Dynamic Link Library (DLL) errors can be a common plight for PC users. What are DLL errors, and what can you do to make them go away?

Causes of DLL errors

DLL files can be thought of as central repositories of code. Programmers can reuse code by creating a DLL that can be referenced by numerous programs. As is the case with other common Windows errors, there is no single source responsible for all DLL errors. Common causes are:

• Missing DLL files – when Windows or a program expects to find the file in a certain location, and it’s no longer there.
• Corrupted DLLs – the data in the file becomes “garbled” or otherwise unusable.
• Unregistered DLLs – the DLL in question is still on your PC, however, the program lost its reference or pointer to the file.

Fixing these Errors

The first and easiest step is to run a good registry cleaner and repair utility like RegCure. RegCure will scan your entire registry looking for problems like DLL errors, corrupt or broken entries, and unneeded registry entries that can cause general PC slowness. Regular registry maintenance is also a good idea, and especially if your receiving DLL or EXE errors.

Update Your Programs to Correct Broken References

Many programs like Microsoft Office included a Repair option that will attempt to fix problems like missing or unreferenced DLL files. If the program in question, does not appear to have such a utility, you may be able to re-install the program over itself. However, before this step, contact the program’s support.

Fixing Windows DLLs

If the DLL error in question involves a missing Windows DLL, it may be necessary to do a repair installation of Windows. A repair installation is meant to be “non-destructive” meaning that no data is deleted, however, it’s always best to take a full backup of your PC. True Image from Acronis is a great program for taking full “snap shots” of your entire PC and software. How to perform a Repair installation is beyond the scope of this article, however, here are instructions for running a Repair installation.