Runtime Error 53

Posted By : Peter Dunbar Title: PCaholic.com Senior Technical Writer  PCaholic - Free Computer Optimization Tips

What do you do when the infamous runtime error 53 hits your computer screen? Are you breaking a sweat already? Others might shiver in fright thinking that maybe a virus has caused the message to pop up even though that is not the case.

Runtime errors are not caused by viruses - most of the time at least. While runtime error pop ups can scare the life out of you, they also prevent you from having proper access to all of the programs that you have on your computer.

As such, you might be restricted from running certain operations even though you have them installed! Let’s dive into runtime error 53 and talk about some things you can do to fix this issue, and prevent further occurences.

What Is Runtime Error 53

Back to the question: What is Runtime Error 53? You can tell that you have runtime error 53 when a window pops up waving at you, saying “Runtime error 53: file not found (and displays <file>.dll)” Sound familiar to you?

This common runtime error unfortunately happens when the dll file of the particular program you are trying to run is not found in the search path. This typically happens when you first run a new software for the first time following installation.

This means that 2 or more files that were expected to be in place by Widows, in a certain location, have gone missing or corrupted. This results in a runtime error, because the program is unable to run as it should, due to the missing or corrupt dll files.

Fix Runtime Error 53

It is actually pretty easy to solve this runtime error. The easiest way out is to fully un-install the relevant program or software, after which you can choose to reinstall it again. To do so, go to “control panel” from the Windows “start” menu.

Locate ” Install/Uninstall Programs” and uninstall the program, and after ensuring that it is completely removed, start again with a fresh installation. At the same time, check that your product software is of the latest version. If it is not, then upgrade it immediately.

Most of the time, just giving the software a fresh installation and a program update may easily solve the problem. However, if you realize that this method still does not work, then I would recommend contacting your software support staff for technical assistance.

Runtime Error 53 Final Tips

I would also recommend that you check to ensure that the software that you are installing does not have any incompatibility issues with your operating system or computer hardware. One easy way to do so is to check out computer forums and see if the particular software has any problems are bugs that have yet to be solved.

Some of these forums also make a good technical support group for you and your software. Also, remember to check the software developer’s website to see if there might be any known problems while running the program in your computer.

You can also check to ensure your computer has the most up to date drivers by using an automatic driver update utility like the one located at http://www.officialdrivers.com. It’s worth the 2 minutes it takes to scan your system and I recommend registering the product and keeping it as part of your regular “must have” optimization programs.

It can be an arduous task but taking the time to solve runtime error 53 can help you to prevent further runtime errors from happening. To recap, just reinstall your programs if runtime error 53 happens to you. Otherwise, just seek help from the product’s support staff and check to ensure compatibility and that your drivers are up to date.