What are DLL files?
DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files contain codes to perform specific functions. DLL files are called upon by different programs to perform a specific function, such as creating a graphical interface, or controlling certain dialog boxes. As the name suggests, these dynamic files are loaded only when a programs call upon them.
The concept of using DLL files was implemented to simplify things and to improve a computer?s overall efficiency. There are many functions that are common to various programs. Instead of inserting separate function files in each program, DLLs were created. A DLL file can be used by multiple programs simultaneously to perform a specific function.
What is the need to unregister a DLL file?
DLL files are not only used by legitimate programs, but also by malicious programs, such as virus, worm, trojan, adware, and spyware.
Malware often corrupt regular DLL files or install new DLL files on your system. It is not recommended to delete a DLL file directly. If the malicious DLL file is used by other regular applications then its deletion may adversely affect the way other legitimate applications function. To prevent this from happening, always unregister a DLL file before deleting it.
The correct removal process of a DLL file requires you to complete the following two tasks:
- Unregister the DLL.
- Delete the DLL file.
How to unregister a DLL file
To unregister a DLL file, perform the following tasks:
- Click the Start menu and select the Run command.
- In the Open box, type the cmd command and click OK.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
regsvr32 /u filename.dll
Note: ?filename.dll? represents the name of the DLL file you need to unregister
How to prevent DLL files from getting corrupt
The biggest cause of corruption of DLL files is malware infections. Malware programs, such as worms, viruses, and trojans deliberately inject invalid codes into DLL files and make them corrupt. To prevent this, it is important that you safe guard your computer against malware attacks. Install reliable and advanced antimalware tools, such as STOPzilla Antivirus and Spyware Cease on your computer and schedule regular malware scans on your system, using such tools. Also, incorporate safe system practices to prevent malicious programs from breaching your system?s security. A few examples of the best safe system practices are shared below:
- Do not download applications from dubious websites.
- Read the End User License Agreement before installing any software that you have downloaded from the Internet.
- Do not open email attachments before running a virus scan on them.
Besides malware infection, another major cause of corrupt DLLs is problems within the registry. When a DLL file is installed on your computer, its information is added to the registry. The unregistered DLL process removes this DLL registry entry.
Tampering of DLL entries in the registry may result in DLL errors. To ensure that the registry only stores valid information, scan and clean your registry regularly using reliable registry cleaning software, such as RegServe.