Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library - Runtime Error!

Error Message

Attempting to start ArcMap or ArcCatalog results in the following error:

"Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library -
Runtime Error!
Program: C:\arcgis\arcexe81\bin\ArcMap.exe
abnormal program termination"

Cause

This error can be caused by unregistered files on all Windows platforms, or an incorrect version of Comcat.dll on Windows NT only.

Solution or Workaround

Warning:
The instructions below include making changes to essential parts of your operating system. It is recommended that you backup your operating system and files, including the registry, before proceeding. Consult with a qualified computer systems professional, if necessary.

Esri cannot guarantee results from incorrect modifications while following these instructions; therefore, use caution and proceed at your own risk.

• Register the .dll's in $ARCHOME\bin and C:\WINNT\System32
  See: How To: Register the DLLs in the ArcGIS Desktop \bin directory

Note:
Copy the register_arcinfo8.bat to C:\WINNT\System32 to run it there.

• The compatible version of Comcat.dll is 4.71. To determine the version, right-click on c:\WINNT\System32\comcat.dll, click on Properties, and click on the Version tab.
  If the version is incorrect see the link in the Related Information section for the solution.