What Application Opens Microsoft DLL Files?
Microsoft users commonly receive error messages about DLL files that can't be found. These messages may leave you scratching your head, wondering what a DLL file is and for what it is used. DLL files are used by the Windows system for a variety of purposes.
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Definition
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DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library. A DLL file, according to Microsoft's website, is "a library that contains code and data that can be used by more than one program at the same time." Microsoft provides the Comdlg32 DLL file as an example. This file performs common functions related to the dialog box for any program that needs to use a dialog box. Multiple programs can use the information in that one DLL file to implement an "Open" dialog box.
DLL files exist to help your computer run more efficiently while conserving space and memory.
Applications
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There are many applications on your computer that can read a DLL file and use the information that it contains. However, if you try to open the file yourself using Windows Explorer, you won't necessarily be able to open the file and view its contents the way you could for a Word document or a JPG. DLL files aren't written for you, the user, to view. They're for the applications on your computer to use as needed, and they operate only when a program calls on them.
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Error Messages
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Decoding the DLL error messages you receive is tricky, even for experienced users. If you routinely receive error messages about DLL files when you run a particular program, there may be something wrong with that program. Reinstalling the program may help.
Alternatively, if you've recently uninstalled a program and now receive DLL error messages, the uninstallation process may have removed an important DLL file from your computer. In that case, you should try reinstalling the program that you uninstalled to get the DLL file back.
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References
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