Fix Mshtml.dll Errors

The mshtml.dll (MS HTML viewer) file contains codes that are used for displaying HTML web pages. Internet Explorer requires this file for its proper functioning. In this article we will discuss an instance of the mshtml.dll error.

Mshtml.dll Error

While using Internet Explorer 6 on a Windows ME computer, you may receive the following error message:

“Iexplore.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Click here to see the report.”

When you view the error report, the following information is displayed.

Cause of the Error

Different versions of Internet Explorer require different versions of the mshtml.dll file. Internet Explorer version 6 needs mshtml.dll version 6.0.2600.0 for proper functioning. Typically, the above error occurs when the version of the mshtml.dll file on your computer is different than the one IE6 requires.

To check the version of the mshtml.dll file, you can perform the following steps:

1. Click Start and then click Search.
2. Search for mshtml.dll in the Local Hard Drives.
   (The search results will be displayed in the right-pane.)
3. Right-click on the mshtml.dll file, click Properties, and then click the Version tab.

Resolution Steps

To fix the above mshtml.dll error, re-extract the mshtml.dll file from the Internet Explorer version 6 cabs.

1. Click the Start menu and select the Run utility.
2. Type msconfig and click OK.
3. Next, click Extract File.
4. Now, type ie_1.cab, and click Start.
5. Type c:\windows\windows update setup files in the Restore from field.
6. Next, type c:\windows\windows update setup files in the Save as field and click the OK button.
7. If you receive a message asking you to confirm if you want to back up the file to C:\Windows\Helpdesk\Sfc, click Yes or OK.
8. If no backup folder exists, you may receive a message “The backup folder does not exist. Do you want to create it?” click Yes or OK.
9. Next, click OK when you receive a dialog box saying “The file was successfully extracted”.
10. Click Start and select Run.
11. Next, type msconfig and then click OK.
12. Now, click Extract.
13. Type mshtml.dll and click Start.
14. Next, type c:\windows\windows update setup files in the Restore from field.
15. Type c:\windows\system in the Save as field and click OK.
16. Click Yes or OK when you receive a message asking you to confirm if you want to back up the mshtml.dll file to C:\Windows\Helpdesk\Sfc.
17. A dialog box stating “The file was successfully extracted” will appear. Click OK.
18. Finally, reboot your computer.

A major cause of common DLL errors, including mshtml.dll errors is malware infection. Malware programs, such as rootkits, worms, viruses, and trojans are known to corrupt DLL files and cause recurring DLL errors. To prevent mshtml.dll and other errors from occurring due to malware infections, install robust antimalware tools, such as Antivirus Plus and StopZilla on your computer. Also, regularly clean your Windows registry using a reliable registry cleaner, such as RegGenie. This is important as a cluttered or damaged registry may cause various problems, including DLL errors, on your computer.