Fixing DLL Errors

So what is a DLL Anyway?

DLL stands for dynamic link library within the Microsoft Windows system. Dlls are little libraries that house bits of code and data that will perform specific functions across a variety of programs. For instance a dll can be a printer driver that is accessed through Word, Excel, your Internet browser, etc. The dll file stays in the same physical space and performs the same task, it can just be accessed by a bunch of different programs. Dlls get called upon by executable files (.exe) within the program you are using. Because of this, they are unable to work on their own. They need the .exe file to tell them to perform their task.

This is great in that it saves space on your computer, but when a dll gets corrupted or goes missing, it can affect all of the programs that typically access it. And this, for anyone who has seen “Couldn’t find blahblahblah.exe” errors pop up all over the place, is annoying and severely hinders your PC’s performance.

How do I deal with an error?

There are a couple of steps you can take on your own to help repair dll errors.

1. First, try reinstalling the program that is giving you the error. A software update could have damaged the dll. So by reinstalling the program you may be able to restore the file to it’s original functionality.

2. Break out any other programs you may have recently deleted and reinstall them. By deleting another program, you might have unintentionally also deleted the dll.

3. If you are running Windows ME or XP on your PC, you can use the System Restore function to take the program back to a date prior to the appearance of the dll errors. It’s a great feature that allows you to undo lots of damage!

4. Copy down the error message and do a search online for it. You should be able to find the correct dll, download it, and reinstall it in the proper location.