[In Progress] COMCTL32.DLL Issue Even After Reinstallation

Error messages comctl32.dll
There are several different ways that comctl32.dll errors can appear on your computer. Here are some of the most common ways you might see comctl32.dll errors:
• "Comctl32.dll not found"
• "This application failed to start because comctl32.dll was not found. Reinstalling this application may fix this problem."
• "Cannot find [path] \ comctl32.dll"
• "The comctl32.dll file is missing."
• "Cannot start [REQUEST] A required component is missing:.. Comctl32.dll Please install [REQUEST] again."
Comctl32.dll error messages can occur when using or installing certain programs, when Windows starts or shuts down, or possibly even during a Windows installation.
The context of the comctl32.dll error is an important piece of information that will be useful while resolving the issue.
Causes of Comctl32.dll Errors
Comctl32.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the deletion or corruption of the comctl32 DLL file.
In some cases, comctl32.dll errors may indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even hardware failure.
How to Fix Comctl32.dll Errors
Important: Do not download comctl32.dll from a "DLL download" website. There are several reasons why downloading a DLL file is a bad idea. If you need a copy of comctl32.dll, it is best to obtain it from its legitimate source.
Note: Boot Windows in Safe Mode to complete any of the following steps if you are unable to access Windows normally due to the comctl32.dll error.
1. Restore comctl32.dll from the Recycle Bin. The simplest possible cause of a "missing" comctl32.dll file is that you accidentally deleted it.
If you think you accidentally deleted comctl32.dll but have already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover comctl32.dll with a free file recovery program.
Important: Recovering a deleted copy of comctl32.dll with a file recovery program is a good idea only if you are sure you deleted the file yourself and that it was working properly before you did.
2. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Some comctl32.dll errors may be related to a virus or other malware on your computer that has damaged the DLL file. It is even possible that the comctl32.dll error you see is related to a rogue program posing as the file.
3. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you think the comctl32.dll error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, a System Restore might fix the problem.
4. Reinstall the program that uses the comctl32.dll file. If the comctl32.dll DLL error occurs when you use a specific program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.
Important: Do your best to complete this step. Reinstalling the program that provides the comctl32.dll file, if possible, is a likely solution to this DLL error.
5. Update drivers for hardware devices that may be related to comctl32.dll. If, for example, you receive a "The comctl32.dll file is missing" error when playing a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card.
Note: The comctl32.dll file may or may not be related to video cards - that was just an example. The key here is to pay very careful attention to the context of the error and troubleshoot accordingly.
6. Roll back a driver to a previously installed version if comctl32.dll errors started after updating a driver for a given device.
7. Run the System File Checker SFC /scannow command to replace the missing or damaged copy of the comctl32.dll file. If this DLL file is provided by Microsoft, the System File Checker tool should restore it.
8. Install any available Windows updates. Many service packs and other patches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft DLL files distributed on your computer. The comctl32.dll file might be included in one of these updates.
9. Test your memory, then test your hard drive. I left most hardware troubleshooting for the last step, but testing your computer's memory and hard drive is easy to do and are the most likely components that could cause comctl32.dll errors as they fail.
If the hardware fails any of your tests, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.
10. Repair your Windows installation. If the individual comctl32.dll troubleshooting tips above do not work, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.
11. Use a free registry cleaner to fix comctl32.dll related problems in the Registry. A free registry cleaner program may be able to help remove invalid comctl32.dll registry entries that could be causing the DLL error.
Important: I rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. I have included the option here as a "last resort" attempt before the next destructive step.
12. Perform a clean installation of Windows. A clean installation of Windows erases all data from the hard drive and installs a new copy of Windows. If none of the above steps fix the comctl32.dll error, this should be your next plan of action.
Important: All information on your hard drive will be erased during a clean installation. Ensure you have made the best possible attempt to correct the comctl32.dll error using a troubleshooting step before this.
13. Troubleshoot hardware if comctl32.dll errors persist. After a clean installation of Windows, your DLL problem may be hardware related.
Applies to
The comctl32.dll error message could apply to any program or system that might use the file on any Microsoft operating systems including Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.