Repair Microsoft MSXML with Simple Solutions

Many users around the world have reported facing issues while installing or running programs due to damaged or outdated MSXML on their system. If you deal with similar issues, take appropriate countermeasures to repair Microsoft MSXML, as the issue is critical and severely impacts your business operations.

Fixing MSXML may initially seem complex in contrast to the ease with which it can be done with proper knowledge and the right approach. We created this blog to outline how your programs gets affected by damaged MSXML and the expert-recommended methods to repair it. Continue reading the blog to figure out how to fix corrupted MSXML files for smooth Windows experience.

Why do you Need to Fix MSXML?

Microsoft Extensive Markup Language (MSXML) is a set of services that acts as a medium for PC applications to interact with data stored in XML format. Collaborating with web services, transforming data into software-readable language, creating XML-based applications, and many other tasks become possible due to MSXML. Certain programs might fail to run or access the internet if MSXML gets damaged or outdated. We have mentioned some of the common problems you might encounter without updated MSXML, which will help you understand why you need to fix corrupted MSXML files-

• Failure in connecting to the web services: PC applications won’t be able to integrate with web services, which means you won’t be able to download updates, use online features, or sync data with online servers.

• Failure installing the programs: Windows components like MSXML and .NET Framework are required to install any application on your computer. Outdated or damaged MSXML straightaway restricts the installation, or the program might fail to run after installation.

• Failure in Data Syncing: Certain apps needs to sync data with the servers and web services for security. Damaged MSXML might lead to corruption in the data, or you may lose it permanently.

• Performance Issues: Your programs might frequently freeze or turn slow whenever it tries to send or receive data from other applications or web services using XML format. You’ll experience this problem while generating reports that depend on data parsing and formatting.

• Recurring error messages: One or more of the following error messages will keep recurring, disrupting your flow:

• • Make sure MSXML 4 has been installed on your system correctly.

• • An unrecoverable error has occurred. Exception MSXML could not co-create the instance.

• • You’ll be stuck with “Installing MSXML 4.0” on the screen during the installation of other programs.

• • C=343 Filename.dll is not an executable file.

Reasons for Damaged MSXML

The potential reasons for these error messages to develop are:

• The program you are trying to install needs a .bat file during its installation. MSXML 4 is required to read the file as it exists in XML format, and problems occur if MSXML 4 is damaged or missing from your computer.
• The Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML.dll) file is damaged, unregistered, or uninstalled on your computer.
• Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML) is damaged or unregistered.

To prevent all the problems related to MSXML, you’ll have to update outdated MSXML components or repair them, as explained in the next section of our blog.

Reliable Methods to Troubleshoot MSXML Issues

Here are a few methods to fix MS XML-related issues that appear while installing or running programs on your system:

Method 1: MSXML Repair via Command Prompt

As we discussed, you might run into errors if the MSXML files are unregistered. You can use the Command Prompt (CMD) on your system to repair MSXML with Regsvr32, as shown below:

For 64-bit Operating Systems:

1. Go to the search bar at the bottom and type ‘cmd.’
   
   
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt icon in the popup and select Run as administrator.
3. Enter cd\windows\syswow64 after the C: prompt on the black screen, and type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll as a command before pressing Enter.
   
   
4. You’ll be notified with a message, ‘DllRegisterServer in MSXML6.dll succeeded.’

For 32-bit Operating Systems:

1. Press Windows + R on the keyboard to open the Run command.
2. Type CMD and press Enter.
3. Type regsvr32 MSXML6.dll and press Enter.
4. Wait for the confirmation message.

This method will re-register the MSXML.dll files on your computer.

Method 2: Fix Corrupted MSXML Files using DISM & SFC

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) are dedicated tools designed by Microsoft to diagnose issues on your system (damaged Windows files) and repair them automatically. You can run an MSXML component repair using the tools as shown below:

Step 1: Run DISM

DISM ensures all the files required for the repair are instantly available, and you must run it before using SFC. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Windows search bar (bottom) and type ‘cmd.’
2. Right-click the Command Prompt option and tap Run as administrator.
3. When CMD opens, type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth as a command and press Enter.

Step 2: Run SFC

Use the following steps to scan your system using SFC and replace/repair any damaged files:

1. Launch Command Prompt (CMD) in admin mode using the same steps.
2. Type sfc /scannow as the command and press Enter.
3. Wait until the tool finds the damaged files and replaces them with their cached copies.

Method 3: Reinstall MSXML Manually

You can reinstall MSXML if you think the existing version is damaged, causing you to suffer. Unfortunately, Microsoft has stopped any future security updates for MSXML 4 as it is considered outdated. However, you can anytime update MSXML 6.0 as shown in the following steps:

1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog to download the MSXML 6 Core Services pack, depending upon your Windows OS. You can also go to the Microsoft page if you just need the security patch.
2. Let the file download on your system and follow all the instructions on the screen after opening it.
3. Once the MSXML 6 installation ends, try installing/running the program once again.

Here’s a table with the direct download link to update packages and their compatibility with OS:

Condition: You must have the related MSXML Service Pack already installed on your system. Doesn’t matter whether it was installed by an application or manually by you.

XML Version	Download Link	Supported OS
Microsoft MSXML Core Services 6.0 Service Pack 2	Download MSXML Core Services 6.0 SP2	Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2; Windows XP Service Pack 2
Microsoft MSXML Core Services 4.0 Service Pack 2	Download MSXML Core Services 4.0 SP2	Windows Vista Service Pack 1; Windows Server 2008 R2; Windows Vista Service Pack 2; Windows XP Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2; Windows 7; Windows XP Service Pack; Windows Vista; Windows Server 2008
Microsoft MSXML Core Services 4.0 Services Pack 3	Download MSXML Core Services 4.0 SP3	Windows XP Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2008 R2; Windows XP Service Pack 3; Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2; Windows 7; Windows Vista Service Pack 1; Windows Vista Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista

NOTE: It might also be possible that your program is internally damaged and facing problems integrating with MSXML services.

Move to the next method if problems persist.

Method 4: Download Latest Windows Updates

You might think, what will downloading the Windows updates do? But you will be surprised to know that updating Windows also updates the existing MSXML Core Services pack. Use this article to download the latest Windows updates on your computer.

One of the above-mentioned methods will repair MSXML components on your computer. Address the reason for your issues and continue with the relative method to fix MSXML services on your system.

Summary

This blog thoroughly describes how to repair Microsoft MSXML for a smooth and uninterrupted Windows experience. The potential problems you might encounter, and their respective reasons are also discussed. The preventive measures mentioned in the blog will help you safeguard your programs from MS XML-related problems in the future. This blog aims to make your MSXML up and running again, ensuring you stay focused.

FAQs

How do I check which version of MSXML is installed on my system?

Use the following steps to determine the existing MSXML version on your computer:

1. Go to C:\Windows\System32 and look for the MSXML6.dll file in the folder.
2. Right-click on the MSXML6.dll file and select the Properties option.
3. Go to the Version tab to see the version info for Windows 8 and above. Whereas, go to the Details tab if you use Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008. 

Can older MSXML versions coexist with newer ones safely?

Yes, you can install different MSXML versions side by side without any issues. Separate applications using different versions of MSXML will use their supported MSXML version and can run simultaneously without interrupting one another. Installing any new MSXML will have no impact on the existing MSXML versions on your computer.

What are the risks of modifying MSXML registry entries manually?

There are rare chances of Windows OS corruption if MSXML register entries aren’t done properly. Some common risks include failure in running applications and accessing the internet. However, you can follow an authorized guide and pay attention to details while modifying MSXML registries. Here are some things you must keep in mind:

1. Backup: Select the File option in the registry and tap Export to create a backup of your MSXML file.
2. Focus on the purpose of modifying: You must be well aware of what you require and what you are changing to help revert the changes if required.
3. System Restore: Create a system restore point in order to put things back to normal if anything goes sideways.
4. Avoid third-party applications: You must check any third-party applications before using them to modify the MSXML registry. They should be from an entity authorized by Microsoft.

How do I force-reinstall MSXML using the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility?

Sorry, but you can’t install MSXML using the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, as it is designed to fix issues that develop while installing the applications. Microsoft strictly DOES NOT RECOMMEND using these tools or third-party applications to install MSXML. You can straightaway download the required MSXML version from the official Microsoft website.

Is it safe to delete and reinstall MSXML manually?

Yes, it is totally safe if you follow the correct procedure (also given in the blog) and use no other source than Microsoft to update or reinstall MSXML version on your PC.

What Windows Update policies ensure MSXML stays updated and secure?

Microsoft allows you to keep the MSXML updated via many policies as listed below:

1. Windows Updates: Downloading and installing new Windows updates ensures your MSXML gets updated along too.
2. Security Patches and Fixes: Microsoft releases security patches in case any vulnerabilities or risks are found in existing MSXML versions.
3. Microsoft Catalog: You can always visit the Microsoft Catalog to view and download MSXML versions and their updates.

You must turn on automatic Windows updates on your PC and check for new updates on the Microsoft website periodically to ensure you don’t miss out on any new MSXML or Windows OS updates.