Fixing DLL errors

The most common DLL error occurs when the DLL is missing. If you or a program has accidentally moved, renamed, or deleted a DLL, the programs that rely on it will generate a DLL error message. Also, if the DLL has become 'unregistered' - that is, removed from the registry - your programs may crash.

Fixing missing DLLs

To fix this, you must first see if the missing DLL is still located on your computer. Choose "Start", then "Search", and select "All files and folders". Under "More advanced options", ensure that the "Check hidden files and folders" box is checked. Type in the name of the missing DLL in the "All or part of the filename" field and press "Search".

Re-registering DLLs to fix DLL errors

Were you able to locate the DLL file? If you were, note the full name and location of the DLL (e.g., c:\WINDOWS\system32\msoe.dll). Now, choose "Start", then "Run", and enter "regsvr32 FullPathAndNameOfDLL.dll", where FullPathAndNameOfDLL.dll is the full path and name of the DLL you found in the previous step (e.g., c:\WINDOWS\system32\msoe.dll). This will re-register the DLL and should fix your DLL errors.

If you weren't able to find the missing DLL, you need to reinstall the application that is generating the DLL error message. Locate your original disk for the program and insert it in to your computer. Run the setup routine from the disk, and, if available, choose the "Repair" option. If there is no "Repair" option available, you must uninstall and then reinstall the program.

Updating your programs to fix DLL errors

The second most common DLL error occurs when the DLL is an outdated or outmoded version, and the programs you are using require a newer version. This will generate DLL error messages like "Error: msoe.dll is out of date" or "Error: msoe.dll is of the incorrect version". If these DLL error messages are popping up when you try to use your programs, you have several options available to you.

The first thing to try is updating your software. Some software, like Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Outlook/Outlook Express, Microsoft Office, Adobe products, and Macromedia products include software update programs. These software update programs will contact the manufacturer's web service and attempt to download the latest version of the software. If the update routine functions correctly, the web service will provide you with the latest version of the DLL. This could fix DLL version errors.

Secondly, you can attempt to fix your DLL errors by reinstalling the software that is failing to run. Go to "Start", "Control Panel", and then double-click on "Add or Remove Programs". Find the program that is crashing with DLL errors, and uninstall it. Locate your original program disk and reinstall the program.

Repairing Windows XP to fix DLL errors

If this doesn't solve the DLL errors, the problem could be with your Windows XP installation. If this is the case, you may need to perform a Repair Install of Windows. Do this by inserting your original Windows disk and restarting your computer, and booting off of the Installation CD. Choose "Repair Install", and Windows will reinstall over your existing system drive without deleting your programs and documents.

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