Common Causes of DLL File Errors

A variety of causes exist for these annoying dll errors the most common of which is the replacement of a working dll file with an older one by a program installation or the removal of such a file during a program’s uninstallation. Also a possible cause is damage done by malware, such as a virus deleting crucial dll files from your computer. Yet another way for a dll file to become corrupt is a hardware problem, usually with the hard disk, that causes data loss.

In all these cases, the problem is usually resolved by downloading and reinstalling the necessary files. A number of articles are available on how to do so.

DLL File Corruption

With so many dll files being used all the time during your computer’s normal function, damage to said files is not uncommon. While this can happen as a result of a variety of causes, operating system bugs, hardware failings, etc. , the more common reason is the negative influence of malware infections from online files. Ironically these malware may get on your system during the repair of the same files they affect by downloading from bad websites.

This damage is easily avoided by installing anti-virus software and using it to scan all downloaded files (especially dll files). Also, you should perform routine system scans daily, if possible or, if not, weekly. Such simple measures would prevent more than half of computer viral infections that cause damage to you system files.

Missing AllegXX.dll

The reason for the ‘XX’ in the title is that there are many numbers that may apply to this dll file in your case depending on the version of the Allegro graphics library used to develop the software you’re trying to run. Allegro is used by game developers to simplifying the process of developing fairly impressive graphics for games. Unfortunately, these developers often neglect to include the necessary dll file with their software, leaving you the job of fixing it.

The solution is fairly simple providing that you know what you’re doing. Firstly you need to procure the correct version of the dll file, such as alleg42.dll, from the internet. You’ll know which you need because when you attempt to run the application without it you’ll be told that it’s missing. When you locate the file that applies to you, copy it to the program’s launch folder and NOT the system folder as is common with most dll files and you’re done.

D3D8.DLL Errors in Graphics Applications

Many common, nowadays games make use of the powerful Direct3D API provided by Microsoft. While this tool helps create games with beautiful, realistic 3D graphics, it can also cause frustration to novices in the field of computing.

Along with many other dependencies, Direct3D relies on this little dll file to support the function calls games made with the API use. It is not uncommon for older installations of Windows to lack this relatively new file and make PC’s that, based on their specifications, should be able to handle a certain game very well but won’t even load it.

This dll file is available free from the Microsoft website and once downloaded to the system folder needs to be registered via the Run command box and the familiar regsvr32 command followed by the dll file name. Once this is completed successfully your game should work fine.

Browser ActiveX Errors

These errors, commonly occurring due to mistakes in browser configuration, are associated with dll files not being used correctly by the programs (in this case browsers) that require them. Different multimedia content displayed in browsers, varying from forms to flash animations, may generate errors due to poor configuration.

For example, you might be attempting to log into a page that requires a username and password via a pop-up and upon entering them, you receive an error message telling you that your browser configuration is preventing an ActiveX element from functioning.

The simple fix is to go to your browser’s Internet Options menu, then Security, then find your browsers ActiveX option and ensure that it is set to allow them to run. This should solve your problem.

How To Download DLL Files

Very often one kind find oneself with a new killer application, only to have an unpleasant surprise pop-up tell us of a missing or incorrect dll file. This often leaves a relatively not-tech-savvy person the seemingly daunting task of acquiring the missing file and setting it up for use. This task is not nearly as difficult as it may sound and once you find a site that provides the dll files you need it becomes second nature.

Firstly, finding most file is as easy as searching Google for “dll files” and picking a site. Then all you need to do is search the site in question for the file and you should have a link to download available. Most sites offer it as a rar extractable file however so you’ll need a decompression program in most cases. Simply extract the file and put it in the system folder for your operating system and you can go on to register it.