Resolving Cconlcmp.exe Errors and PLC Disconnection During WinCC Installation

The error 'Cconlcmp.exe has stopped working' occurs during WinCC Runtime installation when installing on an unsupported Windows 10 build or when missing system dependencies block the registration of the WinCC Channel Configuration Manager. Because Cconlcmp initializes the SIMATIC S7 Protocol Suite drivers and Named Connections, its installation failure leaves the communication stack unregistered, preventing WinCC Runtime from communicating with Automation Stations. Installing on an approved Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB/LTSC release, enabling Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ), and executing setup with administrative privileges resolves the issue.

Role of Cconlcmp in WinCC Communication Subsystems

During the installation of SIMATIC WinCC (and WinCC inside PCS 7), the setup engine invokes Cconlcmp.exe (Connection Online Component). This internal utility acts as the registration bridge for WinCC communication drivers:
* Registers the SIMATIC S7 Protocol Suite within the Windows Registry and SIMATIC NET Communication Layer.
* Configures local Named Connections and Industrial Ethernet channel endpoints used by S7-400 and S7-410 controllers.
* Binds WinCC logical channels to physical access points (e.g., CP_L2_1:, CP_H1_1:, or S7ONLINE).

If Cconlcmp.exe encounters an unhandled exception or terminates prematurely, the installer displays an error dialog and bypasses communication channel registration. Although SIMATIC Manager, CFC, and basic WinCC editors may launch, WinCC Runtime cannot open S7 connections, resulting in disconnected process tags and inactive faceplates.

Root Causes of Installation Crashes on Windows 10

Field investigations demonstrate three primary failure triggers:

Unsupported Windows 10 Operating System Build: PCS 7 V9.0 and WinCC V7.4 SP1 are certified strictly for specific Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) builds (e.g., Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB or 2016 LTSB). Installing on consumer Windows 10 Pro semi-annual channel builds introduces modified DCOM security models, incompatible C++ runtimes, and altered Windows API signatures that cause Cconlcmp.exe to crash.
Missing Prerequisite Windows Features: WinCC requires Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5. If these components are disabled in Windows Features prior to installation, channel helper processes deadlock.
Antivirus and Privilege Interception: Endpoint protection software blocking access to C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\WinCC\bin or running the installer from an unextracted ISO image over high-latency network shares causes dynamic link library loading timeouts.

Step-by-Step Recovery and Driver Registration Procedure

To correct driver installation failures and restore communication channel binding:

Verify Operating System Compatibility:
* Open the Siemens Compatibility Tool (https://support.industry.siemens.com/kompatool).
* Verify that your exact Windows 10 version and build number match the certified environment for your installed PCS 7 / WinCC release.
Enable Required Windows Features:
* Open Windows Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off.
* Enable Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).
* Expand and enable Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) Server (Server Core and Directory Service Integration).
* Restart the computer.
Execute Manual Channel Re-registration:
* Open Windows Command Prompt as Administrator.
* Navigate to the WinCC binary directory:
cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\WinCC\bin"
* Execute registration utilities manually:
CCRegSvr.exe
Cconlcmp.exe /regserver
Run Software Repair Installation:
* Mount the original PCS 7 / WinCC installation media locally on the hard disk (do not run across network shares).
* Right-click Setup.exe and select Run as Administrator.
* Choose Modify / Repair to let the installer reconfigure missing communication drivers cleanly.

Verification

Open Windows Services (services.msc) and verify that the SIMATIC NET Core Service is running.
Open the Set PG/PC Interface utility. Confirm that standard access points (such as CP_H1_1: and S7ONLINE) appear in the access point drop-down list.
Launch WinCC Explorer, open Tag Management, right-click SIMATIC S7 Protocol Suite, and select System Parameters. Confirm that parameters can be edited without throwing driver initialization errors.
Activate WinCC Runtime. Open WinCC Channel Diagnosis (CChnDiag.exe) and confirm that Named Connections display State: OK with a green check mark.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Running PCS 7 or WinCC on non-certified Windows 10 Pro builds is strongly discouraged in production plants. Feature updates pushed by Microsoft can silently break industrial communication drivers without warning.
When repairing an installation, disable all third-party antivirus suites and firewall interceptors for the duration of the setup process.
Always restart the computer immediately after running Setup.exe before attempting to compile or download projects.

Engineer FAQ

Can WinCC 7.4 run reliably on Windows 10 Pro?
While engineering testing may appear to function on some Windows 10 Pro builds, Siemens does not certify or support Windows 10 Pro for PCS 7 OS stations. Production systems require Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC.
What should I do if Cconlcmp fails even during a repair installation?
Check the setup log file located in C:\ProgramData\Siemens\Automation\Logfiles\Setup\WinCC.log. Look for error codes such as 0x80004005 or specific DLL registration errors to pinpoint missing prerequisite packages.
Does Cconlcmp affect SIMATIC Manager?
No. STEP 7 / SIMATIC Manager uses its own driver interface (S7ONLINE), which is why engineering tools can connect to PLCs even when WinCC Runtime communication is broken.

Technical References

SIMATIC WinCC V7.4 SP1 Installation and System Manual (A5E37536061-AA).
Siemens Industry Online Support Entry ID 109801081: Installing PCS 7 and WinCC on Windows 10.
Siemens Compatibility Tool for Industrial Automation and Drive Technology.