Q. What are DLL errors?

A. DLL files are used by most applications and hardware to function properly. When these files become corrupt or if they have a small error, you will commonly get a pop up window informing you that you have a DLL error. In most cases, it won’t be severe, but there are times when you will need to take action to fix this error.

Q. Why do DLL errors commonly occur?

A. It is quite common to have a DLL error on your computer. In some cases, it may only be a temporary glitch, while in other cases, there may be a more serious problem at work. Spyware is notorious for corrupting DLL files and many spyware programs actually have this extension. Since there are so many DLL files on your computer, by using this extension, makers of spyware are assured that it can hide on your system undetected.

Q. How do I fix DLL errors?

A. First, determine which program or hardware device is causing the issue. You’ll be able to easily tell if it occurs when you are trying to open software or print something. Make a note of which program has the issue. Now, you can try to find a new copy of that DLL file and use it to replace the corrupt one. If it is just a fleeting error, try closing the application and then opening it again. If it doesn’t happen again, you don’t have an issue.

If you have been besieged with DLL errors, it is safe to assume that you have been infected with spyware. Download a spyware removal program immediately and run a scan. Fix any problems and restart your computer. This should solve the problem. However, in the event that the infection was severe, you may have so many DLL files that are corrupted that your only alternative is to reformat your hard drive.

Please keep in mind that if you do decide to reformat your hard drive, you will loose all of your data. Before starting this process, go to your System Restore utility and try rolling your computer back to before the issue started. It is a good idea to save any documents that you created recently to avoid having them lost. If the DLL errors stop at this point, you’ll be able to avoid reformatting.

If not, you’ll need to backup any file that you can, taking care to avoid those that may be infected with spyware. Insert your operating system disc and select reformat/reinstall. Follow the directions completely. It will take a few hours to complete the entire process. Once you’re back up and running, immediately install an antivirus and antispyware solution so that the problem does not occur again.

Q. How do I stop this from happening again?

A. In some cases, there really isn’t much you can do if a file becomes corrupted. Always make sure that you are using up to date antivirus and anti spyware software to protect your computer.