A DLL file is a set of codes or commands that allow it to perform a specific function. The importance of DLL files for the efficient functioning of a PC is underlined by the fact that many different applications on your system can call upon the same DLL file to perform a specific function. This arrangement is obviously better than having a different file for each program or application installed on your computer.

Each computer constitutes thousands of DLL files and the occurrence of a DLL error is anything but a rare. The question which many computer users would like answered is how to deal with DLL errors?  The key in handling DLL issues is to know what causes DLL errors. Knowing the reason behind a particular DLL error is half the battle. All you will need to do next is to perform the corrective measures to get rid of the DLL error you are facing.  

What causes DLL errors and how to fix them

The following are some of the common causes of DLL errors and the methods you can use to deal with them.

• Installation of a faulty or buggy program: Before you proceed with the installation of any new program, ensure that the program is not buggy or its setup files are not damaged. A buggy program can generate a plethora of errors, including DLL errors when you try to run it. Additionally, when performing an installation from a CD/DVD make sure that the installation CD/DVD you are using is not damaged. Although you may be able to install a program completely from a damaged CD/DVD, the program can develop complications later on causing errors.

• Overwriting of a DLL file during installation of a program/application: When you install a new program/application, ensure that no DLL file is overwritten with its previous version, as this can make the shared DLL file incompatible with the applications that use the DLL file.

• Deletion of a shared DLL file during uninstallation of an application: When uninstalling an application, ensure that you do not delete any shared DLL files, as it might generate missing DLL errors. In such cases, you may receive error messages similar to the one mentioned below:
  
  “bridge.dll file not found”
  “not able to locate px.dll file”
  
  To correct the DLL errors in this case, you will need to reinstall the program you uninstalled. After which you may uninstall the program if you wish, using the Add or Remove Programs utility. However, make sure to retain the shared DLL files when prompted.

• Deletion of a DLL file by mistake: You may encounter a missing DLL error in case you remove one or more DLL files by mistake. This usually occurs when you need to delete a similarly named file from your PC. This is why it is important for you to pay attention when deleting any file.
  
  Missing DLL errors, such as the ones mentioned above may also occur if the required DLL file was never installed on your system in the first place. You can solve the missing DLL file issue by downloading the DLL file from any reputable DLL directory that is available on the Internet.

• Malware Infection: Malicious programs, such as virus, worms, Trojans and spyware are also known to cause DLL errors. You should install advanced protection software on your PC and schedule regular virus/malware scans to ensure your PC is free from any malware infection.

• Corrupt Registry: Registry problems also cause DLL errors. Perform regular registry scans using a robust registry cleaning tool to ensure that your system registry is free from unwanted, obsolete and incorrect entries.