DLL Errors: Troubleshooting DLL Errors

DLL errors crop up due to a variety of reasons. They can be the result of a new installation, a failed installation, an un-installation, hardware failure, virus attacks and more.

Windows XP users can take a few steps on their own to troubleshoot DLL errors such as running the System Restore utility. System Restore automatically creates "restore points" that it can use at a later date to rollback the system to its previous state. In addition, users can create their own restore points before adding software or hardware to their system.

If DLL errors begin on the computer, the Windows XP user can try a system restore first to solve the problem. To access this utility, go to the Start button, choose "all programs", then "accessories", then "system tools" and finally "system restore". Follow the instructions to restore the system to a date prior to the problems.

The next step a Windows XP user or a Windows 2000 user can try is using the SFC command. This command scans and repairs protected Windows files and replaces any out of date files with the proper Microsoft version.

To use SFC, go to the Start button, choose the "run" option and type in:

sfc /scannow. Press enter and be sure to include a space between sfc and "/" as shown here. Window verifies that all protected Windows files are intact and original versions.

In addition, there are other syntaxes besides "scan now" that users can use when running the SFC command. These syntaxes are different for XP and 2000.

For XP:

/scannow - an immediate scan
/scanonce - scans once the next time Windows boots up
/scanboot - scans every time the system boots up
/revert - restores default settings
/purgecache - purges the file cache
/cachesize=x - sets the file cache size

For Windows 2000:

/scannow - an immediate scan
/scanonce - scans once during the next boot up
/scanboot - scans every time the system boots up
/cancel- cancels pending scans
/quiet - replaces incorrect files without prompting the user
/enable - enables file protection during normal operations
/purgecache - purges the file cache
/cachesize=x - sets the file cache size

If after trying System Restore and SFC, DLL errors continue to plague the system try the following techniques.

For problems that occur only when running a particular program and the program worked fine before, a simple re-install may do the trick. While you're at it, check the manufacturer's website for updates and patches to ensure you have the latest updates.

If you recently un-installed a program, the likelihood that the un-install caused the problem exists. You can try re-installing the program in question in an attempt to re-install the missing DLL. Afterwards, when removing the program, be sure to pay attention to the dialogue box that prompts you to remove "unneeded files". Click "No" or "No to all" when prompted to remove a system file or a file that may no longer be needed.

If you recently installed a new program, check the manufacturer's website for updates. It's not unusual for a program to require an update before it will work properly on your system. Check the developer's website for specifics. You can also un-install the program and see if this resolves the problem. If so, you will need to contact their technical support for help in getting their program to work properly on your system without causing errors.

Finally, a spyware, virus or other malware program could be causing your DLL problems. Run a complete spyware and antivirus scan on your system to rule out this cause.

Recommended ProActive Solution: Paretologic Regcure.