How to Remove RunDLL Error

By Jacob Andrew

Updated September 28, 2017

RunDLL errors occur when Windows attempts to load a file on startup that does not exist. The disappearance of these files can occur as a result of changes to the software, problems with Windows updates, or issues with viruses. By reinstalling and removing the offending program, running built-in anti-malware tools and using freely available startup analysis programs, you should be able to mitigate the underlying cause of your RunDLL errors.

Reinstall and Uninstall

Reinstall the software that originally loaded the DLL file. A RunDLL error can occur when a program is not uninstalled correctly.

Reboot your computer after the install is complete.

Remove the program by finding it in the Windows program list. To find this, bring your mouse to the upper-right corner of the screen and select "Settings," click on "Control Panel" and click on "Uninstall a Program." Select the offending program from the list and click the "Uninstall/Change" button at the top. Ensure that your computer is plugged into a reliable power source and no other programs are running when you do this.

Remove the Startup Entry Using Autoruns

Download the Autoruns program from Microsoft (see Resources). Once it is downloaded, right-click on the ZIP file and select "Extract all." Follow the directions to extract the Autoruns program files.

Run the Autoruns executable by double-clicking on the Autoruns.exe file that is extracted. Allow it to gather information about the files that are loaded on your computer. Find the entry with the name of the DLL that appears in your error.

Once you find the entry, right-click on it and select "Delete." Restart your computer to see if the error persists.

Scan for Malware or Spyware

Open Windows Defender by swiping from the right and doing a search for "defender." Click on "Windows Defender" and wait for the app to open.

Select "Full" under scan options.

Click on the "Scan Now" button. Wait for the program to complete scanning, at which point it should inform you whether it found an error and if it could repair it.

Warnings

Before deleting entries using the Autoruns program, make a backup of your registry. Either set a system restore point within Windows, or open "Regedit" and select "Export" under the File menu.

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