How to Restore DLL Files
A DLL, or dynamic link library, is an executable file that serves as a shared library for several 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 require a particular DLL to complete specific operations no longer function properly. This is likely the case if you receive a pop-up that reads: "Could not find ***.dll." However, you can easily download DLL files and restore them with little difficulty.
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Instructions
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Restore DLL Files in Your System Directory
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Navigate to a site that provides DLL downloads, such as DLL-files.com or DLL Files (dlldll.com). In the Search box, type in the name of the DLL file that you want to download.
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Make sure that JavaScript and pop-up windows are enabled in your Web browser. Click the Download link for the DLL file that you want. The downloaded link is likely to be in a compressed, .zip format.
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Extract the DLL file. In some versions of Windows, you'll need to use an external file extractor such as WinZip or WinRAR to extract the zipped DLL file.
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Place the extracted file in the directory of the program that is requesting the file. If that doesn't work, extract the file to your system directory, when prompted. Here are the locations for the different operating systems:
C:\Windows\System32 for Windows 7, Vista, XP.
C:\Windows\ for Windows 95/98/ME.
C:\WINNT\System32 for Windows NT/2000.Programs on your PC can now access the DLL file from the your system directory.
Install the DLL File in the Program's Directory
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If the problem still occurs, navigate to the "Start" menu and select "Run."
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Type "regsvr32" (without quotes) in the applicable field. Hit the spacebar on the keyboard.
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Type the DLL file name along with the suffix ".DLL," (without quotes) and press "Enter." The DLL installation is completed.
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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.
