Fix "0xc00007b" error in Windows

It happens the best of us. We have a new game to play now and after spending hours downloading it, you launch it and are greeted with an error. The fix for the problem is not really given by a website clearly and I want to share the solution that works for everyone! Familiar with this?







> What exactly happens? 

As soon as you encounter the error code 0xc00007b, a dialogue box may prompt up on your screen and flashing the message stating, “The Application was unable to start correctly (0xc00007b). Click OK to close the Application”

> The reason why : 

There can be various scenarios under which you encounter error code 0xc00007b. You may get this error while doing any of the following:

● You might be trying to play a Game on your PC and after launching the application, error code 0xc00007b may flash on your screen.
● You might be launching software but unfortunately the error code 0xc00007b may resist you to do so.
● You may encounter 0xc00007b error when you install a 32-bit application on a 64-bit operating system.
● Some game installers replace 32-bit DDL files to 64-bit ones and vise-versa.

> How to fix it? (Step-by-Step)


>> Try these common fixes first. (You can skip them if you have tried them from other sources) 
1) Latest version of DirectX. Download Installer HERE.
NOTE :
  [1] Windows 8, 8.1 or 10 users can skip this file since it’s already integrated in Windows.  Just check for updates from ‘Windows Update’ to make sure you have the latest updates. More info is Here (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/179113).

  [2] Older games published before ~2008 require a special Directx package called “Directx 9.0c” to work which is available here -  (Online) (Offline)
 This package can be installed on ANY version of Windows.



2) Microsoft Visual C++ packages (2005-2013) 

These are downloadable from Microsoft's website but to save your time, have uploaded a (.zip) file containing all the packages.

● 32-bit systems only need to install packages containing the characters “x86” in the name of the file.

● 64-bit systems need to install all the packages regardless of the filename.
● Check for updates again from ‘Windows Update’ to install security updates for the packages.
● If you are unaware which “system” is installed in your PC. Follow these steps to find out!
- Right-click on “My Computer” or “This PC” (depending upon your Windows version) and click on “Properties”.
- The “System type” will be visible there.
After installing the above files you’ll not be needing any installations of ‘Visual C++’ softwares from Games and other programs since all the packages are already installed in your system. ^_^



3) Latest version of .NET framework.
If you keep your Windows updated you’ll already have the latest .NET framework installed in your PC. If you don’t, install the latest version Here
Previous versions (for old games) : 2.0 (SP 2), 3.0 (SP 1), 3.5 (SP 1).
You can first verify the installed .NET frameworks in your PC by downloading the (netver.zip) file in “Troubleshooting .NET frameworks” folder.

4) Run the application as an administrator. 
There are certain applications, especially some software that are required to be run as an administrator for security purposes. This can also cause error 0xc00007b to occur. If this is the case, follow the steps given below to fix error 0xc00007b.
  • Go to the respective application
  • Right Click on its icon.
  • Select Properties.
  • Click the compatibility Tab.
  • Check mark the “Run this program as an administrator” option.
  • Click “OK”.
>> If all the above mentioned methods fail, you’ll need to do what I did! 
1) Download (.zip) file in the folder “Replace DLLs” depending upon your “System type”.
NOTE : I am assuming Windows is installed in the drive with the letter “C”.
2) For 32-bit Systems :  Windows will not let you replace the DLL files you just downloaded unless you modify the permissions. 
To do that, follow these steps :
  • Navigate to C:\Windows. Here you’ll find a folder named “System32”.
  • Right-click on it and click on “Properties”. Then, click on “Advanced” in “Security” Tab there. A new window will be tell you that the owner of the folder is “TrustedInstaller”. 
For Windows 7 users, you’ll find “Trustedinstaller” in “Owner” Tab of the window.
  • Click on “Change” and type your username (or “administrators”) in the field “Enter the object name to select”. Check the box beside “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” and click “Apply”.
  • Windows will prompt you with certain dialog boxes. Just click “Yes” on them and ignore the files that . 
  • Once you do that, click on “OK” and you’ll be returned to the “Security” Tab. Click on “Edit” and grant yourself (or “administrators”) “Full Control” over the folder by check marking it. 
  • You’re ready! Just replace the files in the appropriate (.zip) file to the folder “System32” and you’re done!



>> [Updated] Final Fix (Based on feedback) 


1) Make sure your Windows is up-to-date from 'Windows update'. 
2) See if running “DirectX 9.0c” installer (mentioned above) fixes the issue.
3) If it doesn't, visit) For 64-bit Systems : Follow the steps mentioned for 32-bit Systems but this time do the same for “SysWOW64” folder found in the same directory (C:\Windows). Replace the files in the appropriate (.zip) file in both the folders and you’re done!

NOTE : (64-bit Windows only) If you replaced DLL files from (0xc000007b ERROR ComboTech.zip) suggested online, this error may not go away particularly if dyou trying to play games released in or prior to 2011. This file contained DLL files of 32-bit systems and you need to undo the changes. I have provided a separate (.zip) file in “Replace DLL files” folder to do it.

4) Visit Here. Search for the list named "List of file failures that the DirectX End-User Runtime package fixes" under “To resolve this issue, go to the following Microsoft website to install DirectX End-User Runtime:”. Now, search the files mentioned there in "System32" and "sysWOW64", delete them and then run the installer (previously mentioned) again.  

If this fixes your issues, prevent any game from installing DirectX or Visual C++ (since you already installed all of them) on your PC. Let 'Windows Update' handle that.