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File Extension DLL
Name:
Dynamic Link Library, DLL, or .dll
Description: Dynamic Link Library files are
support files that are used by one or more programs. For
instances, if several parts of a program are designed to
carry out the same action, that action can be placed in a
.DLL file that other parts of the program can access. In
addition, other programs can also reference this particular
DLL to perform that operation. This saves hard drive space
and makes it easier on developers to update that particular
action later.
Author:
Microsoft and various developers
Category:
Windows
File Type:
Dynamic Link Library files
Problems:
DLL files are not meant to be opened on their own and no
programs are designed for opening them. Programs do exist
for looking at the resources in DLL libraries including PE
Resource Explorer. Look but don’t touch because altering DLL
files can cause tremendous problems with Windows or programs
that reference the DLL.
DLL files
can become infected by viruses or other malware. With this
in mind, carefully scan any DLL file that may be sent to
you. DLL errors are typically the result of new software
installations or uninstalls. A new install may overwrite an
existing DLL with a different version. While this new
version may be fine for the new software, it can be
incompatible with other software programs that reference the
same DLL. In addition, DLL errors can occur at the registry
level. To rule out a DLL-related registry error, run our
free registry scan.
Manual
Removal Instructions: To manually remove a DLL file,
right-click the Start button and click on Explore. This
launches the Windows Explorer. Find your hard drive located
in the left side pane and double-click it. Go to the Search
bar and type in: *.DLL
Windows
will now search your drive for files that end with the file extension
dll and display all found DLL files. Navigate to
the specific DLL you’d like to delete and right-click it. A
menu will display. Click on Delete. When asked if you are
sure you want to send the DLL file to the Recycle Bin, click
on Yes.
Solution/Recommendations: If a DLL file goes missing after
uninstalling a software program or installing a new software
program, try reinstalling or removing the program in
question. You can also go to the software manufacturer’s
website and see if they have an update available.
If you are
having trouble with the DLL files within a specific
application, make sure you are running the latest version of
the software. Software developers release updates and
patches periodically to address known issues with the
program including DLL errors. In addition, file corruption
and missing DLLs can often be linked to registry-related
errors. Because of this, we highly recommend a registry scan
to rule out potential DLL problems with the registry itself.
Resources:
Microsoft DLL Help Database
PE Resource Explorer
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