[Fixed] LibreOffice Portable 3.5.3 mistakenly offers to install VC runtime when already installed (patch included)

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May 11, 2012 - 2:27am

John T. Haller

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[Fixed] LibreOffice Portable 3.5.3 mistakenly offers to install VC runtime when already installed (patch included)

On some computers, LibreOffice Portable 3.5.3 will mistakenly detect that the MS Visual C++ 2008 runtime is not installed when it actually is. We're looking into the exact cause at the moment. If you are affected, you can help us by providing us information on what operating system it's running on and searching your C: drive for the file msvcr90.dll and letting us know where it is installed. We already have a partial fix working, but this could help provide us with a complete one encompassing any edge cases.

Fix 2: Better detection

First, please try LibreOfficePortable.exe launcher fix 2. Download and replace your current launcher in the LibreOfficePortable directory. It has correct detection of an installed VC runtimes.

Workaround: Patched Launcher

After that, if you'd like to turn off the message, just download this this patched LibreOfficePortable.exe launcher. You can replace the existing one in your LibreOfficePortable directory. This patched launcher has VC runtime detection disabled so you don't have to worry about the message appearing every time you run it.

We'll have a fixed version up in the next few days. Thanks for your patience.

May 11, 2012 - 8:07am

shadowlmd

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I am affected. Windows 7

I am affected.

Windows 7 32-bit.
C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft.vc90.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.4940_none_50916076bcb9a742\msvcr90.dll

Also, after I clicked "No" on that messasage offering to install VC runtime, application did not start. LibreOfficeWriterPortable.exe process was running, I had to kill it, but I could not start new one, it was telling me that another instance is already trying to start.

May 11, 2012 - 12:02pm

(Reply to #2) #3

John T. Haller

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What about yes?

What happens if you allow it to install? Does LibreOffice then work?

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May 11, 2012 - 8:27am

shadowlmd

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I uninstalled LibreOffice,

I uninstalled LibreOffice, made sure that LibreOfficePortable directory is deleted, then installed it again, replaced LibreOfficePortable.exe with patched version, started LibreOffice Writer - nothing happened. In processes I see LibreOfficePortable.exe running and nothing else.

PS: LibreOffice 3.5.2 was working fine.

May 11, 2012 - 8:29am

(Reply to #4) #5

Andy Evans

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This is what I am getting too

This is exactly what I am getting too - see my post at the end of this thread:

https://portableapps.com/node/31300

Andy.

May 11, 2012 - 8:32am

(Reply to #5) #6

shadowlmd

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Yeah, looks like you we have

Yeah, looks like you we have the same issue. But it has nothing to do with that topic, I think. It's something related to 3.5.3 only.

May 11, 2012 - 12:05pm

(Reply to #6) #7

John T. Haller

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Over Here

Please head over here: https://portableapps.com/node/32165

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

May 11, 2012 - 9:50am

bloatfoe

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requested information

My operating system is WinXP updated through this week's updates.

msvcr90.dll appears in lots of PortableApps directories, including:

[PortableAppsDir\]LibreOffice\App\libreoffice\program
[PortableAppsDir\]LibreOffice\App\libreoffice\URE\bin

(Note that I imposed my own application directory name, "LibreOffice", vs. the default "LibreOfficePortable")

It also appears in several directories of form:

C:\Windows\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.VC90.CRT_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.?????

... where ????? is a mishmash of alphanumeric text.

May 11, 2012 - 11:45pm

linuxx

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Forced Dismount

Dismounting the TrueCrypt volume gives me this warning after running LO:
--
Volume contains files or folders being used by applications or system.
Force dismount?
--
This is with both the auto-install and an independent version of VC runtime. Selecting either Yes or No on the message offering to install VC runtime makes no difference.

May 13, 2012 - 9:08am

#10

getco

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I also get this warning, but

I also get this warning, but when I click "No" LibreOffice does start and work OK.

May 13, 2012 - 11:01am

#11

John T. Haller

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Added Fixed Launcher

I added a new fix with improved detection. Could folks who had issues previously please try this new fix and see if it properly detects that you have VC installed?

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

May 15, 2012 - 12:02am

(Reply to #11) #12

Paul just Paul

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I don`t know what kind of

I don`t know what kind of improvement you done. But it does not work in my case. So I begin.

OS: Win XP Pro SP3 x32
msvcr90.dll folders:
x86_Microsoft.VC90.CRT_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.1_x-ww_* (previously installed)
x86_Microsoft.VC90.CRT_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.6161_x-ww_* (installed from your package)

As I realise your early code check for accurate version of MSVC. But it`s too difficult to cover all versions in this way. I found another solution in one Inno setup topic forum (http://forum.oszone.net/post-1862872-844.html). Maybe it will be useful:


Function isvcredist():boolean;
var b1,b2,b3 : boolean;
begin
  if RegKeyExists(HKLM, 'SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DevDiv\VC\Servicing\9.0\RED') then b1 := True;
  if IsWin64 then begin
    if RegKeyExists(HKLM64, 'SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DevDiv\VC\Servicing\9.0\RED') then b2 := True;
    if RegKeyExists(HKLM32, 'SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DevDiv\VC\Servicing\9.0\RED') then b3 := True;
  end;
  if (b1 or b2 or b3) then Result := True else Result := False;
end;

For NSIS it`s look like this:


Function IsMSVС2008Installed
/* 
	Usage:
	Call IsMSVС2008Installed
	Pop $hasCRT
	$hasCRT at this point is "1"(Yes) or "0"(No)
*/

	Push $R0
	ClearErrors
	EnumRegKey $R0 HKLM "SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DevDiv\VC\Servicing\9.0\RED" 0
	IfErrors 0 KeyExist
/*
		maybe need code like this:
		
		!include "x64.nsh"	;http://nsis.sourceforge.net/Include/x64.nsh		
		${If} ${RunningX64}
			SetRegView 64
			EnumRegKey $R0 HKLM "SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DevDiv\VC\Servicing\9.0\RED" 0
			IfErrors 0 KeyExist	
		${Endif}
*/
		SetRegView 64
		EnumRegKey $R0 HKLM "SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DevDiv\VC\Servicing\9.0\RED" 0
		IfErrors 0 KeyExist	

		StrCpy $R0 0
		Goto End
	
	KeyExist:
		StrCpy $R0 1
	End:
	Exch $R0
FunctionEnd

It work fine on my system.
Best regards, Paul.

May 16, 2012 - 7:12pm

(Reply to #12) #13

John T. Haller

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32 only

Your approach makes sense, though we'd check 32-bit only. We don't care if the 64-bit version is installed as LibreOffice, a 32-bit app, can't use it.

It's also odd that the exact same check running on your system can't find the just-installed VC runtime while it can on mine. I think this is why I found dozens and dozens of different implementations.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

May 16, 2012 - 8:16am

(Reply to #13) #14

getco

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Win 7 Ultimate x64 - the new

Win 7 Ultimate x64 - the new detection fix doesn't properly detect.

May 17, 2012 - 1:00pm

#15

Matherion

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Windows 7, 64-bits, am affected

(feels almost like a zombie movie Anyway, )

I run Win7, 64-bits, Home Premium.

msvcr90.dll is located in the Audacity PortableApps folder (specifically: "B:\Apps\PortableApps\AudacityPortable\App\Audacity\msvcr90.dll" - and also at "D:\Dropbox\Apps\PortableApps\AudacityPortable\App\Audacity\msvcr90.dll" - I SUBSTed that folder)

I just use the 'fix 1' file and overwrote the old launcher. This did not fix the situation. Pressing "no", however, doesn't matter - whatever I say (Yes or No), LibreOffice just starts as planned (note: I try this by doubleclicking an excel file - oh, just tried running it normally, didn't matter).

The second fix version of the launcher works beautifully

Thank you!!!

May 17, 2012 - 9:57pm

#16

John T. Haller

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Fix 2

Fix 2 properly fixes the font and the VC runtime issues. Please give this a try even if fix 1 or the strip fix worked for you. Thanks!

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

June 1, 2012 - 8:46pm

#17

John T. Haller

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Fixed in 3.5.4

This is fixed in 3.5.4 using improved detection of installed runtimes.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

June 2, 2012 - 12:51am

(Reply to #17) #18

shadowlmd

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I just installed 3.5.4 and it

I just installed 3.5.4 and it offers to install VC runtime. I did a clean install via PA platform - same. Tested in virtual machine with clean Windows 7 32-bit - same.

June 2, 2012 - 10:16am

(Reply to #18) #19

John T. Haller

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Sure?

Are you absolutely sure the 32-bit version of the VC runtime is installed on said machines? If attemping to instantiate it (which should work unless something is borked or a bad antivirus is running) as well as checking the 4 uninstall keys for all known versions as well as checking HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DevDiv\VC\Servicing\9.0\RED (which should exist when ANY VC runtime 9.0 is installed anywhere) *ALL* fail, then something has to be borked about the install.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

June 2, 2012 - 1:04pm

(Reply to #19) #20

shadowlmd

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This runtime is included with

This runtime is included with Windows 7 SP1 and does not need to be installed. Check my first comment in this thread:

Windows 7 32-bit.
C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft.vc90.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.4940_none_50916076bcb9a742\msvcr90.dll

If I refuse to install VC runtime, LO starts just fine.

July 14, 2012 - 3:40am

#21

shadowlmd

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This is still not fixed with

This is still not fixed with latest LibreOfficePortable.

July 14, 2012 - 6:56am

(Reply to #21) #22

Grisu2

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Same problem

I get the same error when installing LO3.55 (this error occurs since 3.5x)
"This comuter is missing a component required for LibreOfficePortable. Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 runtime ?"
But I use the portable version of LO because I use diffrent PCs and I cannot install applications on all machines.

I use WinXP SP2 or above on the diffrent PCs

It would b great if this problem coulb be solved.

Thanks

Grisu2

July 14, 2012 - 7:28am

(Reply to #22) #23

shadowlmd

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On WinXP it's probably really

On WinXP it's probably really required. Without VC runtime LibreOffice won't run at all. But this runtime is included with Windows 7, and still LibreOfficePortable thinks it's not installed.

July 17, 2012 - 6:35am

(Reply to #23) #24

ottosykora

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my experinece

LO 355 runs fine on w7, XP it makes no complains

today I tried on my w2k machine at work.
Here it does complain about missing runtime, but when I cancel, nothing happens, the LO starts fine and does what is asked to do.

Otto Sykora
Basel, Switzerland

July 24, 2012 - 8:30am

#25

Lupp

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Issue really fixed? For wine too?

Sorry, I couldn't get it clear. Do you think the issue definitely fixed?
What about the launchers for special doc-types (e.g. LibreOfficeWriterPortable.exe) ?

My case may be a bit extraordinary: I sometimes use PortableApps and LibOP too under wine, this on Kubuntu. LibO is a bit slow then but it works.

msvcr90.dll surrogate is present in the [home].wine/drive_c/windows/system32 folder. It is not correctly detected even with the most recent versions PA 10.1.2, LibOP 3.5.5.3.
After rejecting the offer to install VC runtime everything is o.k.
Will this issue be addressed too?

PS
Under Windows XP SP3 I did never see the issue.

August 11, 2012 - 12:13pm

#26

jwinter

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Issue present with WinXpSp3 and No Google Chrome

On a relatively newly installed and clean system, I downloaded and installed PA Platform 10.1.2 and used that to install LibreOffice 3.5.5(2012-07-13). On trying to run it the first time it comes up with "This computer is missing a component required for LibreOffice Portable to function. Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 runtime?"

On searching C: for the file "msvcr90.dll" it is only present in 2 places:
(1)"C:\Documents and Settings\JohnW\My Documents\PortableApps\PortableApps\LibreOfficePortable\App\libreoffice\program"
(2)"C:\Documents and Settings\JohnW\My Documents\PortableApps\PortableApps\LibreOfficePortable\App\libreoffice\URE\bin"
Both of which are within LibreOffice itself.

I answered "No" to see what would happen and it would not start. I tried starting LibreOffice Writer again and did not get the error, but neither did it work (I did see a splash screen however). Further tries to start it gave no indication of any result. I tried starting LibreOffice Draw with similarly little result except after a while it came up with a crash error "Due to an unexpected error, LibreOffice crached. All the files you were working on will now be saved..." etc. On trying to start LibreOffice Draw again I got the original error "This computer is missing ... Visual C++ ...". So this time I decided to try answering "Yes".

This time it did something (as indicated by the egg-timer cursor) and LibreOffice Draw came up running! So I shut it down and did another search for "msvcr90.dll" on C:. This time I found it in "C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.VC90.CRT_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.6161_x-ww_31a54e43" as well as the other two places where it was previously.

So it seems to be working now but having to copy msvcr90.dll to Windows is not stealthy and may have been a problem if I wasn't logged on as an administrator.

JohnW

September 13, 2012 - 10:03am

#27

Wolfgang Klein

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Using version 3.6.1 and I am still affected!

I am using the latest version of LOP that is available, but still I get this error about the missing runtime lib on a certain machine running Windows-XP. Unfortunately, I don't have admin access to this machine, and the network proxy won't let me download anything suspicious. (And a file ending in ".exe" looks very much suspicious to this proxy!)

So I downloaded this patched launcher at home and put it onto my USB stick. Let's hope it will do as promised, when I am back at this sick machine tomorrow morning.

What can I do if it doesn't? What alternatives do I have? I need to get LOP working on that machine, otherwise I can't access any of my files. Any help is very much appreciated!

September 13, 2012 - 11:24am

(Reply to #27) #28

John T. Haller

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Over here

Over here: https://portableapps.com/news/2012-08-31--libreoffice-portable-3.6.1-rel...

You saw that already, I think. So, use that. If that Windows XP machine doesn't have the proper runtime on it, LibreOffice won't work in any form, portable or not.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

September 15, 2012 - 4:18am

(Reply to #28) #29

Wolfgang Klein

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Ok: now I found three

Ok: now I found three different patched versions of LibreOfficePortable.exe. They all have different file sizes, so I dare say they are different. I will try them all and hopefully one of them is going to let me work tomorrow.

Supplement:

It is Saturday morning and I had a very unpleasant Friday.

I had three different versions of LibreOfficePortable.exe with me on my USB stick, neither of which worked. I also had the complete download version of LO portable with me that can be found at libreoffice.org and I was able to add it to my portable apps. But I still got this stupid error about this missing dll.

All this try & error took me nearly 90 minutes. I never thought that such slow machines still existed in 2012.

Anyway: the machine I was using identifies itself as as some AMD processor (sorry: forgot which one...), running Windows XP, version 2002, service 3.

Still the question remains: what can I do to make LO portable work on that machine?

Can older versions of LOP still be found somewhere?

I really need a running version of LOP!

September 15, 2012 - 8:44am

(Reply to #29) #30

John T. Haller

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One Again

There is only a SINGLE current patched version of LibreOfficePortable.exe available that applies to this situation. This one: https://portableapps.com/node/34272#comment-198129

You install LibreOffice Portable 3.6.1 and then replace the LibreOfficePortable.exe in the LibreOfficePortable directory with that new one you download. It does not magically make LibreOffice not need Visual C++ runtime anymore. It just does a better job of detecting when it is missing.

If you don't have it installed on your Windows XP machine, it will offer to install it. If you refuse, LibreOffice will fail to run. LibreOffice, both regular and portable, requires this Visual C++ runtime installed locally. Without it, it can't run. Period. End of story.

Please follow the steps above. If they fail, please list your exact process and the exact errors you see happen.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

September 17, 2012 - 8:40am

(Reply to #30) #31

Wolfgang Klein

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Sorry to bother you!

You're right about the numbers of files: I confused the patched version 3.5.3 and 3.6.1. Sorry about that!

Still, there's something that puzzles me very much:

This is the first time I encountered a machine where my portable apps don't work. I always thought "portable" meant that those apps would always run on a host machine, regardless of how the machine is configured. That should be the most important meaning of the word "portable".

And, frankly, that's what is written on portableapps.com: "PortableApps.com lets you carry all your favorite apps on a portable device or cloud drive and use them on any PC."

Now I learn that portable apps do very much depend on some dll files that need to be installed on the host machine. I don't thing that this is what "portable" and "on any PC" really means. I really would expect portable apps to be independent of the host machine's configuration.

Isn't there any way that those stupid dll files can compiled into LOP, or put onto the USB stick, where LOP can find them? What about some portable version of those files?

In my opinion asking if these missing files should be installed on the host machine not only violates the true meaning of the word "portable", it also is a big security breach. Apart from sometimes being not allowed to install anything on the host machine, it can also get the user in big trouble when the machine's owner or administrator finds out that something has been added to the machine that was not there before, for whatever reason.

I really thing that portable apps should not install anything on a host machine. They should leave the machine the same way that it was before.

September 17, 2012 - 10:05am

(Reply to #31) #32

John T. Haller

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One App

Before freaking out further and ascribing this to some grand conspiracy or defect ... remember that this is a single app. And the issue is an outdated or corrupted Visual C++ runtime. This runtime is included with Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. And most Windows XP machines already have it installed. Due to the way LibreOffice is coded, it doesn't properly use the bundled C++ runtime in the portable package. Yes, it is included, just the way we do with dozens of other apps that work with a portable version of these files. But LO doesn't work with it and HAS to have a locally installed one for a few of its components.

So, this only affects a small percentage of outdated Windows XP machines that lack the runtime, either because they are fully clean and patched instances of XP with no software installed and IE not updated or because they are hopelessly out of date. So, we could either ditch LibreOffice Portable, or come up with a handy workaround for these few lacking machines, rather than LibreOffice simply crashing on them. We chose the latter. That's the way it works. Either update the machine, or don't use the app on it. Those are your only two choices with this app and this particular machine. There is currently no other solution.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

September 17, 2012 - 1:42pm

(Reply to #32) #33

Wolfgang Klein

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Don't be afraid!

I'm neither freaking out nor am I blaming you for anything. It's just that I haven't encountered this situation before and it is pretty annoying, because I can't access my files while I am forced to use this machine. And, like I said: I always thought that "portable" also meant "independent".

It's really too bad that there is no solution to this problem, because I have no admin rights on that machine and I will not be granted those rights, no need to ask the administrator.

Unfortunately, I can't even boot the machine into Linux.

I really hope that someone will come up with a better way to deal with these dependencies in some future version of LO. In the mean time all I can do is to convert all my files to MS-Office file types and use those copies on this specific machine, hoping the damage will not be too big.

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