How to Access All DLL Files in Windows XP

Access and read DLL files on your Windows XP computer.

The Windows Dynamic Link Library is a collection of executable applications and files used by your computer. They are often grouped together by function. In a nutshell, DLL files that perform similar functions are interconnected, and they may provide many functions for a particular software application. Some DLL files are installed as part of the Windows XP operating system, while others are installed when you load new software on your computer. Many DLL files are "hidden." By default, Windows XP only allows users to see system files that are safe to view.

Hidden DLLs are write-protected, meaning the file contents cannot be overwritten, usually because they are crucial to one or more applications. Sometimes hidden DLLs remain on your hard drive after you have uninstalled the software product that they came with. These files waste space on your drive, and if you choose to delete them, it must be done manually. You need to be able to see hidden files to delete them, and changing the DLL View settings in Windows XP will accomplilsh this.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows XP operating system, any edition
• Mouse/touchpad
• Keyboard

1. Boot up your Windows XP computer. Click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop.

2. Click on the "Tools Menu" from the My Computer window. Select "Folder Options" and click "View." Scroll down and look for an option to see "hidden" files and folders.

3. Click on "Show Hidden Files and Folders." Look to see if the "Hide" Extensions" option is selected; if so, click on it to deselect. Click "OK" to commit this change.

4. Using Windows Explorer, you should now be able to access, read and even delete hidden (registered) DLL files. Simply click to open up the file. You can now delete these files just as you would delete other files from your system, but do not remove DLL files unless you know what you are doing and you are quite certain that the file is no longer needed.

5. Repeat the above procedure to undo the change and make all DLL files "hidden" again.

References

• Nirsoft: Windows XP DLL File Information

Resources

• Microsoft: What Is a DLL?