Microsoft merged the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 redistributables into a single, unified package. If you install the latest version, it will cover 2015 apps as well.
I can provide more specific troubleshooting steps based on your answers. Visual Studio 2015 Update 3 Release Notes | Microsoft Learn
If you only need the run-time components to execute C++ applications, you can download the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 2. Installing Updates (Update 3) It is highly recommended to install
Mount the ISO file locally, navigate to the specific sub-package payload directory (such as isolated feature packs), and use that directory as the target path when the system prompts you for rvaddon.msi . 3. Re-establish Missing Root Security Certificates
RVAddon.msi is not a standalone application but a component included within the Visual Studio 2015 installation media. It is part of the or Reporting Services features. When you install a full version of Visual Studio 2015, this MSI package is deployed to ensure that specific database and reporting functionalities work correctly. If this file becomes missing or corrupted, you will encounter errors during installation or when trying to use related features.
You cannot download RVAddon.msi in isolation from a reputable source. It must be obtained as part of the full Visual Studio 2015 installation package.
⚠️ If you do not have a legitimate source, the file may be unavailable publicly for security reasons.
Many third-party DLL download sites claim to offer rvaddonmsi.exe . Do not use them. They often bundle malware, spyware, or outdated versions. You should only download this component from:
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Fix | |---------------|--------------|-----| | "This MSI requires VS2015 Update 2 or higher" | Missing VS2015 Update. | Download VS2015.3 (Update 3) from My.VisualStudio.com (requires subscription) or the archived MSDN ISO. | | "Unable to register .vsix" | Corrupted vsixmanifest. | Run devenv.exe /setup from Developer Command Prompt for VS2015 as Admin. | | Missing debug toolbar after install | Add-on not loaded. | Tools → Extensions → Renesas Add-on → Enable. Or repair install. | | "rvaddonmsi not compatible with Windows 11" | Missing VC++ redist or security policy | Install VS2015 redist (vc_redist.x86/x64.exe) and set Windows compatibility mode to Windows 10. |
| Scenario | Recommended Approach | |----------|----------------------| | You need to maintain old RZ/A1 project but no rvaddonmsi found | Migrate project to (free, includes all add-ons natively). | | Must use VS2015 but no Renesas support access | Use J-Link GDB Server + VisualGDB extension (commercial, $99) – bypasses Renesas-specific MSI entirely. | | Legacy project with proprietary VS2015 toolchain | Set up a Windows 10 LTSC virtual machine and install a known-good BSP backup (if available internally). |
Previous failed installations or malware can leave behind invalid file paths, causing the system to look for a version of the file that no longer exists. How to Fix the Issue
Delete the directory, and then re-run the Visual Studio 2015 installer.
✅ : Download the VC++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86/x64) – it includes all 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 runtimes.
Microsoft merged the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 redistributables into a single, unified package. If you install the latest version, it will cover 2015 apps as well.
I can provide more specific troubleshooting steps based on your answers. Visual Studio 2015 Update 3 Release Notes | Microsoft Learn
If you only need the run-time components to execute C++ applications, you can download the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 2. Installing Updates (Update 3) It is highly recommended to install
Mount the ISO file locally, navigate to the specific sub-package payload directory (such as isolated feature packs), and use that directory as the target path when the system prompts you for rvaddon.msi . 3. Re-establish Missing Root Security Certificates rvaddonmsi+visual+studio+2015+download+upd
RVAddon.msi is not a standalone application but a component included within the Visual Studio 2015 installation media. It is part of the or Reporting Services features. When you install a full version of Visual Studio 2015, this MSI package is deployed to ensure that specific database and reporting functionalities work correctly. If this file becomes missing or corrupted, you will encounter errors during installation or when trying to use related features.
You cannot download RVAddon.msi in isolation from a reputable source. It must be obtained as part of the full Visual Studio 2015 installation package.
⚠️ If you do not have a legitimate source, the file may be unavailable publicly for security reasons. Microsoft merged the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022
Many third-party DLL download sites claim to offer rvaddonmsi.exe . Do not use them. They often bundle malware, spyware, or outdated versions. You should only download this component from:
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Fix | |---------------|--------------|-----| | "This MSI requires VS2015 Update 2 or higher" | Missing VS2015 Update. | Download VS2015.3 (Update 3) from My.VisualStudio.com (requires subscription) or the archived MSDN ISO. | | "Unable to register .vsix" | Corrupted vsixmanifest. | Run devenv.exe /setup from Developer Command Prompt for VS2015 as Admin. | | Missing debug toolbar after install | Add-on not loaded. | Tools → Extensions → Renesas Add-on → Enable. Or repair install. | | "rvaddonmsi not compatible with Windows 11" | Missing VC++ redist or security policy | Install VS2015 redist (vc_redist.x86/x64.exe) and set Windows compatibility mode to Windows 10. |
| Scenario | Recommended Approach | |----------|----------------------| | You need to maintain old RZ/A1 project but no rvaddonmsi found | Migrate project to (free, includes all add-ons natively). | | Must use VS2015 but no Renesas support access | Use J-Link GDB Server + VisualGDB extension (commercial, $99) – bypasses Renesas-specific MSI entirely. | | Legacy project with proprietary VS2015 toolchain | Set up a Windows 10 LTSC virtual machine and install a known-good BSP backup (if available internally). | Visual Studio 2015 Update 3 Release Notes |
Previous failed installations or malware can leave behind invalid file paths, causing the system to look for a version of the file that no longer exists. How to Fix the Issue
Delete the directory, and then re-run the Visual Studio 2015 installer.
✅ : Download the VC++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86/x64) – it includes all 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 runtimes.