Skip to content

Fixing the "McUICnt.exe Entry Point Not Found" Error in McAfee

As a social media marketing expert who relies on properly functioning antivirus software, I‘ve encountered my fair share of frustrating technical errors. The "McUICnt.exe Entry Point Not Found" issue in McAfee Antivirus is one of the more common headaches I‘ve helped clients troubleshoot over the years.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll leverage my expertise to walk you through exactly how to resolve this error step-by-step. Whether you‘re a fellow marketing pro or simply someone looking to get McAfee running again, you‘ll have the info you need by the end.

Understanding the Message Behind the Error

Let‘s start by decoding what the full error message actually means:

"The procedure entry point BCryptHash could not be located in the dynamic link library bcrypt.dll"

This message indicates that a specific file or function cannot be located when attempting to launch the McAfee software. The file it‘s looking for is the Windows dynamic link library (DLL) called bcrypt.dll.

DLL files contain collections of small programs and functions that serve as building blocks for various apps and processes in Windows. Like LEGO pieces, larger applications like McAfee utilize these shared DLL components to perform many core functions.

The "entry points" referenced in the error are the doorways into the DLL files—the places where external programs can access the libraries‘ inner code.

So if McAfee can‘t find the entry point it requires in bcrypt.dll, you‘ll see the "entry point not found" error and the program fails to start.

What Causes This Error to Appear?

Based on my experience troubleshooting McAfee and other antivirus programs, there are a few common culprits behind this DLL error:

  • Corrupted System Files: Vital Windows DLL files can become damaged, deleted, or altered over time. McAfee relies on access to many of these files.

  • Incompatible Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers on your system lead to DLL conflicts.

  • Outdated Software: Having an outdated version of McAfee, DirectX, Visual C++, or other critical software can prevent DLLs from communicating properly.

  • Recent McAfee Update: Ironically, this error very often appears right after updating McAfee Antivirus or their LiveSafe security suite.

According to McAfee‘s support site, the McUICnt.exe error frequently arises after an update due to file conflicts.

In my experience, the problem is generally caused by corrupted files, software conflicts, or having outdated program versions. Successfully updating everything to the latest release tends to resolve it.

Now let‘s get into the step-by-step process for properly fixing this issue.

How to Fix the McUICnt.exe Entry Point Not Found Error

There are 3 main steps required to repair the "entry point not found" error in McAfee:

  1. Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributable
  2. Uninstall and Reinstall McAfee
  3. Download the Latest McAfee Software

Let‘s look at each of these steps in detail:

Step 1: Updating DirectX and Visual C++

Since outdated Microsoft software frequently causes DLL conflicts, the first troubleshooting step is to verify you have the most current versions of DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributable installed.

Updating DirectX

DirectX consists of system files that enable Windows programs to take advantage of your computer‘s graphics and audio hardware. An outdated version can wreak havoc with DLLs.

To update DirectX:

As of this writing, that‘s DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer (June 2010). But check Microsoft‘s site for the current version.

Getting the Latest Visual C++ Redistributable

The Visual C++ Redistributable packages contain DLL file collections utilized by McAfee and many other Windows applications. An outdated version is a prime suspect for DLL errors.

To get the newest Visual C++ Redistributable:

As of 2022, the latest versions are Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2022. But again, check Microsoft‘s downloads page for the most up-to-date releases.

Step 2: Uninstall and Reinstall McAfee

After updating the DirectX and Visual C++ packages, the next phase is removing McAfee entirely and then reinstalling a fresh copy:

  1. Download the official McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool from their support page.

  2. Run the MCPR tool, following the on-screen prompts to fully uninstall McAfee and associated programs.

  3. When prompted, restart your computer to complete the cleanup process.

  4. Reinstall your desired McAfee product by visiting mcafee.com and going through their new installation steps.

This forces any corrupted, outdated, or conflicting McAfee files to be replaced with a clean new set, which should prevent further DLL issues.

I always recommend rebooting after the uninstall to clear out any remnants, and before reinstalling to ensure a fresh slate.

Based on my experience, this uninstall/reinstall approach resolves the majority of "entry point not found" cases. But if you still see the error after these steps, more troubleshooting may be needed.

Step 3: Download the Latest McAfee Software

As a final measure after reinstalling, double check that you have fully updated McAfee to the newest available version:

  • On the McAfee home page, sign in to your account.

  • Visit the Downloads section and agree to any prompted terms.

  • Select "Check for Updates" and install any available software updates.

This guarantees you have the most up-to-date McAfee release, with recent bug fixes and compatibility improvements that prevent further DLL issues.

According to McAfee‘s forums, upgrading to the latest build almost always fixes the McUICnt.exe error if other troubleshooting steps did not.

Additional Tips for Resolving the Error

On a few stubborn occasions in my experience, these main steps did not entirely resolve the "entry point not found" problem.

Here are some other things you can try if McAfee still won‘t launch properly:

  • Update your Windows OS to the latest version and install newest drivers.

  • Run the System File Checker to scan for and replace corrupted system files.

  • Check the Event Viewer for detailed error info and troubleshooting clues.

  • Contact McAfee customer support for personalized assistance if needed.

Though frustrating, this issue can be resolved with a few rounds of software updates and clean McAfee installs. Don‘t hesitate to reach out to their support team for help identifying any trickier causes.

I hope this guide provides a clear path to getting McAfee running smoothly again. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!