Sep

Best Practices For Dealing With Missing DLL Errors

By James

(Contributed)

011 A computer constitutes thousands of DLL files that enable your operating system and applications to carry out different functions effectively. As DLL files are present in huge numbers, it is highly likely that you will come across DLL errors every once in awhile. Thankfully, unlike many other computer errors, it is possible for you to fix most DLL errors on your own. The most common type of DLL error is the missing DLL error. In this article, we will share with you some useful tips to help you effectively deal with missing DLL errors.

Missing DLL errors, such as “msvcr80.dll not found” or “not able to locate msvcr80.dll” generally occur when the required DLL file is missing from your system. Malware infection, hardware problems and registry issues may also cause a missing DLL error.

The first thing you should do when you receive a missing DLL error is to search for the DLL file on your system. For instance, let’s say a missing npptools.dll error has occurred, so first use the Search menu to see if npptools.dll file is present on your system or not. In case the results do not show the DLL file, download the missing DLL file (in this case it will be npptools.dll) from any reliable Free DLL Download website or another legitimate source. While downloading the file, ensure that you save it in its original location.

In case you receive a missing DLL error, such as the “Cannot start [Application’s name]. A necessary component is missing: msvcrtd.dll. Please install [Application’s name] again” error when you try to run a particular application, then you should try reinstalling the application to fix the error. If the problem is not resolved after you have reinstalled the program, the cause of the DLL error could be outdated driver files. Update the drivers of this program to correct the missing DLL error.

Incorrect changes made to a core Windows file may also lead to missing DLL errors. If you are receiving the DLL error after you have made changes to any core Windows file or the registry, then use the System Restore utility to undo the changes. This should correct the missing DLL error.

If the DLL file is present on your system and the last two above steps fail to resolve the missing DLL error, then it will be prudent to run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Malware, such as virus, Trojans, worms, spyware etc deliberately edit or remove the codes of a DLL file, resulting in missing DLL errors. If the scan results show that a virus or other malware is present on your system, then use your security tool to delete or quarantine the found malware.

Steps to prevent missing DLL errors

Now that you have seen how to deal with missing DLL errors, it will be useful if you know how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Discussed below are some useful pointers that help you prevent DLL errors from occurring:

Be vigilant when you delete any file—ensure that you do not delete a DLL file or some other required program file by mistake.
While uninstalling a program/application ensure that you do not delete a shared DLL file.
Keep your system registry clean and compact. Use a good registry cleaning tool to carry out registry maintenance activities.
Update your operating system, software and device drivers on a regular basis.

Click Here to Run a Free Scan for DLL related Errors