Why do I get a python37.dll error when starting jupyter notebook via conda

Question

I just installed Anaconda3.7, 64 bit for windows. I used Anaconda Navigator to launch jupyter notebook. The notebook opened, but when I try to launch a kernel/notebook I get the following error:

The code execution cannot proceed because python37.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.

I even tried launching jupyter from the command prompt and the anaconda prompt but it doesn't work. In those cases, jupyter tries to restart the kernel 5 times and just quits after no success.

I have the python37.dll file inside the Anaconda3 folder next to the python.exe and I tried adding python37 to PATH, but nothing helps.

Any clue what might be the problem?

Answer 1

I solved the issues by doing 2 things:

1. I uninstalled Anaconda and deleted all hidden files and folders that had to do with conda, anaconda, jupyter and python that were created recently.

2. I disabled the antivirus and firewall while installing (it appears that they were blocking some dll and Anaconda files from being installed correctly).

3. I reinstalled Anaconda

I had the same problem with the firewall after installing anaconda. I tried creating a virtual environment with "conda env create -f "environment.yml" but it never completed the creation until I disabled the firewall and antivirus.

I hope this helps others with similar issues.

Answer 2

Errors related to python37.dll can arise for a few different reasons. For instance, a faulty application, python37.dll has been deleted or misplaced, corrupted by malicious software present on your PC or a damaged Windows registry.

For anaconda its caused due to pip installing library into anaconda environment instead of using the conda package manager.

So you can download a python37.dll file online and move it to you anaconda directory which should solve the issue.

Check this anaconda issue might be related https://github.com/ContinuumIO/anaconda-issues/issues/1394

Hope it helps.