I am on Windows 7 Ultimate, x64 with latest patches, using 3ds Max 2012 64-bit.
--------------------------- 3dsmax.exe - System Error ---------------------------
The program can't start because api-ms-win-core-registry-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
--------------------------- OK ---------------------------
I have tried this on 2 computers.
This did not happen after installing SP2 for 3ds Max. However, once Windows Update installs the following item, the above system error appears:
Security Update for Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package (KB2538242)
Update type: Important
A security issue has been identified leading to MFC application vulnerability in DLL planting due to MFC not specifying the full path to system/localization DLLs. You can protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
More information: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=216804
Help and Support: http://support.microsoft.com
It can't be a coincidence this happened on two computers right after the above update was installed. Please look into it.
