How to Fix Mshtml.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

A Troubleshooting Guide for Mshtml.dll Errors

Screenshot of an mshtml.dll error message in Windows
Mshtml.dll Error Message.

Mshtml.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the mshtml DLL file.

In some cases, mshtml.dll errors could indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even a hardware failure.

There are several different ways that mshtml.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common ways that you might see mshtml.dll errors:

Mshtml.dll Not Found
This application failed to start because mshtml.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
Cannot find [PATH]\mshtml.dll
The file mshtml.dll is missing.
Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: mshtml.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.

Mshtml.dll error messages might appear while using or installing certain programs or when the user is first logging into Windows.

Since mshtml.dll is used by Internet Explorer. the DLL error may be shown when using that program. However, other scenarios where mshtml.dll is used may see the error too, like in relation to ActiveX controls or Microsoft Visual Basic.

The context of the mshtml.dll error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.


How to Fix Mshtml.dll Errors

Important: Do not download mshtml.dll from a "DLL download" website. There are many reasons why downloading a DLL file is a bad idea. If you need a copy of mshtml.dll, it's best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

Note: Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete any of the following steps if you're unable to access Windows normally due to the mshtml.dll error.

  1. Restore mshtml.dll from the Recycle Bin. The easiest possible cause of a "missing" mshtml.dll file is that you've mistakenly deleted it.

    If you suspect that you've accidentally deleted mshtml.dll but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover mshtml.dll with a free file recovery program.

    Important: Recovering a deleted copy of mshtml.dll with a file recovery program is a smart idea only if you're confident you've deleted the file yourself and that it was working properly before you did that.
  2. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Some mshtml.dll errors could be related to a virus or other malware infection on your computer that has damaged the DLL file. It's even possible that the mshtml.dll error you're seeing is related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the file.
  3. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the mshtml.dll error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, a System Restore could solve the problem.
  4. Reinstall the program that uses the mshtml.dll file. If the mshtml.dll DLL error occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.

    Note: Make sure all of the programs is removed before reinstalling it. This includes any registry data. However, instead of manually deleting that information, which can be a tedious and dangerous task, I highly recommend using a software uninstaller that can clean up all of the program's residual files. IObit Uninstaller is one example.

    Important: Try your best to complete this step. Reinstalling the program that provides the mshtml.dll file, if possible, is a likely solution to this DLL error.
  1. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to mshtml.dll. If, for example, you're receiving a "The file mshtml.dll is missing" error when you play a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card.

  2. Roll back a driver to a previously installed version if mshtml.dll errors began after updating a particular hardware device's driver.
  3. Run the sfc /scannow System File Checker command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the mshtml.dll file. If this DLL file is provided by Microsoft, the System File Checker tool should restore it.
  1. Install any available Windows updates. Many service packs and other patches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your computer. The mshtml.dll file could be included in one of those updates.
  2. Test your memory and then test your hard drive. I've left the majority of hardware troubleshooting to the last step, but your computer's memory and hard drive are easy to test and are the most likely components that might cause mshtml.dll errors as they fail. If the hardware fails any of your tests, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.
  3. Repair your installation of Windows. If the individual mshtml.dll file troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.
  4. Use a free registry cleaner to repair mshtml.dll related issues in the registry. A free registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid mshtml.dll registry entries that might be causing the DLL error.

  5. Perform a clean installation of Windows. A clean install of Windows will erase everything from the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the mshtml.dll error, this should be your next course of action.

    Important: All the information on your hard drive will be erased during a clean install. Make sure you've made the best attempt possible to fix the mshtml.dll error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one.
  1. Troubleshoot for a hardware problem if any mshtml.dll errors persist. After a clean install of Windows, your DLL problem can only be hardware related.

Need More Help?

See Get More Help for information about contacting me on social networks or via email, posting on tech support forums, and more. Be sure to let me know the exact mshtml.dll error message that you're seeing and what steps if any, you've already taken to fix the problem.


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