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Best Methods To Combat DLL Issues On Your PC
In this article, we will explain what a DLL file is and the steps you can follow to troubleshoot DLL errors on your own. Each computer consists of several DLL files. A DLL file contains code that allows it to complete a specific function. A single DLL file can be used by multiple applications to perform a specific function.
DLL errors are among the most common computer errors. Generally, DLL errors do not indicate a serious problem in your computer and can be easily fixed.
Shared below are a few examples of common DLL error messages that you may come across:
- “The mp3.dll file is missing”
- “This application has failed to load. An important component: msvcp71.dll was not found. Reinstall the application to fix the error.
- “Xvidcore.dll not found”
A DLL file is missing from my computer – How do I fix this DLL error?
The most common reason behind DLL errors is a missing DLL file. If the DLL error that you are getting is due to a missing DLL file, you will need to procure a new copy of the DLL file and save it in its default location. If you do not know the default location, save the file in your System folder (for windows XP and Windows Vista, it is C:\Windows\System32)
Shared below are tips that help you procure or replace a missing DLL file:
- Recover the missing DLL file using a file recovery tool
If you have mistakenly deleted the DLL file and have also removed it from your Recycle Bin, use a reliable third-party file recovery tool to procure the missing DLL file.
- Download the DLL file from Internet
Various websites allow users a free download of numerous DLL files. You may download the missing DLL file from a reputable online DLL Directory.
- Extract the missing DLL from the Windows Installation CD
In case the DLL file that is missing is a Windows file, most probably a copy of the DLL file will be present in your Windows Installation CD. Extract the missing DLL from the Windows Installation CD to fix the missing DLL error. In fact, this is the preferred method of replacing a missing or damaged file when it comes to Windows files.
The DLL file is present – but I’m still getting a “missing” or “not found” DLL error?
Run a malware scan on your computer using advanced antivirus and antispyware tools to repair the issue. Malware programs such as viruses, trojans, and rootkits corrupt your DLLs by altering their codes. Other applications or processes are unable to access the infected DLL file and missing or not found DLL errors occur.
In case malware scans show no infection, uninstall and reinstall the application in which you are getting the DLL error. Incorrect installation of programs or overwriting of a current version of a DLL file with an older version may also cause DLL errors to occur.
If everything else fails, turn to the Windows registry for answers. An unclean or damaged registry can cause frequent DLL errors such as msvcp71.dll error, mp3.dll error, and xvidcore.dll errors. Run a registry scan using reliable registry cleaning software to clean your registry and to fix various computer errors, including DLL errors that are the result of an unclean and damaged registry.