How to Find and Replace a Missing or Damaged DLL File
DLL files are organized on your computer as small, necessary applications and utilities that are required to complete certain functions and actions. For example, a program you use may make use of certain DLL files on your computer to operate. By using the files already on your computer, this helps reduce the size of other programs you can install or download. If you are missing a DLL file or have one that doesn't work correctly anymore, you can find it online and replace it so that it works properly.
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Instructions
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Open a Web browser on your computer, then point your browser to a DLL browsing, search and download site such as DLL-Downloads, afreeDLL or DLL-files.
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Search the website for the specific DLL file(s) you need. You can search using a variety of methods, such as typing in the name of the DLL file completely or viewing DLLs by categories that are organized by how the file name starts.
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Download the file and any additional files attached with it to your computer. Many may come with instructions or something else that will assist you with installing the file and putting it in its appropriate locations. In some cases the directions will be on the site itself as you download the file, so keep the pages open just in case.
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Install the DLL or place it in the folder where it belongs. If you are replacing a broken DLL, replace the file that currently exists. As each DLL is different, its installation process may vary, so consult the specific instructions before moving too far ahead.
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Test the DLL installation by attempting to recreate any errors you experienced before, such as by running a program or process that resulted in the error messages. If done correctly, there should be no more errors. If the error came as a result of multiple DLL errors, you may need to repeat the above process for more than one file.
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Tips & Warnings
It can help to write down the name of the DLL file(s) you need to replace. Since most DLL-related error messages tell you what DLL file it is experiencing an error with, you can use that to help you find it faster.
If the DLL you download doesn't come with instructions, you can often look it up on a site like filename.info, and it will tell you where the file you just downloaded needs to be placed on your computer.
