Where to Find Missing DLLs to Use Programs

Did you ever try to run a program and get an error saying you are missing a file with a DLL extension? "Component FILENAME.DLL or one of its dependencies not correctly registered a file is missing or invalid." The program cannot run without it, so you need the DLL. What is a DLL? Where did it go? Where can I find it?

What is a DLL? It is a dynamic link library file which is a collection of small programs, that can be called when needed by the executable program (exe) that is running. DIBAPI.DLL is a Device Independent Bitmap scanner driver needed for some programs to allow the user to scan images for use in the program. Other DLL files allow the executable program to communicate with the printer or sound drivers or other devices. Or DLL files may contain source code to do particular functions.

Where did the DLL file go? Many programs can share a file. If you uninstall a program, you must be careful not to remove shared files such as DLLs. If an existing program needs the file that you removed, you will get an error and not be able to use the program. Sometimes a programmer doesn't include a commonly used DLL that is required with a program, because he assumes you have it. So may not have had the DLL file in the first place.

Where can I find the necessary DLL file? If you have the original software, the DLL should be on the disc. There are websites that have commonly used DLLs that you can download and place into your Windows/System directory. Be careful to scan the files for viruses before running your programs. Many can be found on the Microsoft Windows website or a website related to the software you are trying to run.

Download Free DLL Files at DownloadThis.net
Download Free DLL Files at WebAttack.com

If the file you need isn't listed at one of these websites, then type the name of your file in a search engine such as Google to find it. Once you find the desired file, scan it for viruses and place it in the Windows/System folder on your primary hard drive, try to run the program. It may work or it may give a message saying your missing another DLL! How exciting! A scavenger hunt. At least you have a chance of using or reusing these programs.

Yvette Kuhns, Power Pages Web Design, October 13, 2003

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