AtuoPIPE System Error The code execution cannot proceed because CTL3D32.dll was not found message


Applies To  
Product(s): AutoPIPE
Version(s): ALL;
Area: Startup
Date Logged
& Current Version
September 2025
25.00.00.299

Problem:

During start up the following message appears:

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autopipe.exe - System Error
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The code execution cannot proceed because CTL3D32.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem. 
---------------------------
OK   
---------------------------

or 

'The program cannot start because CTL3D32.DLL is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix the problem'

Solution:

One of the most frequent issues encountered by Windows users is the absence of a DLL file. There can be many reasons why a specific DLL may have be moved / deleted 

Example: Microsoft has discontinued support for 32-bit applications and software. Consequently, a recent update (Aug 2025) to Microsoft Windows, identified as KB5064081, seems to have removed CTL3D32.dll.

As this is a 32-bit Windows DLL, it only impacts all 32-bit versions of AutoPIPE (versions 23.00.00.230 and lower). 

Work with your IT department to apply one or more of the following solutions to resolve this issue: 

Solution #1:

Download the latest version of AutoPIPE, and install. Also suggest to reboot the computer before starting the program. 

Solution #2:

Roll back to a System Restore point before any recent updates were implemented.

Solution #3:

      1. Search C:\Windows or C:\Windows.old folder for CTL3D32.dll
      2. Copy / Paste the DLL to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 folder
      3. Reboot the computer
      4. start AutoPIPE.

Solution #4:

Missing or corrupted files of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable - The CTL3D32.DLL file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ software runtime library. VC++ Runtime libraries are DLL files required to run programs compiled with Microsoft Visual Studio. If some files are missing or if Visual Studio is not installed correctly, then the 'CTL3D32.DLL is missing' error might appear.

Uninstall, download a fresh installer for, and install Visual C++ Redistributable used for AutoPIPE. See AutoPIPE readme file for specific version used for installation of AutoPIPE. 

Solution #5:

System is infected with virus or malware – There is a possibility your system is corrupted or damaged with virus/malware. As a result, CTL3D32.DLL may have been damaged or corrupt.

Uninstall, download a fresh installer for, and install CTL3D32.DLL. 

Solution #6: 

Fix missing *.DLL error automatically

Utilizing the System File Checker (SFC) scan in Windows or employing a third-party Windows repair tool can remove bad files and repair DLL issues.

CMD prompt: enter  -  'sfc/scannow '

Aftermarket Tool  -  Follow instructions provided with aftermarket software

Solution #7: 

Re-register the DLL file

Suggest to un-register and re-register the DLL using the CMD Window prompt will fix the issue:

Un-registering  -  'regsvr32 /u CTL3D32.DLL'

Re-registering  -  'regsvr32 CTL3D32.DLL' 

Solution #8:

In some cases, DLL errors can occur due to drivers. If the DLL error message appeared during or after you installed a program, then first update your drivers to the latest version.

Alternatively, there is also a possibility you might face the DLL error after updating drivers. In such a scenario, you need to roll back the driver to the previous version.

Solution #9:

Completely Uninstall, Reboot, and Reinstall current version of AutoPIPE.