Fixed: “Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” Error

Looking for an easy way to fix – the procedure entry point could not be located? You are at the right place. In this post we will discuss how to resolve, “The procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library” error. 

Before getting into details, let us understand what is software entry point, and what causes the procedure entry point message. 

What is Software Entry Point?

In simple words, Software Entry Point is the starting point from where the execution of the instructions begins, and where the program has to access command-line arguments. 

For example, if you want to open a web browser, you will give the command. So that is the entry point when instructions are passed to launch the browser. However, if the entry point is not detected, it is corrupt or damaged, then you will be thrown up with the message: the procedure entry point could not be located.

Fortunately, the dynamic link library could not be located, error can be fixed using the following methods. 

Ways To Fix The Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located In The Dynamic Link Library Windows 10

From the above explanation, it is clear, the error occurs when the DLL file goes missing or corrupt, the system cannot locate it into the specified path, and more. The best way to avoid such problems in the future is to keep the system optimized. But, how to do that is a big question. For this, you can either try using the best PC optimization tools explained in our previous post or can give Advanced PC Cleanup a try. 

This all-in-one PC cleanup tool helps fix invalid registry entries, junk files, and cluttered data, the main reason for most of the error messages. Also, it helps clean malware infections, manage startup items, uninstall applications without leaving leftovers, and more. To know more about this tool read the detailed reviews and click the Download button to install it on your machine. 

Now, let us learn about the fixes that will help troubleshoot the procedure entry point error.

Solution 1: Reinstall the Program

In several cases, it has been found that the required DLL is corrupt during installation. Therefore, the best way to fix the procedure entry point skid row that could not be located in the dynamic link library is to reinstall the program. To uninstall a program without leaving leftovers, you can try any of the best uninstallers mentioned in our previous post. Alternatively, you can get a new DLL file from another PC running the same operating system. 

Solution 2: Scan the system using updated Antivirus

Viruses and malware are the biggest culprits for altering data, including DLL files. Therefore, scanning the system for malicious files and threats is recommended. For this, you can try the Malware Protection module offered by Advanced PC Cleanup or can pick any security tool from the list of best antiviruses for Windows. 

To scan the system using Advanced PC Cleanup, follow the steps below:

1. Download and install Advanced PC Cleanup 

2. Run the program and click Malware Protection under Security

3. Click Scan Now to scan the system for malware, virus, and other nasty threats. 

4. Once the scanning is done, click Clean Now to quarantine all the detected threats. 

5. Thereafter, restart the system and then try to relaunch the program to check if the “procedure entry point could not be located” issue is fixed. If it exists, move to the next solution.

Solution 3: Re-Register the DLL File

The DLL file is the straightforward reason for entry point not found error. Hence, to fix this issue, we can try re-registering the specific file mentioned in the error message. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Type command prompt in Windows search bar 

2. Select the best result > right-click > Run as administrator

3. In the Command Prompt window, type regsvr32 followed by the name of the DLL you want to re-register > Enter.

For further clarification refer to the screenshot below: 

4. Once the DLL is re-registered, try to launch it. This should help fix the procedure entry point that could not be located. In case the problem persists, move to the next step.

Solution 4: Use System File Checker Tool

DLL file is a type of system file. With that said, when you face any issue with the DLL try running the System File Checker command. This command scans the system for corrupt system files and fixes them automatically. To run the command, follow the steps below:

• Open elevated Command Prompt (In administrator mode)
• Type sfc /scannow command > Enter.
• Wait for the scanning to finish. Once the corrupt files are repaired, restart the system to apply changes. 
• Now try to launch the application using which you were getting, the procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library, error on Windows 10. 
• The application should launch swiftly. 

Solution 5: Perform System Restore

If none of the solutions have worked so far, we can try performing a System Restore. This will help bring back the system to the previous status before, “the procedure entry point could not be located in dynamic link library” issue. 

Note: This solution will only work if a System Restore point is created. If you have one, follow the steps below.

Additional Tip: 

Irrespective of what happens on your system, to ensure your sensitive data stays protected, using the best disk cloning software is recommended. For this, you can try using EaseUS Todo Backup. 

This advanced disk cloning and backup tool allows creating a backup and saving it on the same or external device. What’s more, it even supports advanced cloning actions and it is also available to try for free for 30-days. 

To install it on your system and keep your data safe, click the download button. 

1. In the Windows search bar, type restore and select Create a restore point.

2. Click System Protection tab > System Restore.

3. In the new window that opens click Next.

4. Select the restore point to which you want to restore the system > Next 

Tip: To see what all programs will be affected, click Scan for affected programs.  

5. Click the Finish button to execute it.

Doing so will restore the system. Now try to run the program using which you were facing the error, could not be located in the dynamic link library. This should fix the error message. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do you fix the procedure entry point could not be located in dynamic link library?

To fix this error, you can follow the steps explained below:

• Reinstall the problematic program.
• Clean invalid registry files using Advanced PC Cleanup
• Run System File Checker.
• Re-register the DLL file.
• Scan and clean malware and virus from the system
• Perform System Restore

Q2. How do I fix the procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library kernel32 DLL?

The best way to fix the procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library kernel32 DLL, is to download and install the latest Windows update.

Q3. How do I fix the procedure entry point not found?

1. Clean invalid registry files using Advanced PC Cleanup
2. Run System File Checker.
3. Reinstall the program using which you are facing the problem
4. Re-register the DLL file.
5. Scan and clean malware and virus from the system
6. Perform System Restore

We hope you find the article useful in resolving the procedure entry point that could not be located in the dynamic link library. To learn more about such errors and how to fix them, you can read our How-To articles.

Also, if you encountered it, the procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library on Windows 10, earlier. Let us know how you fix it in the comments section. Also, share your feedback and suggestions.