What are Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll Error Messages?

Dynamic Link Library Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll Errors

Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll is considered a type of Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file. Dynamic Link Library files, like Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll, are essentially a "guide book" that stores information and instructions for executable (EXE) files - like Setup.exe - to follow. These files were created so that multiple programs (eg. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit)) could share the same Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll file, saving valuable memory allocation, therefore making your computer run more efficiently.

Unfortunately, what makes DLL files so convenient and efficient, also makes them extremely vulnerable to problems. If something happens to a shared DLL file, either it goes missing or gets corrupted in some way, it can generate a "runtime" error message. Runtime is pretty self-explanatory; it means that these errors are triggered when Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll is attempted to be loaded either when Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit) is starting up, or in some cases already running. Some of the most common Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll errors include:

• Access Violation at address - Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll.
• Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll could not be found.
• Cannot find C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_MSIL\Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi\10.0.0.0__89845dcd8080cc91\Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll.
• Cannot register Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll.
• Cannot start Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit). A required component is missing: Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll. Please install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit) again.
• Failed to load Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll.
• The application has failed to start because Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll was not found.
• The file Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll is missing or corrupt.
• This application failed to start because Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.

Your Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit)), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit), system crash while loading Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or quite commonly, a malware infection. Thus, it's critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

How to Fix Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

You can uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit) software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
4. Find the entry for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit) 10.00.1600.22 and click "Uninstall"
5. Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit) software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit) 10.00.1600.22

Microsoft Corporation

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll files for every applicable version of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit). Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download Microsoft.SqlServer.InstApi.dll Files".
2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
3. Copy this file to the appropriate Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (64-bit) folder location:
   
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Setup Bootstrap\Release\x64\
   Windows 10: C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_MSIL\Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi\10.0.0.0__89845dcd8080cc91\
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Setup Bootstrap\Release\x86\
   Windows 10: C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_MSIL\Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi\10.0.0.0__89845dcd8080cc91\
   
4. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.

You are downloading trial software. The purchase of a one-year software subscription at the price of $29.97 USD is required to unlock all software features. Subscription auto-renews at the end of the term (Learn more). By clicking the "Start Download" button above and installing "Software", I acknowledge I have read and agree to the Solvusoft End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy.