A Runtime Error has occurred. Do you wish to Debug?

Error Message

When trying to open an ArcToolbox tool or open the Environments on the Tools > Options > Geoprocessing tab, the following or similar error message(s) is displayed:

"A Runtime Error has occurred.
Do you wish to Debug?

Line: 217
Error: Syntax error"

Cause

One possibility is that one or more MS XML .dll files are not properly registered.

Solution or Workaround

1. Navigate to Start > Run, type cmd and click OK.
2. Type the following and press enter:
   
   

   Code:
   cd c:\windows\system32

   
   
3. Type the following and press enter:
   
   

   Code:
   regsvr32 msxml.dll

   
   
4. Type the following and press enter:
   
   

   Code:
   regsvr32 msxml2.dll

   
   
5. Type the following and press enter:
   
   

   Code:
   regsvr32 msxml3.dll