Cannot import _tkagg on windows 64 bits on 2.7

[cournape]

It looks like the tk backend is broken with 1.5.3 and 2.0.0 on windows, most likely following #6442

To reproduce:

1. install python 2.7.12 x64 windows from python.org, and wheels gholke for 2.7
2. do python -c "import matplotlib.backends._tkagg", which fails:

>>> import matplotlib.backends._tkagg
...
RuntimeError: Could not find TCL routines

I have seen the same issue with:

• our own build of 1.5.3 in canopy (for 2.7)
• in Gholke wheels for 1.5.3 and 2.0.0 (2.7.12)
• conda package as well for 1.5.3 (both 2.7.13 and 3.5.2)

[tacaswell]

How does it fail (I do not have easy access to a win64 box to test on)?

Does this also affect py3?

attn @matthew-brett @cgohlke (sorry)

[cournape]

Oups, forgot that piece of info when rewriting my bug report from #6442. I am also testing on py3 now

[cournape]

I updated my findings on python 3 (same result)

[cgohlke]

I don't think import matplotlib.backends._tkagg can work without first loading the Tk DLLs into the process, e.g. by import _tkinter first. In practice I have never run into this error because the usual way to import the backend is import matplotlib.backends.backend_tkagg. Maybe I am missing something?

[cournape]

Ah, that makes sense. I will see if that works in embedded modes as well.

[tacaswell]

@cournape Any update on this?

[tacaswell]

Reported fixed in a private email.