How to Fix “The Ordinal 345 Could Not Be Located” Error | Complete Guide

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If you’re here because you’ve encountered the dreaded error “the ordinal 345 could not be located”, you’re not alone. Many people have run into this issue, and while it may seem cryptic at first, it’s actually a fairly common error that occurs in specific software environments. Let’s break it down, step by step, and figure out what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to fix it.

What Does “Ordinal” Mean in This Context?

In computing, an ordinal refers to a number that designates the position of something within a sequence. In this case, the error is referencing a specific ordinal value (345) that your computer’s operating system is unable to locate within a dynamic link library (DLL). Simply put, a DLL is a file that contains code and data that multiple programs can use simultaneously. When you see “the ordinal 345 could not be located”, your system is saying that it’s trying to call a specific function from a DLL, but it can’t find it.

Why Does This Happen?

This error usually appears when you’re trying to run a program that relies on a specific version of a DLL file, and that file either doesn’t exist, is corrupted, or is the wrong version. It most frequently pops up with Windows-based software, especially after system updates, software installation, or file corruption.

Common Causes Include:

1. Missing or Mismatched DLL Files: If the software you’re trying to run depends on a specific version of a DLL that’s not on your system, or an older or newer version is installed, this error can occur.
2. Outdated Software or Drivers: Sometimes, the software itself is outdated or its drivers are incompatible with your current system, which leads to the system trying to access a nonexistent function.
3. Corrupted System Files: If your operating system’s core files are corrupted, errors like “the ordinal 345 could not be located” can appear when the system can’t communicate with certain DLLs.
4. Software Conflicts: Multiple software programs trying to access the same DLL but requesting different versions can cause issues.

The Fixes: How to Resolve the Error

Now that we know what causes the issue, let’s look at how to fix it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve “the ordinal 345 could not be located” error:

1. Reinstall the Affected Program

This is usually the easiest fix. If a program is failing to start due to a missing DLL function, uninstalling and reinstalling the program might replace the missing or corrupted files. Here’s what you can do:

• Uninstall the program that’s throwing the error.
• Download the latest version from the official website or from a trusted source.
• Reinstall the program and check if the issue persists.

2. Replace the Missing or Corrupted DLL File

If you know which DLL file is causing the problem, you can manually replace it. Many websites offer downloadable DLL files, but be careful where you get them. Here’s a safer approach:

• Identify the missing or corrupted DLL (the error message may tell you).
• Search for the official source to download the missing DLL.
• Replace it in your system files or in the specific program folder.

3. Update Windows or the Software

Since outdated drivers or missing updates can lead to DLL errors, updating your software is a good first step. To update:

• Run Windows Update to ensure you have the latest patches and drivers.
• Update the program itself to the latest version.

4. Use System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can also trigger errors. Using SFC is a way to scan and repair missing or corrupted Windows system files:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
• Wait for the scan to complete. If any issues are found, SFC will automatically attempt to fix them.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot allows you to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help eliminate software conflicts:

• Type msconfig in the Start menu and press Enter.
• Go to the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
• Restart your computer and try running the program again.

6. Revert to a Previous Version of Windows

If this error started after a system update, you might want to consider rolling back to a previous Windows version. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
• Select Go back to the previous version of Windows.

Insights from User Reviews and Forums

Many users across forums have reported success with the above methods. Some have pointed out that, in some cases, updating graphics drivers or reverting to an older version of certain programs solved the issue, particularly when it comes to gaming or graphic design software. Others found that manually replacing DLLs fixed the problem when a reinstall didn’t.

However, it’s important to note that downloading random DLL files from untrusted sources can introduce malware. Always verify your sources before replacing system files!

One user shared that after hours of frustration, it was a simple Windows update that resolved the issue. Another pointed out that using SFC worked wonders after trying multiple reinstallations.

Conclusion

While the error message “the ordinal 345 could not be located” can be alarming, it’s often fixable with some simple troubleshooting steps. Whether it’s reinstalling the affected program, updating your system, or replacing the faulty DLL, you can likely get back to normal without too much hassle. Remember, patience is key—take it one step at a time, and you’ll have your software up and running in no time!