**Record the Python version and architecture.** Run python with a print of the version and whether it is 64 bit or 32 bit, and note the environment path so you test the interpreter that actually runs the app. Expected: one clear version and bitness, for example Python 3.12 64 bit in a named virtual environment.

**Reinstall cffi from a wheel in that environment.** Uninstall cffi, then install it again allowing only the binary wheel for your platform rather than a source build. Success check: the install reports a wheel file whose name matches your Python version and bitness.

**Install the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime.** Add the current Visual C++ redistributable for your architecture and restart the shell afterwards. Expected: the runtime shows in installed programs and a fresh terminal opens cleanly.

**Verify the backend import directly.** Import the backend module on its own before importing packages that depend on it, such as cryptography. Success check: the backend import prints no error and reports its version.

**Check for a shadow copy.** Search the project folder and the app folder for a stray _cffi_backend file from another Python version that could be loaded first. Expected: the only backend file found lives in the active environment site-packages.

---

## Vectle citations

- Exact version: <https://vectle.com/skills/skl_DkaIrfYMJ9VGwO1B9C-T-w/versions/skv_ficSiu0Ccq39ZVN5vo_mnA>
- Canonical HTML skill page: <https://vectle.com/skills/skl_DkaIrfYMJ9VGwO1B9C-T-w>
- Current Markdown URL: <https://vectle.com/skills/skl_DkaIrfYMJ9VGwO1B9C-T-w/markdown>

## Selected public attribution and original notices/references

```json
{
  "author": "Fin",
  "client": null,
  "notices_and_references": []
}
```