How to Uninstall and Reinstall C++ Libraries

April 21, 2022 Ryan Wunderlich

Issue:

You are having issues with your Autodesk software and believe the issue may be corrupted C++ libraries or indications are showing that is the issue.

Causes:
This can be caused by a number factors, but usually the best way to correct it is to uninstall and reinstall all the C++ components.

Solution:
How to uninstall/reinstall C++ modules
1. Open Control Panel and click on Programs and Features

or


2. In the Upper right corner of the window look for this:


3. Click in the box and put in C++ then click the arrow or hit the Enter key to filter your results to only the C++ modules
4. Now Uninstall all existing C++ from Control panel, starting with the newest (2017) and work your way through the list


I generally see mismatches or items without file sizes when I know there are issues. Right mouse click and follow the prompts to Uninstall (not repair) the installed C++ Module(s).
and click on this link:



6. Download the Visual C++ v56.exe in the screen that comes up (be patient, the download will start. Once downloaded, then we need to get the additional runtimes that have been released)
7. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads
Go to this section "
Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022" and download these updates:
x64: vc_redist.x64.exe
and
x86: vc_redist.x86.exe
8. Navigate to the Downloads folder, right mouse click on the Visual C++ v56.exe and select properties and in the box that pops up, you must unblock the file:



9. Repeat this process for the other two downloads from step 7 as well.
10. Once unblocked, right mouse click and Run As Administrator (do not forget this step) on the Visual C++ v56.exe

11. It will unpack the files and open a CMD window:


12. If you have just uninstalled the C++, you will have the option to Ignore (I), select that or Y for yes (If you select Y and have uninstalled C++, it will reboot the PC and you will have to start over)
 
13. Then in the next screen type Y again to proceed and let it run through the installer then click any key when prompted to close the installer
 
14. Go back to Control panel => Programs and Features and filter for only C++ and ensure there are 18 components now there.  If there is not, then there is an issue on that system and may need to manually install any components (x86 and x64) that do not have a match from here: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-remove-and-reinstall-Microsoft-Visual-C-Runtime-Libraries.html
 
15. Now repeat the process for the vc_redist.x86.exe & vc_redist.x64.exe, and simply follow the installer instructions
 
16. Now, go back and recount the C++ listing again.  When you do the count, there should be 16 items, as the four (4) C++ 2017 modules get replaced by two (2) 2015-2022 ones, and should look like the picture below.
17. Reboot the machine (to ensure the changes are fully implemented)
 
18. Retest and see if that resolves the issues you were experiencing.

About the Author

Ryan Wunderlich

Sr. Technical Support Specialist<br><br>An AutoCAD Certified Professional, Ryan is responsible for taking client cases and assisting with issues with the software - everything from regular glitches to software deployments and whatever else goes wrong. He's proficient in AutoCAD (including customization), VBA, LISP, and Civil 3D.

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