Error on SAPgui launch - Unable to load GSS-API DLL named "gssapi32.dll"

Question

I am receiving the following an error message about a missing dll file when trying to launch SAPgui. How can I resolve this issue?

Unable to load GSS-API DLL
named "gssapi32.dll"
Error in SNC

You may also see:

Unable to load msvcr71.dll

Context

This answer applies to:

• PCs running Microsoft Windows
• SAP GUI for Windows
• Kerberos for Windows (KFW)

Answer

This error message usually means that SAPgui is not able to load and make use of the Kerberos (GSSAPI) library on the computer.

1. Generally the simplest fix is to re-install Kerberos, with some extra reboots to make sure that the library files are replaced properly:
   
   
   1. From the control panel (add/remove programs), uninstall your current Kerberos for Windows
   2. Reboot (to let it finish removing library files)
   3. Install the newest Kerberos (4.0.1, at the time of writing)
      You can download Kerberos for Windows (KfW) from the IS&T Software Grid.
      Two files are available, 32-bit and 64-bit. It's best to choose the one that matches your computer, so if you have 64-bit windows, the 64-bit Kerberos download will work better for you.
   4. Reboot again
      Check to see if it works now.
      
      
2. If re-installing Kerberos didn't help, try getting tickets directly in the Network Identity Manager (Kerberos application), then try again to launch SAPgui.
   To get tickets directly in the Network Identity Manager:
   1. Follow the menu path Start >> All Programs >> Kerberos for Windows >> Network Identity Manager
   2. In the Network Identity Manager, follow the menu path, Credential >> Obtain new credentials.
   3. Check that the realm is ATHENA.MIT.EDU. This realm needs to be the default in order SAPgui to launch. See: Set ATHENA.MIT.EDU realm as default for Kerberos credentials
   4. Enter your MIT Kerberos account username and password. The username is the first part of your @mit.edu email address (before the @mit.edu) and the password you use to check your @mit.edu email.

For Service Desk Consultants and Central Admin

Additional troubleshooting information for Service Desk consultants (requires admin privileges) is here: Error on SAPgui launch - Unable to load GSS-API DLL named "gssapi32.dll"