DLL files are one of the most important components of your system files if you are using Windows as your Operating System. There are many DLL files within a typical Windows system, but most of the time, you don’t really bother about them. That is, until something goes wrong with them.
DLL stands for Dynamic Link Libraries, and it’s a major component in running application programs. Many applications use these DLL files, and in fact Windows needs DLL files to run many functions. DLL files are meant to provide a series of dynamically loaded libraries to enable a multitude of runtime processes to run smoothly.
When some of these DLL files get corrupted or deleted accidentally, then you get problems occurring in your system. Windows will only tell you that you’re missing a DLL file, when it looks for the particular file and cannot find it. Usually this happens when you’re in the midst of installing your favorite game 😉 Some causes of DLL file errors include incorrect deleting of software, corruption of registry files, or even viruses/spyware.
Here are some tips to solve common DLL file errors.
1. Use your Windows System Restore. Set up System Restore to an earlier Restore Point, and try to reboot your system. If the Restoration point has been made prior to this fault, than the system will automatically recover from this problem as soon as you reboot after a successful restore.
2. Sometimes, this error occurs when you try to install a new software or application, and during their installation they try to install new DLL files or update the present files; these updated or new DLL files may interfere with the normal workings of your system. The safest thing to do is to simply uninstall the program or software, and run a good registry repair program. Some badly programmed software programs do this, and it’s best not to try to contend with a messed up registry.
3. A fairly common cause of DLL error is spyware or malware which either changes your DLL files or makes them corrupt. Try to scan your system in Safe Mode with an updated antivirus. This does not guarantee the affected DLL files can be recovered intact.
4. If all else fails, try to download a copy of the DLL file from a reputable source online – if you can’t salvage the DLL file. An easy way to search for the particular file is to type in the name of the file in Google, and you’ll probably get a list of download sites. One of those which I have used in the past includes Dll-files.com. They have a database of DLL files, just in case you find you have any missing.
5. Finally, a potential cause of DLL file errors is hardware problems. If your computer is freezing or crashing as a result of hardware related problems, it can lead to corruption of many DLL files. Of course, the best thing to do is to tackle the hardware problem as soon as possible.
A note:
Although rare, occasionally, the DLL file you have downloaded from a download site may not be the exact replica of the original file. So, despite having the same name, it may still not work. I’ve experienced this before, and it’s a pain in the butt. Therefore, always ensure you don’t lose your original DLL files without a good reason, or else it will be a headache trying to find that one tiny file to make the entire program work!