Windows DLL

4 Ways To Fix “ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found.”

ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found
ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found

If you’re using Python, you might encounter the “ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found.” error on your screen.

In this article, we will discuss how you can get rid of this error quickly with different methods.

What is a “Module Not Found” error?

Python has been used widely as an interpreted, general-purpose, and high-level programming language. When used as a successor to any language, it can replace the UNIX shell and C language for system management. It is also responsible for the interaction between the amoeba operating system and exception handling in operating systems. (1)

The Python interpreter can run on various operating systems but is mostly used in Windows. While using Python on the computer, many users have claimed to encounter this error: ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found. In their operating system.

Why this error occurs?

In most cases, this error can occur while importing the Python libraries such as TensorFlow, Numpy, Pandas, etc. 

Another reason why the Module Not Found error occurs is when there are incompatibilities in Microsoft Visual C++ (Visual Studio) versions. 

The best way to fix this problem is to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ (Visual Studio) from the Windows distribution. Or you can also manually add some missing DLL files in the directory.

How to Fix Importerror: DLL load failed: the specified module could not be found.

Try one of the following solutions to fix your computer’s “ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found” error.

1. Reinstall Libraries

Sometimes this error occurs when you import a library, and some files are missing from it, and when there is incompatibility, it results in the incorrect or incomplete installation.

Identify the Library: Mostly, the error itself explains the reason behind the error: ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found states that there is some module not found, So like this, you have to identify the error and fix it.

Uninstall and Reinstall the libraries: Here’s how you can uninstall and install a library using commands.

  • pip uninstall NumPy
  • pip install NumPy

Make sure you keep updating the libraries. If you suspect the libraries are outdated, then update from the pip command. Or, if a program specifies the version, you should only install the specified version of the libraries.

2. Configure Environment Variables

If the error is still there and you cannot solve the issue by the above method, then you can try configuring the Environment variables. Sometimes the variables can change without reason, so make sure you can set the variables correctly.

Identify Python Distribution: First, make sure what Python distribution you are using (e.g. Anaconda)

Locating Environment Variable: Type “Environment Variable” in the search bar and select the first result. Now click on Environment Variable>Path>Edit. 

Environment Variable
Environment Variable
Change Path
Change Path

Add Variables: Add the following three variables once you open the edit Environment Variable Window, although you can change the path according to your requirement: 

Add Variables
Add Variables
  • X:ProgramDataAnaconda3
  • X:ProgramDataAnaconda3Scripts
  • X:ProgramDataAnaconda3Librarybin

3. Reinstall Microsoft Visual c++

If you still have the “ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found” error, you might need to reinstall Microsoft Visual c++ on your computer.

Here’s how you can do it: 

Downlaod Microsoft Visual c++
Downlaod Microsoft Visual c++

Download Microsoft Visual c++ from this link, and you can try different versions. And in most cases, it fixes all the problems regarding all missing files.

4. Manually download the Required DLL file.

Downloading the msvcp71.dll or the msvcr71.dll files has solved the problem for many users.

You can manually download the file and place them at:

  • C:WindowsSystem32 
  • C:WindowsSysWOW64

Now try running the python file, which was causing the problem to occur.

Conclusion

Python has been widely used for many purposes, and many beginners can encounter an error they have no idea of. We discussed using different easy methods to eliminate the “ImportError: Dll Load Failed: The specified module could not be found” error. 

If the error still exists after trying all the solutions mentioned in this article, then one last this that you can try is to restart your PC. Maybe some changes will need to work only on a fresh start on your Windows.

If this article helped you solve your issue, you can comment an appreciation comment that would encourage us to write more articles like this.

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After earning my BS in Computer Science, I entered the IT world to explore my passion for SEO, Content Writing, and Web Development.
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