The file extension DLL,
or Dynamic Link Library,
represents a file that
contains codes for
specific purposes that
other applications can
use. The file extension
DLL files can be used by
a variety of different
applications for
numerous purposes.
DLL stands for Dynamic
Link Library. This
library contains small,
individual programs each
with its own purpose.
Whenever an application
developer needs a
certain process such as
the ability to print for
a program that he is
developing, it’s
oftentimes much easier
to include an existing
DLL for that purpose
rather than having to
create the printing code
from scratch. Instead of
writing their own
printing code and
instructions, many
developers simply
reference the
appropriate DLL. Not
only does this make it
easier for the
developer, it also makes
it easier for users.
They will see familiar
commands for printing as
many different
applications use the
same DLL for this
function.
Sometimes, the Windows
Operating System may get
confused and DLL files
may go missing. When
this happens, DLL errors
occur. DLLs disappear or
get overwritten by
different versions all
the time. This usually
happens when a new
program has been
installed or an older
program has been
uninstalled. Some
installations and
un-install programs
don’t take into account
that a computer’s other
programs may need the
old DLL. When replacing
an old DLL with a new
one or removing a DLL as
part of an un-install
procedure, errors can
result.
In addition, file
corruption can affect a
variety of files
including file extension
DLL. When .DLL files
become damaged, they
generally can't be used.
When this happens, more
DLL errors can occur. A
problem with file
extension DLL can also
cause the application
that is referencing the
DLL file to crash too.
Further program crashes
can cause even more
computer errors. Damaged
DLL files can create an
endless cycle of damage
- with each new crash,
further file corruption
occurs.
Overcoming DLL errors is
often a simple matter of
reinstalling the program
that was previously
un-installed or
un-installing the new
program that overwrote
other DLLs with newer
versions. When
un-installing software,
you will often see a
choice saying that some
files are no longer
needed. You will be
prompted to remove the
file. Instead of
removing the files,
leave them on your
system so that your
other programs won’t
suffer DLL errors. If
you did allow the
uninstall to remove
them, you can reinstall
the program which will
reinstall all of the
required DLLs. Next, you
can un-install it again,
only this time, don’t
allow it to remove the
shared files.
If a new program has
replaced DLLs with newer
or older versions, you
may find other programs
can’t work with the
different version of the
DLL. You may need to
reinstall the program
that’s having problems.
You can also try
checking their websites
for updates and patches.
Oftentimes, updates are
released that address
known issues including
DLL conflicts.
DLL files are useful to
developers and they keep
programs and
applications from
getting too large.
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