How to Reinstall a DLL

In Windows, .dll files give most software and system processes the basic information they need to perform their essential functions. Many of these files, also known as Dynamic Link Library files, install with Windows. Additional .dll files may be installed with software from Microsoft and third-party publishers. If you encounter error messages that refer to missing or damaged .dll files, reinstalling these files may solve the problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Reinstall any original software that generates error messages related to .dll files. Since .dll files are often installed fresh during the software installation process, reinstalling may work to repair numerous .dll files. In many cases, when only one program generates .dll error messages, simply reinstalling the program solves the issue. If you still need to reinstall more .dll files after this, proceed to the next step.

2. Access a website where .dll files can be downloaded for free. A link to one of these sites can be found below in the Resources section.

3. Search the site for the .dll files you need. The names of the problem .dll files will appear in the error messages; these are the .dll files you want to find. On the download page for each file, you should be able to review expanded details about the file, what programs use it and what it does. When you find a .dll file that you need, click the download link and save it to your computer.

4. Move the .dll files you download into the system folder for Windows. Every version of Windows has a system folder, but the name and location of the folder varies from one version to the next. In the 64-bit versions of XP and Vista, the folder can be found at "C:\WindowsSysWOW64." In the 32-bit versions of these systems, it's "C:\Windows\System32." In Windows 2000 and NT, it's "C:\WINNT\System32." In Windows 95 and 98, it's "C:\Windows\System."

5. Reboot your computer.

References

• Windows XP for Dummies; Andy Rathbone; 2004
• Dll-files.com
• Windows 2000 for Dummies; Andy Rathbone; 2000

Resources

• Download .dll files

[everbling]

on 10/29/2009 good info