Introduction to the “VLC Entry Point Not Found” Error
If you’re a frequent user of VLC Media Player, you might have come across the “VLC entry point not found” error at some point. This error is caused by a missing or corrupted Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file, which prevents the program from launching properly. It can be frustrating to encounter this error, but don’t worry – there are several solutions available to fix it.
Causes of the “VLC Entry Point Not Found” Error
The “VLC entry point not found” error can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Missing or corrupted DLL files
- Outdated or incompatible VLC Media Player version
- Malware or virus infections
- Issues with system files or registry entries
- Incomplete installation or uninstallation of VLC Media Player
Common Symptoms of the “VLC Entry Point Not Found” Error
When the “VLC entry point not found” error occurs, you may encounter one or more of the following symptoms:
- A pop-up error message that says “The procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library”
- VLC Media Player fails to launch or crashes upon startup
- The program freezes or becomes unresponsive
- Other programs may also be affected or fail to launch
Solutions for the “VLC Entry Point Not Found” Error
Fortunately, there are several solutions available to fix the “VLC entry point not found” error. Here are some of the most effective solutions:
Solution 1: Reinstall VLC Media Player
The first and simplest solution is to reinstall VLC Media Player. This can help replace any missing or corrupted files and may resolve the issue. To do this, follow these steps:
- Uninstall VLC Media Player from your computer.
- Download the latest version of VLC Media Player from the official website.
- Install VLC Media Player on your computer.
Solution 2: Update VLC Media Player
Sometimes, the “VLC entry point not found” error can occur due to an outdated or incompatible version of VLC Media Player. In this case, updating the program to the latest version can help resolve the issue. To update VLC Media Player, follow these steps:
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Click on “Help” in the top menu bar.
- Select “Check for Updates” and follow the prompts to update the program.
Solution 3: Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
The “VLC entry point not found” error can also occur due to missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages. To resolve this issue, you can install the packages by following these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft Download Center.
- Search for “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages” and select the appropriate version for your system.
- Download and install the packages.
Solution 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools
If the “VLC entry point not found” error is caused by issues with system files or registry entries, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to fix the problem. To use these tools, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter
- Wait for the scanning process to complete. If any issues are found, the SFC tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
- If the SFC tool is unable to fix the issue, you can try running the DISM tool by typing “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and pressing Enter.
- Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.
Solution 5: Check for Malware and Viruses
If the “VLC entry point not found” error is caused by malware or viruses, you’ll need to run a virus scan to remove the threat. You can use your preferred antivirus software to scan your system and remove any threats. Additionally, you can use Windows Defender, which is built into Windows 10, by following these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and type “Windows Security”.
- Select “Virus & threat protection” and click on “Scan options”.
- Select “Full scan” and click on “Scan now”.
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow the prompts to remove any threats found.
Solution 6: Restore System to a Previous Point
If none of the above solutions work, you can try restoring your system to a previous point when VLC Media Player was working properly. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and type “System Restore”.
- Select “Create a restore point” and click on “System Restore”.
- Select a restore point from the list and click on “Next”.
- Follow the prompts to restore your system to the selected restore point.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Encountering the “VLC entry point not found” error can be frustrating, but with the solutions outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your favorite media player. Whether it’s reinstalling or updating VLC Media Player, installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages, running system scans, or restoring your system to a previous point, there are several effective solutions available to fix the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the “VLC entry point not found” error?
The “VLC entry point not found” error is an error message that occurs when you try to open VLC Media Player on your Windows system. It typically appears when one of the required components of VLC Media Player is either missing, corrupted, or outdated.
What are the common causes of the “VLC entry point not found” error?
There are several possible causes of the “VLC entry point not found” error, including missing or corrupted files, outdated software, malware or viruses, and conflicts with other software or hardware on your system.
What are the common symptoms of the “VLC entry point not found” error?
The most common symptoms of the “VLC entry point not found” error include a pop-up error message when you try to open VLC Media Player, the inability to open VLC Media Player, and the freezing or crashing of VLC Media Player when you try to use it.
How can I fix the “VLC entry point not found” error?
There are several solutions available to fix the “VLC entry point not found” error, including reinstalling VLC Media Player, updating VLC Media Player, installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages, running system scans, checking for malware and viruses, and restoring your system to a previous point.
Do I need to be an expert to fix the “VLC entry point not found” error?
No, you do not need to be an expert to fix the “VLC entry point not found” error. The solutions outlined in this article are designed to be easy to follow and do not require any advanced technical knowledge. However, if you’re not comfortable making changes to your system, you may want to consider seeking the assistance of a qualified technician.