How to Fix Libmysql.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

Libmysql.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the libmysql DLL file. In some cases, libmysql.dll errors could indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even a hardware failure.

Libmysql.dll Errors

There are several ways that libmysql.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common error messages you might see:

• Libmysql.dll Not Found
• This application failed to start because libmysql.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem
• Cannot find [PATH]\libmysql.dll
• The file libmysql.dll is missing
• Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: libmysql.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again

Libmysql.dll error messages most likely appear while using or installing certain programs, but might also be seen when Windows starts or shuts down. The context of the error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.

How to Fix Libmysql.dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they're presented to address the simpler solutions first.

1. Restore libmysql.dll from the Recycle Bin. The easiest possible cause of a "missing" libmysql.dll file is that you've mistakenly deleted it.

   If you suspect this, but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recovery the file with a free file recovery program. Just make sure it was working properly before you deleted it (i.e., it wasn't malicious or malformed in some way).

   Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete any of these steps if you're unable to access Windows normally due to the error.

2. Install the MySQL Connector/C library to replace a corrupt or missing libmysql.dll. You could also get Connector/C through MySQL Installer.

   If you're using MySQL Installer, there are multiple ways to install the different components contained within that tool, including Developer Default, Server only, Client only, Full, and Custom. Every option will install Connector/C except Server only. If you choose Custom, make sure to pick MySQL Connector/C from the list.

   Try your best to complete this step. This is the official source of the libmysql.dll file, so having one of those tools put a copy of the file on your computer is the best way to fix any errors regarding a missing libmysql.dll file.

3. Reinstall the program that uses the libmysql.dll file. If the DLL error occurs even after installing MySQL, reinstalling the particular program that throws the libmysql.dll error should replace the file.

4. Install any available Windows updates. Many service packs and other patches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your computer. The libmysql.dll file could be included in one of those updates, or one of the updates could be a requirement for the libmysql.dll file to work properly.

5. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Some libmysql.dll errors could be related to a virus or other malware infection on your computer that has damaged the DLL file. It's even possible that the libmysql.dll error you're seeing is related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the file.

6. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, System Restore could solve the problem.

7. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to libmysql.dll. If, for example, you're receiving a "The file libmysql.dll is missing" error when you play a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card.

   The libmysql.dll file may or may not be related to video cards—this was just an example. The key here is to pay very close attention to the context of the error and troubleshoot accordingly.

8. Roll back a driver to a previously installed version if libmysql.dll errors began after updating a particular hardware device's driver.

9. Test your memory and then test your hard drive. We've left the majority of hardware troubleshooting to the last step, but your computer's memory and hard drive are easy to test and are the most likely components that might cause libmysql.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 installation of Windows. If the individual libmysql.dll file troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.

11. Use a free registry cleaner to repair libmysql.dll related issues in the registry. A free registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid libmysql.dll registry entries that might be causing the DLL error.

    We rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners, but we've included the option here as a "last resort" attempt before the destructive step coming up next.

12. Perform a clean installation of Windows. This will erase everything from the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the libmysql.dll error, this should be your next course of action.

    All the information on your hard drive will be erased during a clean install. Make sure you've made the best attempt possible to fix the libmysql.dll error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one.

13. Troubleshoot for a hardware problem if any libmysql.dll errors persist. After a clean installation of Windows, your DLL problem can only be hardware related.

Need More Help?

If you're not interested in fixing this problem yourself, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more.