Tips for Understanding DLL Error Messages

It is common for computer users to complain that they cannot make any sense out of error messages that are displayed on their computer screens. This is perhaps, the biggest reason why they choose to call computer experts and outsource error solving tasks. However, you do not need to do so as information pertaining to each type of error as well as error message is easily available on the Internet. In fact, you should always investigate the error message first to determine whether you actually need a computer expert to solve the problem or not.

One of the computer errors you can stop worrying about are DLL errors or Dynamic Link Library errors. These are computer application errors that generate when there is something wrong with DLL files. DLL files are important files of your Windows computer that belong to a common pool of files and have been created to do specific tasks. So every time an application needs that task to be performed, it simply calls upon that DLL file. This makes processes simpler and more efficient. However, since these files are critical for the normal functioning of applications, any error may stop the whole application from working.

Common DLL problems occur because of missing or corrupt DLL files, malware infections, driver or hardware problems, incorrect installation or uninstallation, hardware or driver problems.

DLL error messages: DLL error messages can be of various types. Some can be very simple but very brief. While these errors give you an idea about the problem and identify the DLL file due to which the error has occurred, they do not offer a solution. An example of this is:

“Mfc80.dll Not Found”

This problem may occur if the file has been deleted by mistake or if it has become corrupt.

Others may be quite detailed and also inform you of a possible solution to the DLL error like:

“This application failed to start because xprt5.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.”

Xprt5.dll application error usually occurs due to the corruption of the file.

A few errors may be a little complicated and may need a little research before you know what has happened. An example of this is the shtml.dll file, where your PC may generate a HTTP 404 error pointing to shtml.dll. This happens due to improper installation of FrontPage Server Extensions on the Web server.

If you have any trouble understanding DLL error messages, the best thing to do is to write down the exact error message and perform an Internet search. Better still, you can bookmark any one of the reputed technical websites which are dedicated to DLL errors. These websites are run by experts who have vast experience in solving DLL errors. They usually provide solutions to several DLL error messages in one place. The step-by-step resolution process given on these websites makes solving DLL errors a simple task.

Usually, the methods to resolve the problem will depend on the diagnosis. If a file is missing, you may have to setup the application again, or replace the missing file by downloading it from a genuine source. If the error is caused by a spyware or virus, you need to begin with cleaning them and see if the error is resolved. There may be DLL issues due to improper installing or uninstalling of a program. In such cases, you simply need to reverse the process. In almost all the resolution methods, it is advisable that you clean your Windows registry with the help of a reliable tool to ensure that the root cause of a DLL error has been eliminated.