First Steps For Dealing With DLL Errors

For a lot of computer users, the first step for dealing with computer errors usually means picking up the phone and calling a computer expert. Did you know users who call computer experts have to wait for an average of two and a half hours before their computer is attended to? On the other hand, if they chose to troubleshoot the errors themselves, chances are that they would have resolved the error in a fraction of that time. We can say this with confidence because a large number of computer errors are software- or application-related and can be easily dealt with. All you need is some basic understanding about the cause of the error and guidelines on how to resolve the problem in a step by step manner.

One such error for which you should avoid seeking external help and try troubleshooting yourself is a DLL error. These errors are one of the most recurring types of errors.

DLL or Dynamic Link Library files comprise codes and functions that be used and shared among several applications on your computer. These important files work quietly in the background and make our applications simpler and more efficient. There are several applications installed on a computer and each of them has several DLL files. Due to their presence in large numbers, there is always a small chance that some thing may go wrong anytime.

Some of the DLL error messages can be a little complicated to understand. An example is this error message related to Microsoft C Runtime Library, which is encountered while starting a Windows PC:

“Lsass.exe: Entry Point Not Found

The procedure entry point _resetstkoflw could not be located in the dynamic link library Msvcrt.dll.”

Other DLL errors can be pretty straight forward to understand like this error which is related to Connectivity API of Nokia:

“Connapi.dll Not Found”

Usual reasons behind DLL errors include a corrupt or missing DLL file, improper installation or uninstallation, conflict between two files, driver or hardware problems and malware infection.

Fixing DLL Errors

The pursuit of resolving a DLL error must begin with finding the cause of the error. This can be easily done with the help of the internet where you can search the exact error message that you have encountered. This search will provide you with a fair idea about the error and its resolution methods. There are some websites which comprehensively list all common DLL errors and their solutions in an organized step-by-step manner.

There are a few common resolution methods for DLL errors that include:

1. If a file goes missing or has become corrupt, you may need to uninstall and then reinstall the application that generated the error. Sometimes, however, you can get the error solved simply by downloading the correct file from official source and saving it in the correct location.
2. If the error is encountered during or immediately after an installation or uninstallation has taken place, you would know the probable cause. You must immediately reverse the process and see if the error still exists.
3. If there are indications that a malware is behind the error, you must eradicate the malware that is causing the error.
4. Many times, DLL errors are a result of an obsolete or corrupt driver. In such cases, you need to replace this driver with an appropriate and updated device driver.
5. Lots of DLL errors originate from the registry and leave their remnants there. So it is imperative that after resolving your DLL error, you must sweep your registry for any further errors with the help of a registry software.