Windows .DLL Errors

What is a DLL (.dll)?

‘DLL’ is a nickname for ‘Dynamic Link Library’. Your Windows OS, software programs made for Windows, and hardware driver software use DLLs to store instructions for tasks that they have to perform again and again. It’s the technical equivalent of leaving your exercise clothes at work so you don’t have to run home to change every time.

Sometimes, the same DLL file is shared between multiple programs for quick access.

Some of the most common DLLs that people have trouble with are: binkw32.dll, mfc42.dll, mshtml.dll, msoe.dll, msvbvm60.dll, msvcrt.dll, oleaut32.dll, shdocvw.dll, shell32.dll, user32.dll, wnaspi32.dll.

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What causes DLL error messages?

There are a large number of reasons that your Microsoft Windows could be returning DLL error message boxes. These could include the following:

  • A DLL file that was needed for more than one program on your computer was accidentally deleted when you uninstalled an unused software program, and now the program that needs that file can’t find it.
  • A new software application has been installed on your computer and it wrote over top of the DLL file that another program needs. Sometimes the version that has replaced the old DLL file isn’t compatible with the older program.
  • Sometimes software installs and uninstalls don’t work the way they should and a DLL file gets damaged or corrupted.
  • Malicious spyware or adware software has been secretly loaded on your computer and is messing about with your Windows DLL file structure.
  • Occasionally, your computer has a hardware part that’s dying, like a hard drive or RAM chip and your DLL files are being mixed up or corrupted as a result.
  • Damage to your Windows Registry is affecting the way your DLL files operate.

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How to manually fix DLL errors:

Occasionally it works to download replacement copy of the DLL file in your error message from a working Windows computer, and copy and paste the replacement DLL file into your Windows installation folder.

CAUTION: The downside is that DLL errors are usually quite serious and you could unintentionally cause more problems for programs you’re not aware of that rely on the DLL you’re replacing.

There's some good information on how to register a dll manually here as well.

If your Windows boots normally but you still have DLL errors, an application you recently uninstalled from your computer may have nuked a DLL file that your computer still needs.

Reinstalling the program you’ve recently removed may replace a corrupted or missing DLL, but this is not always the case.

If you’ve only noticed the DLL error messages since you installed a new software program it may help to check with the software developer’s website to see if they have a program update available to repair the errors.

If this turns out to not be the case and no updates can be downloaded, it may help to use an automatic error repair solution like RegCure.

One of the biggest causes of DLL errors is spyware, viruses and other adware/malware that has been installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent. Running regular virus scans and frequently using a solid anti-spyware application like XoftspySE can go a long way to instantly removing DLL errors.