What are DLL Files? 5 Ways to Prevent DLL Errors

DLL errors are very common. They can affect one program or several. It depends on how many programs you have installed on your computer that use certain .dll files.

What are DLL Files? They’re shared registry entries found in the massive Dynamic Link Library using the .dll extension. Many of them were created by companies such as Microsoft or Adobe and are designated to run specific programs. However, many DLL files available for free under an open source or GNU license, so anyone can access them when creating software.

Common Causes of DLL Errors This problem more often than not takes place when you’re trying to run two programs at once that require similar DLL files. In many cases, these two legitimate pieces of software are not infected by viruses, exploits, rogues or other form of malware. However, the presence of malicious objects on your computer can also cause DLL problems. This happens when hackers trick you into downloading infectious zip or program folders onto your folders. However, it also occurs when you give the wrong remote user (person who accesses your PC from a different location) your usernames and/or passwords. These exploitation attempts usually occur via email or by way of a harmful website link, or they can even result from using poor-quality free computer protection.

Use at least one of these 5 ways to prevent DLL errors:

1. Quit installing freeware onto your PC. With the exception of maybe Open Office, Skype and some of your favorite free virus scanners, very few free programs are safe. Most of them come loaded with adware, and you often end up with extra toolbars after installing them. Avoid them whenever possible.

2. Use as few programs at once as possible. For instance, you might need to close out one photo editor before you open another one. Many of them use the same DLL registry files to execute specific functions. This also happens if you have more than one video editor or word processor open, and it could occur between several types of software that have different purposes.

3. Use your Task Manager to stop background processes. Just because you close a program window doesn’t mean it stopped running. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL on your keyboard or right-click on your computer clock to pull up the Task Manager. If you have a touchscreen, you can use your finger to open it. Use these steps to shut off processes from your Task Manager: Hit “start task manager." Go to the “processes" tab. Highlight an entry you want to stop. Press the “end process" button. Confirm you want to “end process."

4. Uninstall and reinstall affected programs. This often does the trick if the installation was incomplete. It also might help if somehow a program file you need to run a certain software operation is missing or corrupt.

5. Scan for problems and fix them. Usually, Wise Registry Cleaner or a malware remover program takes can of most issues. This especially helps when you need to eliminate problems in a hurry so you can finish all your projects on time!