Windows DLL Errors
You may encounter various kinds of errors when working on a Windows-based system. The most common errors are DLL errors. DLL is the acronym for Dynamic Link Library files. These are libraries of codes and executable functions and are normally used by a Windows-based operating system for performing specific operations or tasks.
These files are linked with the help of dynamic or static links to various programs. When a program links to a DLL throughout the operation, it forms a static link. When a DLL is used only when it is required by the program, it forms a dynamic link. You can recognize DLL files from the .exe or .dll extensions.
You can use DLL files across a number of applications at any point of time. A few pre-installed DLL files come with Windows Operating System and can be used universally by installed applications. Many are developed for specific applications. These will load only when the related application is launched.
As there are a huge number of DLL files stored in the computer, these can be umpteen numbers of reasons for the system to throw up DLL errors. The term DLL Hell is also used for the errors caused due to different kinds of problems.
One reason windows errors happen, is when you install a new application that replaces an older version DLL. As the DLL is used by various applications, the overwriting of the DLL, causes errors in applications using the relevant DLL. This is one reason why developers take due care that their applications match the existing DLL version present in the system, before they are overwritten.
The other reasons for DLL errors to happen is due to malfunctioning software applications and hardware devices, faulty methodology adopted while installing various applications, registry problems and malware infections.
You can fix DLL errors that are caused by various applications by uninstalling those applications, but taking due care not to remove those DLLs shared with other applications on your operating system.
Take care not to overwrite the newer level versions of DLL while installing a new application.
If the cause for the DLL error is related to hardware, make sure to check the device driver. To fix this problem, try updating the current driver. If this does not work, uninstall and reinstall the current driver. This can be done with the help of the Device Manager. If this does not fix the problem and there seems to be no fault with the driver, it is time to check hardware, identify faults and get them fixed or replaced.
It would be best to run scans, so as to make sure that the system does not suffer from registry problems and malware infections.
Sometimes, while emptying the recycle bin, the following message may appear on the screen
“This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down. If the problem persists, contact the program vendor”
This happens when there is damage to the C:\Windows\System\Msvcrt40.dll file or when this file is replaced by some other program.
When there is a problem with some hardware, you may receive the following message
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:C:\system32\hal.dll. Please re-install a copy of the above file.
This indicates that the file Hall.dll is missing or has been damaged.
Spyware can play havoc with your system. If you have upgraded to Internet Explorer 7, then the following error will appear if there is an attack by spyware,
Waiting for res://ieframe.dll/dnserror.htm…
This can be repaired only by running an anti-spyware scan that will enable a search and removal of the malicious spyware.
If you visit a website that is not very secure with Internet Explorer 7, the same error may be generated. To solve this problem, open Internet options, click on Security and then disable protect options.
To prevent such problems, make sure that you update your machine regularly, with the latest Microsoft updates. Your anti-virus and anti spyware should be updated frequently. Run a scan regularly through your PC. A reliable and trustworthy, registry cleaner would also help and prevent your PC from getting damaged.
