How to Restore DLL Files

DLL stands for "dynamic link library." It is an executable file that is designed to serve as a shared library of functions. DLLs are in the same format as EXE files, and contain codes, data, and resources. DLLs were originally created to save on the memory and disk space needed for applications, by storing it on the hard drive. This way, a single DLL can be accessed simultaneously by multiple applications.

Dynamic link libraries can be in OCX format for Active X components, DRV for system drivers, ICL for icon libraries, and FOT and FON for font libraries.

How to restore DLL files
DLL files may be accidentally deleted or corrupted. When a DLL file is missing, some programs may not function properly because they need the DLL file to complete certain operations. When this happens, you can easily download the missing or corrupted DLL file from the Internet.
Here's how to restore missing DLL files

*Go to www.DLL-files.com and type in the name of the desired DLL file in the search box.
*Once you have located the needed DLL file, click download.
*The DLL file you have downloaded will most likely be in .zip format, which is a compressed file. In order to extract the file, you will need a file extractor like WinZip or WinRAR. Some Windows operating systems have a pre-installed file extractor.
*Once you have uncompressed the file, you will need to place it in your system directory. This file will be located in C:\Windows\ for Windows 95, 98, and ME; C:\WINNT\System32 for Windows NT and 2000; and C:\Windows\System32 for the Windows XP operating system.
*Once you have extracted the desired file to your system directory, programs will be able to access the DLL file.

You can also install DLL files on the directory of the program utilizing it.
Here's how
*Click Start and then Run.
*Type in "regsvr32" and then hit the spacebar on the keyboard.
*Next, type in the filename of the DLL file along with the suffix ".DLL"

Most device drivers are also stored as DLLs with the .drv extension. You need device drivers so that your computer can communicate with hardware like printers, scanners, joysticks and game controllers, and many other computer peripherals. Without the proper driver, your computer will not be able to detect certain hardware.

You can download a large variety of drivers from: www.driverguide.com, www.driverzone.com, or Microsoft's download page. Once you have downloaded the needed driver, you then need to place it in your system directory exactly how it is shown above. If the hardware still does not detect the new hardware device, you may need to download more than one driver.