelines for the malicious version of msvcp100.dll file

Msvcp100.dll removal is absolutely necessary if your anti-malware program detects this component as a malware-laden one. However, if you have any concerns about this file but do not employ an antivirus tool to scan with, you can try downloading and using some system software from here: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes.

In addition, you can also remove msvcp100.dll on your own will even though if this dynamic link library is not considered to be malicious. If you do not want to see this process on your system anymore, you can surely eliminate it. However, just check if you do not have any software that needs this file to be running.