See also: Windows Registry Error, Windows Runtime Error

DLL errors are, for the most part, some of the most annoying errors you’re likely to experience as a Windows user.  Sure, Windows registry errors are about as much fun as being punched in the gut, but when it comes to sheer frustration and annoyance DLL errors take the cake.
If you’re like most (if you’re reading this you are) the chances are darn good that you have absolutely no idea what a DLL error is or how the heck you can fix a DLL error. Well, thankfully for you, there are options that exist that can help you identify and get rid of that DLL error once and for all.

What is a Windows DLL File?

A Windows DLL file is also known by the full version of its acronym: dynamic link library.  Windows DLL’s are libraries that contain code, programs, or other functions that are referenced by Microsoft Windows as well as other programs installed on your computer.

Windows DLL files typically have a .dll or .exe extension.

What Causes Windows DLL Errors?

DLL errors are a tricky lot.  Generally speaking you won’t be the direct cause of the DLL error, so it’s impossible to lay blame to a specific instance or program.  DLL errors are usually the result of programs being installed and then uninstalled (though the uninstallation is never usually “complete”), resulting in old versions of DLL files being present, abandoned DLL files being present, and shared DLL files being modified and/or corrupted.

People experiencing DLL errors, no matter how minor, will commonly refer to their wonderful DLL experience as “DLL hell“.  DLL hell was coined due to the average person’s total inability to find the source of the errors nor find a result.  DLL hell is frustrating, especially because you may find yourself literally swimming in errors with absolutely no rhyme or reason as to why.

Chances are good that if you are experiencing Windows DLL errors it is due to one of the following:

• A DLL file was replaced by a newer or legacy version during a program installation or uninstallation - Many DLL files are shared among programs.  Often, when a new program in installed, it will replace program-specific DLL files with a version compiled in the installation executable.  This can, and often does, cause conflicts that will arise when a program attempts to reference that DLL file.

• A shared DLL file was deleted during a program uninstallation - Though not as common now as it was during the days of Windows 95/98, there are instances when a program will delete a DLL file during uninstallation that is shared with other programs.  Obviously, the missing DLL file will cause errors when a program attempts to reference it.

• Malfunctioning and/or damaged hardware - This is especially true of your hard disk.  If your disk drive is corrupting files or the system registry it may land you in DLL hell faster than you can say “golly, I might just be in DLL hell”.

• A virus, spyware, or malware has run amok on your computer - This is becoming increasingly more common.  Any malicious software that is having its way with your computer can send you into DLL hell in an instant.

How to Identify a Windows DLL Error

Fortunately for those in “the know”, identifying a Windows DLL error is actually pretty easy.  DLL problems tend to identify themselves as such (”there is an error with FILENAME.dll”, for example) or fall into a certain trend:

• “The program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.  If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.” - This is indicative of a DLL problem.

• “This application could not start because the following file is missing or currupt: c:\DIRECTORYNAME\FILENAME.dll” - This one speaks for itself.

• Programs randomly freeze and/or crash - You may or may not receive an error dialog box associated with this.  This is less obvious that it’s a DLL error, but the chances are good that it is.

Alternatively, if you are experiencing weird behavior or errors, scanning your computer with a registry cleaner (such as Registry Easy, Registry Fix, or Registry Genius — all will scan your computer for free) will let you know in a pretty cut and dry fashion if you have DLL problems or not.

How to Cure Your Windows DLL Error Woes

Once you’ve determined that you are experiencing Windows DLL problems your next step is to fix them.  Here you really only have two options:

• Replace the Windows DLL file causing the problem - If you have determined that “FILENAME.dll” is currupt, replacing “FILENAME.dll” with a clean version of the file should cure your DLL error.  However, chances are good that you don’t have the technical capability to identify which specific file is causing the error.  This leads us, in part, to option number two…

• Use a registry cleaner to fix your Windows DLL errors -  A good registry cleaner (see below for our top three recommended programs) will scan your computer (for free) and identify any and all errors that your computer may have- including DLL errors.  If you want to fix your errors, however, you will have to actually purchase a license of the program.  However, once you purchase a license that program is generally good for as long as you own that computer.  Most programs cost under $50 and are, like an anti-virus, an essential investment in keeping your computer running smoothly.

Our top three registry cleaner programs that are proven to fix Windows DLL errors:

• Registry Easy - Click to read our review.

• Registry Fix - Click to read our review.

• Registry Genius - Click to read our review.