Repair Common DLL Errors

It may come as a surprise to many computer users that many computer errors, such as common DLL errors can be easily fixed. In this article, we will discuss what DLL files are, and useful tips that help you successfully troubleshoot common DLL errors, such as nvcpl.dll or shlwapi.dll errors.

What Is a DLL File?

A DLL file, such as mshtml.dll file contains codes to perform a specific function. The advantage of using DLL files is that a single DLL file can be used by different applications to perform a specific task.

As innumerable numbers of DLL files are present on a computer, it is quite common to encounter a DLL error once in a while. A DLL error may appear on your screen when you start or shut down your system, or when you try to install or run an application.

With a little patience and knowledge you can easily resolve most DLL errors.

How to Repair DLL Errors?

The most common DLL errors are the missing or not-found-DLL errors. Shared below are examples of error messages that may appear on your screen when an application is not able to locate or access a particular DLL file:

“shlwapi.dll file is missing”
“The file shell32.dll not found”
“The application failed to load because nvcpl.dll was not found. Reinstall the application to fix the error”

Generally speaking, DLL errors, such as above occur when the DLL file in question is either corrupt or missing.

When you receive DLL error messages, similar to the ones displayed above, first use the inbuilt search utility in Windows computer to determine if the DLL file mentioned in the error message is present on your computer or not.

If the search results show that the DLL is missing, ask yourself the following questions to zero in on its cause and to perform the corrective measure to fix the DLL error.

Have I deleted the DLL file by mistake?

Often times, users mistakenly delete DLL files, causing DLL error messages to erupt. If you believe you accidentally deleted the DLL file, immediately check the contents of your Recycle Bin. If the DLL file is still in Recycle Bin, promptly restore it to fix the DLL error.

If you have removed the file from Recycle Bin too, you may use a reliable third-party file retrieval tool to recover the missing DLL back and to fix the DLL error.

Did I uninstall any application recently?

Incorrect unisntallation of programs may lead to removal of shared DLL files. If you are getting the DLL error, such as missing nvcpl.dll file soon after you uninstalled an application, reinstall the application to restore the missing files and rectify the DLL error.

Has a malware program deleted the copy of the DLL file?

Malware programs, such as viruses, trojans, worms, and rootkits are known to delete or corrupt DLL files, such as kernel32.dll file. To ensure this is not the case, run a malware scan using a reliable tool, such as XoftSpySE on your computer to check if your computer is infected.

If the cause of the missing DLL file is other than the ones listed above, you may download a copy of the missing DLL file from a reputable free online DLL Directory. It is important that you ensure that the website from where you download the missing DLL file is genuine. Many dubious websites are known to push malicious files camouflaged as DLL files. Downloading files from such websites may compound your problems manifold, instead of solving them.

DLL file is present, but still getting DLL errors

If you are receiving DLL error messages, even when the DLL file is present on your hard disk, chances are that the copy of the DLL file is corrupt. In such a case, to fix the DLL error, perform the following steps:

Reinstall the Application That Is Generating the Error

If you are receiving the DLL error only when you try to run a particular application, uninstall it and then reinstall the application. This will replace any corrupt or missing files related to this application.

Perform a Registry Scan

Missing or invalid registry entries of a DLL file in the registry may also cause recurring DLL errors. Ensure that the registry entries of the DLL file listed in the error message are intact. If you are not comfortable working with registry, you may perform a registry scan, using a reliable registry cleaning tool.

Guidelines to Prevent Common DLL Errors

Prevention is better than cure, holds true even for computer errors. Shared below are a few pointers that help you prevent DLL errors, such as missing or not found run.dll or system32.dll errors from reoccurring:

Regularly update your operating system, software, and device drivers.
Install advanced and robust security tools. Also, keep your security tools updated with latest malware definitions and security updates.
Follow correct procedures when installing/uninstalling programs.
Maintain a clean and healthy system registry.

It is also wise to invest in some useful PC utility tools, such as SpeedyPC and Driver Detective to help you in performing regular PC maintenance, update of your device drivers to optimize your system for better and error-free performance.

SpeedyPC!