What’s causing the Error Loading Python DLL error and how to resolve it?
1. Fix Permissions
As it turns out, one of the most common reasons that will trigger the Error Loading Python DLL error with the desktop version of Google Drive is a permission issue that ends up preventing the application from using certain files stored inside the temp folder. Several affected users that found themselves in a similar situation have reported that they finally managed to fix the problem after they modified the default permissions of the Temp folder in a way that will include inheritable permissions from the object’s parent. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10: In case you’re still seeing the Error Loading Python DLL error even after doing these modifications, move down to the next potential fix below.
2. Run GoogleDriveSync.exe in Compatibility Mode
If you’re only encountering the Error Loading Python DLL error, the moment your Google Drive installation attempts to sync your files, chances are you will be able to fix the problem by forcing the executable to run in compatibility mode with Windows 7. Most affected users are suggesting that this species occurs with Windows 10 insider builds or builds that aren’t updated with the latest security updates. In any case, the desktop version of Google Drive doesn’t receive the support that it deserves due to the relatively small user base. Here’s a quick guide on forcing the GoogleDriveSync.exe to run in Compatibility Mode in order to fix the Error Loading Python DLL error: In case the same Error Loading Python DLL error is still occurring even after enforcing this change, move down tot he next potential fix below.
3. Run executable with admin access
As it turns out, this issue can also be facilitated by the fact that the main Google Drive executable (GoogleDriveSync.exe) is not prevented to run with admin access. This will inevitably create issues and instability since the program requires a persistent connection with Google Drive. Several affected users that encountered the same issue have confirmed that they managed to fix the issue after forcing the GoogleDriveSync.exe to run with administrator privileges. Here’s a quick guide on forcing the desktop version of Google Drive to run with admin access: If the same Error Loading Python DLL error is still occurring, move down to the next method below.
4. Clean the temp folder
This might seem like a crude solution, but we managed to find several user reports confirming that the Error Loading Python DLL error was entirely resolved after they ended up clearing the entire Temp directory. After doing this and restarting the computer, they confirmed that Google Drive was finally allowed to start up and sync normally. This is evidence that temporary files can interfere with Google Drive’s desktop ability to run normally on Windows 10. Here’s a quick guide clearing the temp folder on Windows 10 in order to fix the Error Loading Python DLL: If the same problem is persisting, move down to the next potential fix below.
5. Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redist
As it turns out, this particular issue can occur in situations where the desktop version of Google Drive is installed on a machine that doesn’t have the redist package included with Microsoft Visual C++. As it turns out, several dependencies included with this package are absolutely essential for the application to work. The problem is, the Google Drive installer doesn’t include it and Windows 10 doesn’t have it installed by default. If this scenario is applicable, you can fix the issue by downloading and installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If the same problem is persisting, move down to the final method below.
6. Install the latest Backup and Sync version
If none of the methods above have allowed you to fix the issue, it’s likely that you’re encountering the problem due to the fact that you’re using an outdated version of Google Drive’s Backup and Sync. As it turns out, this desktop version of Google Drive is notoriously known for its inability to update to the latest version. Note: If you mistakenly deleted important files, here’s how to recover deleted files from Google drive. If this scenario is applicable and you haven’t updated the application in a while, here’s a quick guide on uninstalling the current version and then installing the latest build available. Note: Keep in mind that this operation will not make you lose any data. Your files are still safely tucked away on the cloud. Here’s what you need to update to the latest Backup and Sync version:
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