If you are trying to launch a game or an application on Windows and receiving an error message like "The program can't start because MSVCP90.dll is missing from your computer" or "Side-by-Side configuration is incorrect," you likely need to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Redistributable Package.
Many older applications and games rely on these specific runtime libraries to function. You can install this alongside newer versions (2010, 2012, 2015+) without any conflicts.
Note:
The file names are typicallyvcredist_x86.exe(32-bit) andvcredist_x64.exe(64-bit).
Even on a 64-bit Windows, some older 32-bit programs require the x86 version.
If you need the original (non-SP1) version, you can find it here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29
The primary download link for the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Redistributable Package (MFC Security Update) is available through the Official Microsoft Download Center . This package includes the vcredist_x86.exe vcredist_x64.exe vcredist_ia64.exe
files required to run applications developed with Visual C++ 2008 SP1. Download Options Main Package (MFC Security Update):
Provides the most up-to-date runtime components with critical security fixes. ATL Security Update:
An alternative update specifically for security issues related to the Active Template Library, available on the Microsoft ATL Update page All-in-One Alternative:
For users needing multiple versions at once, community-recommended "All-in-One" packages are available on sites like TechPowerUp System Compatibility
This package is compatible with the following legacy operating systems: Windows 7 and Windows 7 SP1 Windows Vista Windows XP Windows Server 2003, 2008, and 2008 R2 Installation via Command Line microsoft visual c 2008 sp1 redistributable package link
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Redistributable Package provides essential runtime components for running applications developed with Visual C++ 2008 SP1 on systems that don't have the full IDE installed. These libraries include the C Runtime (CRT), Standard C++, ATL, MFC, OpenMP, and MSDIA. Official Download Links
Microsoft provides these packages primarily as security updates for the original 2008 SP1 release. While the main 2008 SP1 package is no longer supported, the security updates are the current standard for maintaining compatibility. x86 (32-bit): MFC Security Update (ID: 26368) x64 (64-bit): ATL Security Update (ID: 11895)
Latest Supported Versions: For the most recent updates on legacy redistributables, visit the Microsoft Learn Latest Supported Downloads page. Key Details
Purpose: Required for running legacy software (games, enterprise tools) built with Visual Studio 2008. Version: 9.0.30729.
Installation: Running the downloaded .exe (e.g., vcredist_x86.exe or vcredist_x64.exe) registers the libraries in the native assembly cache (WinSxS folder).
System Compatibility: Supports legacy operating systems including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and various Windows Server versions.
Architecture Tip: On 64-bit systems, you may still need to install the x86 version if you are trying to run 32-bit applications. Alternative Installation Methods
For automated or command-line setups, you can use package managers:
WinGet (x86): winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x86
WinGet (x64): winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x64 Chocolatey: Use choco install vcredist2008. If you are trying to launch a game
The official download for the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Redistributable Package is primarily available through the MFC Security Update page, which provides the runtime components needed to run 32-bit and 64-bit applications developed with Visual C++ 2008 SP1. Download Links
You can find the latest supported installers on the official Microsoft Download Center:
MFC Security Update (v9.0.30729.6161): This is the most current version, addressing security vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) library. Download from Microsoft Download Center
ATL Security Update: An alternative update addressing Active Template Library vulnerabilities. Download ATL Security Update Which version do I need?
When you click download on the Microsoft site, you will be prompted to choose a specific file based on your system architecture: vcredist_x86.exe: For 32-bit (x86) systems. vcredist_x64.exe: For 64-bit (x64) systems. vcredist_ia64.exe: Specifically for Itanium-based systems.
Note for 64-bit users: If you are on a 64-bit version of Windows, it is highly recommended to install both the x86 and x64 packages, as many 32-bit applications still require the x86 runtime to function correctly. Alternative Installation Methods
For users who prefer command-line tools or package managers: WinGet (Windows Package Manager): x86: winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x86 x64: winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x64 Chocolatey: Available via the vcredist2008 package.
Do you need help identifying which specific program is triggering the error, or
x86 Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - winstall
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package is a critical software component that allows users to run 32-bit and 64-bit applications developed with Visual C++ 2008 SP1 on computers that do not have the full Visual Studio 2008 environment installed. Although this version reached its end of extended support on April 10, 2018, many legacy applications still require these specific runtimes to function correctly. Official Download Links vcrun2008sp1 x64
Microsoft provides several variants of the redistributable, often bundled with security updates for the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) or Active Template Library (ATL).
Standard MFC Security Update (Recommended): This is the most common version required by legacy software. Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable (MFC Update)
ATL Security Update: A specialized update for applications utilizing the ATL framework. Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable (ATL Update) Architecture Selection
When navigating the official download page, you will typically be prompted to select a file based on your system's architecture:
vcredist_x86.exe: For 32-bit versions of Windows or 32-bit applications.
vcredist_x64.exe: For 64-bit versions of Windows or 64-bit applications.
vcredist_ia64.exe: For Intel Itanium-based systems (rarely used by general consumers). Alternative Installation Methods
If the official web installers fail or are unavailable, you can use automated package managers to install the redistributable via the command line: WinGet (Windows Package Manager): 32-bit: winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x86 64-bit: winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x64 Chocolatey: Use the vcredist2008 package for streamlined deployment. System Compatibility
Microsoft only guarantees the integrity, authenticity, and security of files downloaded from its own domains: microsoft.com, download.microsoft.com, or visualstudio.microsoft.com. An official microsoft visual c 2008 sp1 redistributable package link will always direct you to one of these domains.