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DLL Files

DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library (a DLL file has the extension '.dll'), a common type of Windows file that may be accessed by an application, the particular DLL file then performs specific functions. A DLL file may be shared by a number of different applications simultaneously. This is an efficient design, but obviously missing or corrupt DLL files will cause programs to fail.

Fortunately, programs typically install the DLL files they need, so an often successful quick fix is to simply re-install the failing program.

If the missing or corrupt DLL file is one critical to the operating system, the handlings are a bit more complex but it can still be handled. You'll need to research online the specific error message or problem you're having, you may then want to download a replacement DLL ( see such sites as DLL Downloads or DLL Files). In your researches you may also find some handlings that involve re-registering a DLL file.

INFORMATION:  Microsoft DLL File Database

DLL Archive - from AnalogX, locates unreferenced DLL files

Sysinternals Process Explorer - Substitutes for the Task Manager (Go to 'Options' and check to 'Replace Task Manager') ( Alt-Ctrl-Del will then bring up the Sysinternals Process Explorer instead of the Task Manager). Able to display a great deal more information about each running process, you can select to customize columns. Also displays associated DLL files. A must have utility.

MJ's Help Diagnostics - freeware program to re-register dll files or ocx files that can prevent help files from ;working properly. Will sometimes solve the "Can't open Help and Support from the Start Menu" problem - basically it re-registered a couple of key dll files. You may also want to try this solution to Help and Support troubles from Doug Knox called Fixwinxphelp

Browser Sentinel (Free Trial) - provides info on installed BHO's plus options to disable or for a clean BHO removal (removes the registry entry, the file, and unregisters the DLL module). Also addresses LSP's, ActiveX, Pages, Search Strings, Prefixes, Toolbars, Loaded Modules, Startup and Running Programs, Hosts file, common misconfigurations, NT Drivers, and more.

Security Task Manager (Free Trial) - detailed information about all running processes including DLL's, BHO's, Windows Services, etc. A handy quarantine function allows the user to quarantine a suspicious running items

Unlocker - solves those instances when you receive an error message from Windows that a file cannot be deleted, access is denied, the source or destination file may be in use, the file is in use by another program or user; Unlocker allows you to view the processes locking the folder or file and lets you unlock them. Handy.

Advanced Process Manipulation - by DiamondCS, utilitarian GUI, dual display shows running processes with associated modules, right click a process in the display to see 10 options such as close file handles, close all handles, close mutex handles.  Right click a module item to access options to load or unload the DLL.

DLL Downloads

DLL Files