220-1102 Software Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user reports that a Windows 10 application fails to launch and displays the error: 'The program can't start because MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer.' Which of the following is the MOST likely fix?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse missing DLL errors with system file corruption and choose sfc /scannow, but MSVCR120.dll is a third-party runtime file, not a Windows system file.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package
The error 'MSVCR120.dll is missing' indicates that the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package is not installed or is corrupted. This DLL is part of the Visual C++ 2013 runtime libraries, which many applications require to run. Installing the correct redistributable package restores the missing DLL and resolves the launch failure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run the System File Checker (sfc /scannow)
Why it's wrong here
SFC scans and repairs protected Windows system files, but MSVCR120.dll is not a Windows system file; it belongs to the Visual C++ 2013 runtime. The File Checker has no catalog entry for this third-party DLL, so it will not restore or replace it. Running sfc /scannow would only postpone the actual fix.
- ✗
Reinstall the application
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the application overwrites the program's own executable and support files, but the missing MSVCR120.dll is a shared runtime component that may not be included in the application's installer. Many application installers assume the runtime is already present and do not redistribute it. Without also installing the Visual C++ 2013 redistributable, the DLL will remain absent, so this approach is unreliable.
- ✓
Install the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package
Why this is correct
MSVCR120.dll is the C runtime library for the Visual C++ 2013 (version 12.0) toolset, and installing the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package places this DLL into the Windows system directories. This restores the missing dependency for any application that links against it. The redistributable also registers the runtime properly, which a manual download or copy of a single DLL does not guarantee.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver
Why it's wrong here
Graphics drivers handle rendering and display output through the graphics stack, while MSVCR120.dll is a CPU-side runtime library for C++ applications. The missing DLL error occurs during application startup when the loader resolves imports, long before any graphics calls are made. Updating the GPU driver does not add or repair runtime DLLs like MSVCR120.dll, making this fix irrelevant.
Visual reference
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Key term
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft that combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8, designed to run on a wide range of devices from desktops to tablets.
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
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Variation 1. A user reports that a 32-bit application on Windows 10 Pro fails to launch, and the error message states that 'MSVCR120.dll is missing'. The technician has verified the application is compatible with Windows 10. Which action should the technician take FIRST to resolve this issue?
easy- A.Reinstall the application
- B.Run System File Checker (SFC) from an administrative command prompt
- ✓ C.Install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package
- D.Update Windows 10 to the latest version
Why C: The error 'MSVCR120.dll is missing' indicates that the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (version 12.0) is not installed. This DLL is part of the Visual C++ runtime libraries required by applications compiled with Visual Studio 2013. Installing the correct redistributable package directly resolves the missing dependency without modifying system files or reinstalling the application.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1102 exam.