The file ‘comdlg32.ocx’ is part of the Visual Basic Runtime package and isn’t installed by default on your PC.
It’s a component of the aforementioned suite, and it’s used by a variety of programs. The following error message may now appear in the program that uses it:
‘comdlg32.ocx’ Missing Error
Component comdlg32.ocx or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid.
The file is either missing or corrupt, according to this warning. Many users have been kind enough to share the ways they took to remedy the problem, so make sure you check them out below!
What Causes the ‘comdlg32.ocx’ Missing Error on Windows?
On Windows, the ‘comdlg32.ocx’ missing error is caused by two different difficulties. We’ve listed them below for you to review in the hopes of getting closer to the final solution!
1. Problems with the ‘comdlg32.exe’ file – You may need to replace the file with a working version and re-register it using Command Prompt if it is missing, corrupted, or unregistered. It’s conceivable that the problematic program doesn’t have permissions to the file, so make sure you give it to them!
2. User Account Control (UAC) — For many users, disabling UAC solved the problem, however, this technique is mostly dependent on the affected app.
How to Fix COMDLG32.ocx Missing or Invalid Error Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7
Solution 1: Re-register the File
If your computer’s comdlg32.ocx file is missing or corrupt, the best thing you can do is get a working copy and re-register with Command Prompt. It’s a simple set of procedures, but because you’re working with system files, make sure you follow the instructions properly. Take a look at it below!
1. First, download the comdlg32.ocx file from here. The download will begin as soon as you click the link. Locate the file on your hard drive, right-click it, and select Copy from the context menu that appears.
2. Then, on the problematic PC, open the Libraries entry or any folder on the machine, and select the This PC option from the left side menu.
3. To find the folder where you need to copy the file, go to the following location on your computer:
For Windows 32-bit C:\Windows\System32
For Windows 64-bit C:\Windows\SysWOW64
4. Choose Paste from the context menu that appears when you right-click anywhere inside the folder. You may need to grant administrator permissions to do so. If any prompts appear, confirm that you want to replace the file that is currently there.
5. By putting “Command Prompt” into the Start menu or selecting the search button next to it, you may find it quickly. Choose “Run as administrator” from the context menu by right-clicking the first entry that appears as a search result.
6. You can also bring up the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows Logo Key + R combination. To open the administrator Command Prompt, type “cmd” in the dialog box that displays and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
7. In the command window, type the following command and then hit Enter.
regsvr32 /u Comdlg32.ocx
regsvr32 /i Comdlg32.ocx
8. Open the app that is causing the ‘comdlg32.ocx’ missing issue and examine if the error is still present.
Check this video for more help:
Solution 2: Run the Program in Compatibility Mode with Administrator Permissions
Many customers reported that running the program in compatibility mode for a previous version of Windows than the one currently installed on their PC worked. The problem with the comdlg32.ocx file was resolved in some situations by running the problematic program’s executable with administrator permissions. You can do both or just one of them at a time. It’s worth noting that this solution is heavily reliant on the software that generated the mistake!
PRO TIP: If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using Restoro Repair which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to system corruption. You can download Restoro from here.
1. Change the properties of the program’s executable file by right-clicking it on the Desktop, the Start menu, or the search results window and selecting Properties. In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab and tick the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
2. Before accepting the modifications, check the box next to the Run this program in compatibility mode for option in the Compatibility mode section and select Windows 8 or 7 from the drop-down list. If this option was previously selected, uncheck it entirely.
3. Ensure that any dialogs that arise for you to confirm with admin credentials are confirmed, and the program should now launch with admin privileges. Double-click the icon to open it and check if the issue persists.
Solution 3: Change Ownership and Provide Full Permissions for the ‘comdlg32.ocx’ File
If the program that is presenting the error message can’t access the file properly, the error will persist and you won’t be able to use the app. However, the owner and permissions for the ‘comdlg32.ocx’ file can be changed so that anyone can access it. You will, of course, require administrator access to complete the instructions below!
1. Enter the Libraries entry on the affected PC, or open any folder on the machine, and then select This PC from the left-hand menu.
2. To find the folder containing the ‘comdlg32.ocx’ file, go to the following location on your computer:
For Windows 32-bit C:\Windows\System32
For Windows 64-bit C:\Windows\SysWOW64
3. Before continuing, you must take ownership of the ocx file stored in the above-mentioned folder. Right-click the file and select Properties, then the Security tab. Toggle the Advanced option on. The window for “Advanced Security Settings” will display. The Owner of the key must be changed here.
4. Next to the “Owner:” label, click the Change link. The window Select User or Group will display.
5. Select the user account using the Advanced button, or simply type it in the ‘Enter the object name to select’ field and click OK. Add the Everyone account to the mix.
6. Select a principal by selecting the Select a principal button at the top after clicking the Add button below. Select the user account using the Advanced button, or simply type it in the ‘Enter the object name to select’ field and click OK. Add the Everyone account to the mix.
7. Before applying your changes, make sure you select Full control under the Basic permissions area.
8. Check to verify if the issue has been repaired and if the ‘comdlg32.ocx’ missing error message is still present on your PC!
Solution 4: Disable UAC
When the problem only occurs in specific programs, disabling UAC may be useful. UAC isn’t a particularly important security feature because it only alerts the user when they’re going to make more major changes to their machine. Turning it off will, at the very least, disable some unpleasant prompts that display when you launch system tools.
1. Start by looking for Control Panel in the Start menu. You can alternatively use the Windows Key + R key combination to open the Run box and type “control.exe” into it, then click OK.
2. Change the View by choice in the Control Panel to Large Icons and scroll or look to the bottom to see the User Accounts option.
3. Open it and select “Change User Account Control Settings” from the drop-down menu. On the security slider, you’ll find that there are various distinct levels to choose from.
4. If this value is at the top of the slider, try lowering it by one and seeing if it helps after opening the troublesome software. If the error persists, repeat the procedure.
5. We advise you to turn off UAC for the time being because the program should most likely launch correctly, and then enable it afterward.
That’s about it.
