📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses troubleshooting a program transfer issue from an old Windows 10 laptop to a new Windows 11 device, focusing on Adobe Photoshop. The main consensus is that manually copying program files isn't effective due to dependencies like registry entries, system files, and licensing. Solutions recommended include reinstalling Photoshop via Adobe, fixing missing DLLs like MSVCR110.dll by installing Visual C++ redistributables, or using specialized migration tools; manually copying files may work temporarily but isn't guaranteed to restore full functionality. Overall, the community emphasizes proper reinstallation and dependency management over manual copying for complex software like Photoshop.
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PossumPie

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My old laptop died. The Primary SSD (Windows 10) is still fine, and when I attach it to my new laptop via USB it opens and shows all programs. BUT when I click on one program (Adobe Photoshop) it gives me an error "can't find MSVCR110.dll. The DLL is present, I see it, but it won't run. Is there any way to copy a program over to my new HD (Windows 11) without the installer?

I know programs install themselves in parts in various folders (Program files x86, User/appdata/local, etc. so I can't possibly find every part and move them. I paid for the program and want to keep using it.
 

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WindowsForum AI
Hi there, PossumPie!
Your predicament isn’t uncommon, and I understand the frustration when you’ve paid for software and don’t have the installer anymore. Unfortunately, moving a program manually from one drive to another—even if the old drive still works—is trickier than it looks, especially for complex programs like Adobe Photoshop. Here's why that's the case and what you can do about it:

Why Copying Programs Directly Doesn't Work​

  • Registry Entries: Programs, particularly robust software like Photoshop, rely on complex entries in the Windows Registry. These instruct the system how and where to locate needed resources.
  • System Files and Dependencies: As you encountered with the "MSVCR110.dll" error...
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WindowsForum AI

WindowsForum AI

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#2
Hi there, PossumPie!
Your predicament isn’t uncommon, and I understand the frustration when you’ve paid for software and don’t have the installer anymore. Unfortunately, moving a program manually from one drive to another—even if the old drive still works—is trickier than it looks, especially for complex programs like Adobe Photoshop. Here's why that's the case and what you can do about it:

Why Copying Programs Directly Doesn't Work​

  • Registry Entries: Programs, particularly robust software like Photoshop, rely on complex entries in the Windows Registry. These instruct the system how and where to locate needed resources.
  • System Files and Dependencies: As you encountered with the "MSVCR110.dll" error, applications often depend on other files (like DLLs) located in Windows directories or are part of redistributed packages (e.g., Visual C++ Redistributables).
  • License Management: Applications may authenticate licenses or subscriptions based on hardware footprint, registry data, and other key information recorded during the original installation.

What You Can Try​

Your options here aren't entirely bleak! Here's a list of measures to get Photoshop (or any important app) up and running again:

1. Visual C++ Redistributable Fix​

Since you got the "MSVCR110.dll" error, the issue is likely related to missing or improperly linked Visual C++ Redistributables.
Steps:

2. Adobe Licensing and Trials​

You mentioned that you paid for Adobe Photoshop. Adobe typically links licenses to your account. If feasible:
  • Log in to your Adobe account on the new computer.
  • Visit Adobe’s website, check "My Products" or "Plans," and download the version you're licensed for.

3. Migration Software​

Specialized tools like https://www.easeus.com/pc-transfer-software/ or https://web.laplink.com/pcmover/ are designed for moving programs between drives or systems. These automate the process of copying files, registry entries, and dependencies.
Caution: Success isn’t guaranteed, especially for programs like Photoshop that are finicky about registry entries and activation.

4. Clone the Entire Environment​

If you're desperate to keep everything as is, including Photoshop, consider migrating the entire old environment:
  • Use software like Macrium Reflect (free) to image the old Windows 10 drive.
  • Restore it to your new laptop as a Virtual Machine (using tools like VirtualBox or Hyper-V) or dual-boot alongside Windows 11.
  • Access Photoshop and other programs from this environment.

5. Contact Adobe Support​

Adobe might assist in retrieving your specific installer compatible with your license. They’re generally supportive if you provide proof of purchase or account details.

6. Find the Original Installer​

If all else fails and Adobe can’t help, you might find an installer for the version you purchased on third-party sites. Be extremely cautious about the source to avoid malware. Have your license key handy to re-activate.

Final Thoughts​

Manually copying folders without an installer is unfortunately not practical for complex software. However, either by fixing dependencies like the missing DLLs (via Visual C++ libraries) or using migration tools, you might be able to breathe life into your copy of Photoshop. If it's an older version no longer supported by Adobe, hosting it in a Windows 10 VM might be your best option.
Let me know how you’d like to proceed or update me on what you've tried—I'm here to assist further! 😊
 

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Solution
datawizard0103

datawizard0103

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#3
PossumPie said:
My old laptop died. The Primary SSD (Windows 10) is still fine, and when I attach it to my new laptop via USB it opens and shows all programs. BUT when I click on one program (Adobe Photoshop) it gives me an error "can't find MSVCR110.dll. The DLL is present, I see it, but it won't run. Is there any way to copy a program over to my new HD (Windows 11) without the installer?

I know programs install themselves in parts in various folders (Program files x86, User/appdata/local, etc. so I can't possibly find every part and move them. I paid for the program and want to keep using it.
Click to expand...
You can’t directly copy programs like Photoshop to a new computer because they rely on files and registry entries spread across the system. To fix the issue, the easiest solution is to reinstall Photoshop by downloading it from your Adobe account or contacting Adobe support for assistance.

If you’re encountering the “MSVCR110.dll missing” error, installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (both x86 and x64) can resolve it.
 

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demetrioparrillaa

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Dec 25, 2024
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#4
To fix the issue, the easiest solution is to reinstall Photoshop by downloading it from your Adobe account or contacting Adobe support for assistance.

If you’re encountering the “MSVCR110.dll missing” error, installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (both x86 and x64) can resolve it.
 

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WindowsForum AI

WindowsForum AI

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#5
Great response, @datawizard0103! You're spot-on about the complexity of moving installed programs like Photoshop due to their reliance on system files and registry keys. Let me add a bit more clarity and explore alternate solutions if reinstalling isn’t currently feasible for the user:

Why Programs Like Photoshop Can’t Be Directly Copied:​

As you mentioned, professional software like Photoshop spreads dependencies across various locations:
  • Core files in Program Files (x86) or Program Files.
  • Configuration files in AppData (Local, Roaming).
  • Essential registry entries in the Windows Registry.
  • Shared libraries like MSVCR110.dll, which depend on the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
Without these components correctly configured, running the program triggers errors, such as the missing .dll issue.

Solution 1: Reinstallation (Recommended)​

Reinstalling Photoshop:
  • Log into Your Adobe Account:
  • Visit the https://www.adobe.com and log into your account.
  • Download and install the version of Photoshop linked to your license.
  • If your product is older and no longer supported in Creative Cloud, contact Adobe Support to retrieve an installer or confirm your licensing status.
Fixing the MSVCR110.dll Issue:

Solution 2: Portable Installation Extraction (Advanced/Not Official)​

In case reinstallation isn’t an option:
  • Extract Installed Files (with Caution):
  • Use tools like https://pickmeapp.com/ or EaseUS Todo PCTrans which can attempt to copy and reconfigure installed software between systems.
  • Note: Success rates vary, especially with complex programs like Photoshop that depend heavily on licensing and registry entries.
  • Copy the Necessary DLL Files:
  • If you’ve confirmed the required DLL (e.g., MSVCR110.dll) is missing or inaccessible, manually placing it in the program’s directory might solve the error temporarily:
  • Copy MSVCR110.dll into the program folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop).
  • Register the DLL using the following command in Command Prompt (Admin mode):
    Code: 
    cmd
regsvr32 MSVCR110.dll
  • Alternatively, place the DLL in the C:\Windows\System32 directory for system-wide access.
  • Possible Licensing Conflicts:
  • Even if you manage to copy and launch Photoshop, Adobe’s DRM/licensing system may flag your installation, requiring re-activation.

Solution 3: Adobe’s Legacy Software Policy​

If your version of Photoshop is older and Adobe no longer supports it for download via their website:
  • Tools like https://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor can retrieve software product keys from your old drive.
  • Contact Adobe Support with the serial number and proof of purchase to see if they can assist with official downloads or alternatives.

Precaution:​

Avoid websites offering "direct .dll file downloads." They can often contain viruses or malicious software. Stick to official sources like Microsoft or program-specific fixes from legitimate resources.
Let me know if you’d like a specific walkthrough for any part of this! Hopefully, one of these options will get Photoshop up and running again on your new system. 😊
 

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