msvcp80.dll: download the file and fix the error

32-bit (x86) Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Scanned by antivirus

msvcp80.dll is a file of Microsoft Visual C++ 2005, the runtime library that a great many games and programs need to run. Its official description: “Microsoft® C++ Runtime Library”, by Microsoft Corporation.

If it is missing or damaged, Windows displays for example: “The program can't start because msvcp80.dll is missing from your computer.” Two methods can fix the error, below.

Method 1 · quick · about 1 minute

Download only msvcp80.dll

Ideal if only this file is reported missing: you replace a single file, without reinstalling anything.

⇓ Download msvcp80.dll .zip file: the DLL + its instructions · downloaded 5,528 times

Version: 8.00.50215.44
Architecture: 32-bit (x86)
Size: 540.67 KB
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation

Then:

Extract msvcp80.dll from the zip file and copy it to the folder of the program showing the error (where its .exe file is).
Still getting the error? Copy it to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (64-bit Windows) or C:\Windows\System32 (32-bit Windows), then restart.

SHA-256: 9ec27a9931617911651c4de5718026b2fddfcc9b69db66d10874b2eba0a54fc5 · Check on VirusTotal · Product: Microsoft® Visual Studio® .NET

Method 2 · complete · official method · 5 to 10 minutes

Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2005

Microsoft still offers the Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 package (an older version, still required by many games). It restores msvcp80.dll and the files of the same family.

Official Microsoft page of the Visual C++ packages

On the Microsoft page, download the Visual C++ 2005 package in its x86 version, and also x64 if your Windows is 64-bit.
Run them, then restart your computer. Already installed? Settings › Apps › the 2005 package › Modify › Repair.

Complete guide: Visual C++ errors (msvcp, msvcr, vcruntime)

Error messages related to msvcp80.dll

The program can't start because msvcp80.dll is missing.
Error loading msvcp80.dll. The specified module could not be found.
Failed to load msvcp80.dll

Why does this error occur?

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 is not installed: new computer, reinstalled Windows, or a program that does not install its own prerequisites.
The file was deleted or damaged: another program was uninstalled, an overly aggressive cleanup, an antivirus.
Wrong architecture: a 32-bit program cannot use the 64-bit version of the DLL, and vice versa.

Files of the same family (Microsoft Visual C++ 2005)

mfc80.dll mfc80u.dll msvcr80.dll

Frequently asked questions

Is msvcp80.dll a virus?

No: it is a legitimate Microsoft file. Only be wary of a copy found outside C:\Windows or a program’s folder; you can compare its SHA-256 fingerprint with the one shown on this page.

Should I install the 32-bit or the 64-bit version?

On 64-bit Windows, install both: a 32-bit game needs the x86 version, even on 64-bit Windows. On 32-bit Windows, only the x86 version can be installed.