Things You Need to Know About DLL Files

Several DLL files are provided with the Windows operating system, while others are included with Windows programs. They allow various program functions, such as communication with external devices and reading and writing files. In some cases, DLLs are referenced by cross-platform applications running on macOS. As detailed by ComputingForGeeks, this article will give you an overview of a DLL file.

What Is a DLL File?

A DLL file is a compiled library containing processes and drivers that can be referenced and implemented by a Windows application. It allows multiple applications to achieve everyday purposes through shared libraries. DLL files are “dynamically linked” to a program, i.e., they are loaded only when necessary. Deleting or modifying a DLL file’s content can cause errors in the application referring to the document. For this reason, DLL files should not typically be altered or opened. However, when an application tries to get a damaged or lost DLL file, the application no longer works. If this happens, you should reinstall or download the application and install a new version of this DLL.

Common DLL File Names

If you try to open an application and Windows informs you that it cannot find the file mfc42u.dll, it is likely that the Windows installation has been corrupted. You can perform a system restore using your new system repair disk to fix the problem. Other related documents are mfc80u.dll, mfc90u.dll, and mfc100u.dll.

In mfc80u.dll, if a document is lost, you can configure the Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package to install it. Programs that use this DLL usually install it because it is not included by default in Windows. Additional DLLs installed using the package contain msvcr80.dll, msvcm80.dll, msvcp80.dll, mfc80.dll, mfcmifc80.dll, mfcmifc80.dll, and mfcm80.dll.

In mfc90u.dll, if you miss this document, you can configure the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable Package for installation. Programs that use this DLL usually install it because it is not included by default in Windows. Additional DLLs installed using the package have msvcr90.dll, msvcm90.dll, msvcp90.dll, mfc90.dll, mfcmifc90.dll, mfcmifc90.dll, and mfcm90.dll.

In mfc100u.dll, if this document is lost, you can configure the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package to install it. Programs that use this DLL usually install it because it is not included by default in Windows. Additional DLLs installed using the package have msvcr100.dll, msvcm100.dll, msvcp100.dll, mfc100.dll, mfcmifc100.dll, mfcmifc100.dll, and mfcm100.dll.

Evaluation of DLL Files

You can check out basic facts about a DLL file by right-clicking it in the Windows File Explorer and clicking “Properties.” Click on the Version tab to see which company generated the DLL and which version it is. It can be useful to solve compatibility or other problems with DLLs. If you want more details, you can use a debugger or disassembly program to understand and track what happens inside a DLL during its implementation. Reflectors for both Visual Studio and IDA and PE Explorer can be used for this function. However, they usually require some knowledge and experience in programming to be used fluently. The DLL file can be opened with the PE Explorer program.