How to fix DLL Errors

DLL files are Dynamic Link Library files that are loaded and then executed by many different programs in the Windows operating system. Every different DLL file is used to do something different-a single, specific task; for instance, you may have seen the rundll32.exe program running in your task manager that executes the run32.dll file. However, DLL files are not specific to certain programs, unlike many other files-one type of DLL file can be used by many different programs because it performs a task, and is not application-specific in the function it serves. One of the most important DLL files is Kernel32.dll, and it takes care of memory and input output relationships. If you ever have errors with your DLL files, this is a big problem and most likely has to do with corruption or errors in your computer registry.

It’s likely that you’ll run into a couple DLL errors here and there in your history of computer usage, but if you experience DLL errors very constantly, then you’ve got a big problem on your hands. There will likely be inaccessible DLL files, corrupted or missing DLL files, incompatible or conflicting DLL files, and many other problems. This prevents you from running or completing many applications on Windows, and can indeed be extremely frustrating! However, do not panic, because there are possible ways to fix your DLL problems and get your computer to run like new again.

There are some common causes for most of your DLL file errors, and these include issues such as having overwritten an old DLL file with a new one after you installed a program. This causes some compatibility issues. Additionally, since different programs share certain DLL files, after you uninstall something the uninstallation process may have removed the shared DLL files along with the program, and so you end up with some missing DLLs. A problematic hard drive or memory can cause physical problems to your computer and result in damaged or corrupted DLL files that will no longer run. Additionally, sometimes when applications access DLL files, they will accidentally corrupt them, and so you can no longer run that DLL file on several different applications. Lastly, a virus or spyware may have deleted your DLL files, resulting in incorrect or invalid DLL file entries in your computer’s registry.

There are many different ways to fix your DLL errors, depending on the cause of the error. In general, there are the errors caused by applications, and the errors caused by malicious software. Usually, any DLL errors caused by an application can be solved by replacing the corrupted or missing DLL file; to do this, you can see if there are new versions or patches for the application; otherwise, you may have to download the DLL file on its own and then place it in the correct location. If this doesn’t solve the problem and you have Windows XP or higher, you can use System Restore to fix your registry issues. As for malware causing DLL errors, you can download a virus scan, spyware remover, or registry cleaner to get rid of malicious software and solve your problems.

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.