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What Are the Latest Visual C++ Redistributable Problems Disrupting ODBC Database Connections?
Recent updates to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, specifically versions 14.42.34438.0 and 14.44.35112.0, have caused incompatibility issues with the ODBC driver for MS SQL Server. This issue disrupts the operation of several widely used applications, including German DATEV software, SFirm financial software, and Lexware, among others.
Key Issues Identified
Incompatibility
The latest Visual C++ Redistributable versions are not compatible with certain ODBC drivers, resulting in database access errors.
Error Message
Users encounter “Invalid date format” errors when applications attempt to connect to databases via ODBC.
Affected Applications
DATEV-Zahlungsverkehr, SFirm, Lexware, and potentially any software relying on ODBC connections may fail to communicate with databases correctly.
Trigger
The problem surfaced after Patchday updates, with the most recent issues linked to Visual C++ Redistributable 14.44.35112.0, released on May 13, 2025.
Technical Details
The issue arises when the updated Visual C++ Redistributable runtime libraries (mfc140*.dll) are incompatible with the ODBC driver versions installed on Windows systems. Both 32-bit and 64-bit DLLs in C:\Windows\System32\ and C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ are implicated.
Workaround
Temporary Solution
Replace the updated mfc140*.dll files with older, stable versions (e.g., 14.42.34438.0 from January 18, 2025).
Paths to replace:
- C:\Windows\System32\mfc140*.dll
- C:\Windows\SysWOW64\mfc140*.dll
This workaround has restored functionality for affected users, but it is not an official or long-term fix.
Recommendations
- Check ODBC Driver Version: Ensure the latest compatible ODBC driver is installed. For example, ODBC 18.5.1.1 (as of March 17, 2025) or ODBC 17.10.6.1 (as of April 9, 2025) may be required.
- Monitor for Official Updates: Await guidance or patches from Microsoft to address the incompatibility in future Visual C++ Redistributable releases.
- Test Before Deployment: Always test updates in a controlled environment before rolling them out to production systems, especially when critical business applications are involved.
These points provide a clear, actionable summary for IT teams facing disruptions due to recent Visual C++ Redistributable updates, with a focus on maintaining business continuity and minimizing downtime.