How to Fix DLL Errors for Free

Most DLL errors can be fixed without spending money.

Your computer will not work properly if a Windows Dynamic-Link Library (.dll) file is damaged or missing. When this happens, you will receive an error message similar to this: "[program name] Illegal system DLL relocation." The .dll file type contains instructions, or code, to run scripts that open dialog boxes. These important graphical elements are necessary for computer user interaction in most software programs. There is a simple way to keep all of your .dll files healthy, so you rarely lose valuable time restoring lost or broken links.

Instructions

1. Connect your computer to the Internet.

2. Click "Start" and then click "Run" if you have the Windows XP operating system. For other systems, simply open Internet Explorer and click "Safety," then click "Windows Update."

3. Type "wupdmgr" in the "Run" dialog box to run Microsoft Update.

4. Click "Express" to find out if your computer requires new updates.

5. Press "Install Updates" if any are available. Otherwise, close the Microsoft Update window.

6. Update your anti-virus program and then immediately scan all of the files on your computer.

7. Open the software program that gave the .dll notice to see if error messages still occur. If so, continue to the next step.

8. Reinstall the affected software program to replace the damaged or missing .DLL file. If the issue is still not resolved, contact Microsoft Support.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure Automatic Updates is enabled on your computer and schedule anti-virus scans daily--or weekly at minimum.

• Try to download security patches manually if they fail to install through Microsoft Update.

References

• Microsoft: How to Correct Common User32.ll file errors

Resources

• Microsoft: Microsoft Windows Update
• Microsoft: Support