Question about need for Visual C++ and Runtime libraries (and KB2538243)

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Hi,

I’ve got an HP laptop with Windows 7. I’ve uninstalled most of the HP bloatware and also went through the Add/Remove programs months back and got rid of stuff I didn’t need (asking a computer friend for advice on each item). I believe there were a few entries for Microsoft Visual C++ and he said I could safely remove those since I’m not a programmer or IT person, so I did. What I don’t remember is whether or not any of those entries were “Microsoft Visual C++ 20xx Redistributable” which apparently are the runtime libraries and supposedly needed by programs (according to the Google research I just did). I’m thinking they might have been, but I’m not positive. It’s obvious I don’t know what any of this stuff means, but right now I have no listings in “Programs and Features” for Microsoft Visual C++ *anything*.

I have listed in my Windows Updates this update:

Security Update for Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package (KB2538243)
Download size: 5.0 MB
You may need to restart your computer for this update to take effect.
Update type: Important
A security issue has been identified leading to MFC application vulnerability in DLL planting due to MFC not specifying the full path to system/localization DLLs. You can protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

I never installed it because I didn’t have any Microsoft Visual C++ *anything* installed anymore on my computer and I didn’t understand why I’d need an update for something not there in the first place. (?) Doing some research on it now, it looks like many people had an issue with trying to install this update and it just failing over and over (and that also may be the reason I did not install it at the time and just hid it). I also seem to recall the info on it saying it was for the future if you ever were to install Visual C++ or something (but I can’t find that now, so I’m not positive).

1. Do I need to install this update KB2538243 after all? Or can I just hide it again?

2. Do I need to reinstall any “Microsoft Visual C++ 20xx Redistributable” that I may have removed? If a program was relying on them, would the program fail to open or give an obvious error message? (I also removed the .NET frameworks that were listed, and haven’t run into any error messages in programs regarding those either, as far as I can tell.)

3. Is there a log of Removed programs somewhere that shows the programs that used to be installed but were removed? (Which would let me see exactly what I had removed.)

I really do appreciate the help from you knowledgeable folks! If someone could let me know the scoop, that would be great. (I realize it’s probably annoying to get these layman questions… so sorry in advance!)

(I’m hoping it’s something I don’t have to worry about and can just hide that offered KB2538243 update again. )

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Maybe this post will help: http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//138803-What-are-all-these-Visual-C-Redistributable-entries-in-my-programs-list?highlight=Visual+libraries

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Thanks for the reply! I read the thread, and it’s kind of what I had already learned from research, but seems to solidify it.

However, it doesn’t actually answer the questions I was asking. (Sort of #2, but I guess I should rephrase it, as I’m meaning to ask something more specific, so I’ll do that in my original post.)

Anyone know the answers to this stuff? Thanks again!

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If you don’t have a library, any program needing it will fail and generate run time errors.

There are no logs of removed programs.

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Thanks for getting back to me, ruirib!

So that answers #2 and #3, but what about #1? Should I (or do I need to) install that update? Why is a security update offered if I don’t have Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package in the first place? (Or perhaps had possibly removed it.)

On a side note, is it possible that Windows Defender relies on some version of MS Visual C++? (Or some version of .NET Framework other than 3 which I believe is embedded in Windows 7?) There is a listing for Windows Defender in my Control Panel (and there is a folder for it in Program Files with including MSASCui.exe, as well as a folder for in in Program Files (x86), but there are only a few files in there and no .exe file). But when I click on it in my Control Panel, it says:

This Program is turned off. If you are using another program that checks for harmful or unwanted software, use the Action Center to check that program’s status. If you would like to use this program, click here to turn it on.

But when I click it, nothing happens for a long time, and then finally I get an error message (though I can’t recall the exact wording). But basically, it can’t be turned on. Also, the program is not listed in my Add/Remove Programs list for some reason! :confused:

However, I do also have Microsoft Security Essentials which seems to be running fine.

Thoughts? And thanks for the back-and-forth — it’s appreciated!

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I never installed it because I didn’t have any Microsoft Visual C++ *anything* installed anymore on my computer and I didn’t understand why I’d need an update for something not there in the first place.

This update may assist in resolving your Spybot related SidebySide error. I recommend installing the update.

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This update may assist in resolving your Spybot related SidebySide error. I recommend installing the update.

Even though it’s a security update and not the actual thing itself? Why would a security update be offered if I don’t have the thing it’s for in the first place? Or am I misunderstanding something? Thanks for the help, CLiNT!

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If you are offered an update, install it. For me, when it is not an hardware driver, I just install the updates. If it is offered and does not apply, it won’t install.

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ruirib and CLiNT! — Update has been installed. (Just wanted to let you know…)

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Since this thread and the other one aboutu Spybot are basically becoming the same, I’m just continuing over there:
http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//148706-Need-help-with-Spybot-error-in-Windows-log?p=868268&viewfull=1#post868268

Thanks!

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Discussion continues there, then. Closing this one.

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