How to Restore DLL Files

A DLL, or dynamic link library, is an executable file that serves as a shared library for a number of functions. DLLs are developed in the same format as .exe files, and similarly, contain data, codes and other system resources. They were developed as a way to minimize the disk and memory space needed by application by storing it in your PC's hard drive instead. In effect, one single DLL can be accessed by multiple applications simultaneously.

DLL files can be corrupted or deleted accidentally. In this event, programs that required that particular DLL to complete particular operations no longer function properly. This is likely the case if you receive a pop-up that reads: "Could not find ***.dll." Luckily, you can easily download DLL files and restore them with little difficulty.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Restore DLL Files in Your System Directory

1. Go to the DLL-files home page. In the search box, type in the name of the DLL file that you would like to download.

2. Click the download link once you have located the DLL file you were searching for. The downloaded link is likely to be in a compressed, .zip format.

3. Use a file extractor such as WinZip or WinRAR to extract the zipped DLL file. Your Windows operating systems may already have a pre-installed file extractor, depending on the version.

4. Place the extracted file in your system directory, when prompted. Here are the locations for the different operating systems:
   
   *C:\Windows\ for Windows 95/98/ME
   *C:\WINNT\System32 for Windows NT/2000
   *C:\Windows\System32 for the Windows XP
   
   Programs on your PC can now access the DLL file from the your system directory.

Install the DLL File in the Program's Directory

5. Click the "Start" button. Click on "Run."

6. Type in "regsvr32" into the pop-up box. Hit the spacebar on the keyboard.

7. Enter the DLL file name along with the suffix ".DLL," and you are done.

Tips & Warnings

• Dynamic link libraries can be in the DRV format for system drivers, the OCX format for Active X components, in ICL format for icon libraries and FON and FOT formats for font libraries.
• Many device drivers are stored as DLL files, with a .drv extension. Device drivers enable your PC to communicate with hardware such as scanners, printers and other peripherals. A large variety of drivers are available at the driverguide and driverzone websites.

Resources

• DLL Download links
• DLL Download links