What are DLL errors and how can you avoid them?

What are DLL files?

Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files comprise executable functions and codes libraries. They are dynamically loaded and run by the Windows operating system and the applications installed on it to perform specific tasks. A DLL file can be shared across various applications to perform the same task. For instance, Kernel32.dll is a core Windows DLL used to perform tasks such as memory and I/O function management. DLLs usually have .dll or, exe extensions.

What is a DLL hell?

Your Windows operating system comes loaded with thousands of DLLs that are copied on your computer when you install the operating system. Many DLLs come in later when you install various applications and programs. With such a huge number of DLL files used and shared on Windows systems, you are quite prone to DLL errors. A PC frequented with DLL errors is said to be in DLL Hell. A computer in DLL hell receives numerous DLL errors related to corrupt or missing DLLs, conflicting DLLs, incompatible DLLs, and inaccessible DLLs.

What causes DLL errors?

DLL errors can be caused due to a number of reasons. Some of them are listed below:

• A shared DLL gets removed when you uninstall an application using it.
• A later version of DLL is overwritten by an older version when you install an application.
• Problems in hardware devices, such as memory and I/O buses that are controlled by DLLs.
• Damaged DLL due to a problem with an application accessing it.
• DLLs not properly registered in the registry.
• Incorrect DLL entries in the registry.
• DLL corruption due to malware infestation.

How to fix DLL errors

Windows DLL errors are usually fixed based on the source of the problem. When we go through the causes of DLL errors we notice that there are four sources of DLL errors: Applications, Hardware, Malware, and Registry.

Errors Due to Application

If a DLL error occurs due to overwriting or deletion of a DLL after you install or uninstall an application, then, in most of the cases, you can resolve the issue by restoring the DLL. You may also look for and install a later version or patch of the application that you think has caused the error. If this does not resolve the error, then search for the updated version of the DLL on the Internet, download it, and register it on your PC using the Regsvr32 command. If you are using a Windows XP system, then you may use the System Restore utility to rollback your PC to the last known working condition.

Errors Due to Hardware

Most of the device drivers use DLLs to control various hardware and peripherals connected to your PC. If any of these malfunctions, they give rise to DLL errors. To fix these problems, you need to identify the problematic hardware and get it repaired or replaced. You may also try to look for updated device drivers and install them to see if they fix the problem.

Errors Due to Malware

Malware, such as virus, Trojan, and spyware are also a major cause of DLL errors. These malicious programs are capable of stealthily installing on your computer and infecting the systems with bad programs to increase the number of system errors. To prevent malware from infecting your PC, you must configure a reliable and efficient antivirus and anti-spyware software. You must regularly run these programs to scan your PC for malicious programs and keep them updated with latest virus definitions to ensure that your system is safe at all times.

Errors Due to Registry

All of the above problems may give rise to problems in the registry. As the number of invalid, corrupt, and obsolete entries increase in the registry, they give rise to registry and system errors. To prevent these problems, you must regularly perform a registry scan to identify problematic entries and remove them. The best way to perform a registry scan is to download and install an efficient registry cleaner tool from the Internet. Registry cleaners automate and simplify the process of scanning the registry and remove any troublesome entries from it. They also enable you to perform a customized check to look only at DLL-related errors and delete them. Performing a regular registry scan helps you in keeping most of your DLL and registry related errors at bay and enjoy an error-free computing experience.

Frequent DLL errors take your PC toward DLL hell. To prevent this, you must take proper preventive steps to ensure that your PC stays free of these troublesome errors. You must be very careful while installing and uninstalling applications. If prompted about a shared DLL being removed or overwritten, you must first check if the DLL is being used by any other applications before confirming your decision. Always try to keep the newer versions of DLLs on the system and do not overwrite them when prompted. Keep your desk dust free and device drivers updated to prevent hardware-related problems. Regularly update your antivirus and anti-spyware software and run a regular scan to prevent malware attacks. Finally, use a reliable and efficient registry cleaner to perform regular registry scans and remove any errors from it.