What Is a DLL File? How to Fix Missing DLL Files on Windows?

I bought this new laptop, Acer Aspire 7, and I wanna play some games, but for some reason every time I tried to open it, it keeps saying “couldn’t open msv1160cp10.dll”. I tried watching a few YouTube videos and followed every step, but I still can’t open it even after all of that.www.reddit.com

Issue: DLL Files Are Missing/Not Found

In daily Windows use, when a program relies on a missing or corrupted DLL file, you might see an error message like “Can’t start the program because xxx.dll is missing.” This often prevents the program from running and can even cause system malfunctions.

So, what exactly are DLL files? Why are they so important? And why are DLL files missing? In this article, we’ll delve into the role of DLL files, common causes of file missing, and how to effectively diagnose and resolve these issues.

Let’s start with the basics of DLLs and walk you through them step by step.

What Is a DLL File

A DLL, or Dynamic Link Library, is a crucial file type in the Windows operating system. It’s not a standalone program, but rather a module containing code, data, and resources that other programs can use. Understand its core functions and uses.

The core function of the DLL file:

• Code reuse: Multiple programs can share functional modules within the same DLL file. It eliminates the need to rewrite the same code.
• Dynamic loading: Programs load DLL files on demand at runtime, saving memory resources and improving system efficiency.
• Modular development: Large software can split functionality into multiple DLL files for easier maintenance and updates.
• Cross-language calling: Programs written in different programming languages ​​can call functions within the same DLL file as long as they follow calling conventions.

The common uses of the DLL file:

• System function support: Many Windows functions rely on DLL files. For example, kernel32.dll provides core system functionality, and user32.dll manages the user interface.
• Third-party software extensions: Many applications use DLL files to implement plug-in mechanisms, such as Photoshop’s filter plug-ins.
• Driver support: Some hardware drivers also exist as DLL files, providing an interface between the device and the system.

Common Causes of Missing DLL Files

“Missing DLL files” is one of the most common system errors on Windows, but it doesn’t just happen. Here are some of the most common reasons.

• Virus or malware infection: Malicious programs may delete or replace DLL files, interfering with system operation.
• User’s inadvertent file deletion: Manual cleanup or misuse can lead to accidental deletion of DLL files.
• Incomplete software installation or uninstallation: Critical DLL files may be omitted or removed when a program is improperly installed or uninstalled.
• Failed or conflicting system updates: Older versions of DLL files may be overwritten or lost during Windows updates.
• Hard drive or file system corruption: Disk failure can cause DLL files to become corrupted or unreadable.
• Incompatible drivers or plug-ins: Some hardware drivers or plug-ins rely on specific DLL files. Failed driver installation or incompatible versions can also cause DLL errors.

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How to Fix Missing DLL Files

To help the system restore normal operation, it is particularly important to master effective DLL file repair methods. Whether using the system’s built-in tools or professional repair software, choosing the right repair method is the key to solving the problem.

The following methods can help solve the problem of missing DLL files. Now try them one by one.

Method 1: Restart Your PC

Restarting your computer clears the system cache, releases file locks, and reloads system services. This can sometimes resolve DLL errors caused by temporary errors or load failures.

Step 1: Click the Windows and Power buttons successively.

Step 2: Hit the Restart optionfrom the menu.

The system will automatically shut down and restart.

No change after restart? Continue with the next solution.

Method 2: Reinstall the Affected Program

Some programs’ installation packages contain DLL files. If these programs are damaged, the DLL files may become corrupted or disappear. Reinstalling the affected program will ensure that these dependent files are fully copied to the system.

Step 1: Identify the program causing the DLL error.

Step 2: Right-click the Start button and select Settings. Then, choose Apps.

Step 3: Under Apps & features, find the problematic program, click it, and hit the Uninstall button.

When the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer. After that, install the program from the official website and check to see if the DLL file is restored.

Method 3: Run DISM and SFC Scan

Running DISM and SFC scans is an important step in fixing missing DLL files because they can detect and repair corrupted or missing core files on your system.

DISM first repairs the system image to ensure that SFC can run properly. SFC scans protected system files and automatically replaces corrupted or missing DLLs. It can restore system stability and program functionality.

Step 1: Open an administrative Command Prompt

Type Command Prompt in the Windows search bar, right-click the best match, and choose Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run DISM

Input the command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, and press Enter. This process will take some time. Wait patiently for it to complete.

Step 3: Execute SFC

Once done, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. The system will begin scanning all protected system files. If any corrupted files are found, it will attempt to repair them automatically.

What if the DLL files are still not restored? Check the following methods.

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Method 4: Restore Missing DLL Files from the Recycle Bin

If the DLL files are deleted by mistake on Windows, they will remain in the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. You can restore the DLL files using this built-in tool without having to download or reinstall them.

Step 1: Find and open the Recycle Bin. Then, browse the list to locate the target DLL files.

Step 2: After finding them, select them, right-click the area, and choose Restore.

The DLL files will be restored to the original location. Go and check them.

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Method 5: Restore Using MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Using data recovery software to recover missing DLL files is also an effective and safe solution. Here, I recommend MiniTool Power Data Recovery to you.

This robust tool can recover deleted files from various complex scenarios, including accidental deletion, disk failure, system crashes, etc.

What’s more, it supports recovering various files from multiple storage devices, including USB flash drives, SD cards, external hard drives, and so on.

This recovery tool is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/8.1. As free file recovery software, it allows you to restore 1 GB of files without paying a cent. Download and install it to do a DLL recovery now.

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Step 1: Launch the software and choose a scan location

Open MiniTool Power Data Recovery. Under the Logical Drives tab, find the partition where your missing DLL files are stored. Move the cursor to it and click Scan.

Step 2: Find the target DLL files using Search

The scanning process will take some time. You need to be patient and wait for it to complete. Once done, find the target DLL files by searching for them.

Type the full or partial file name or just DLL in the Search box in the upper right corner and press Enter. All the matching DLL files will be filtered here. Scroll down the list to find the needed ones.

Step 3: Recover DLL files to a new location

After confirming all the files, tick them and click the Save button. In the destination window, choose a new and safe location to store the recovered DLL files. Finally, hit OK to start the recovery process.

When the Recovery Completed window pops up, it means your DLL files have been successfully recovered.

Here, you can view the size of the recovered data and the remaining free recovery capacity. If the free capacity is used up, upgrade to a full edition to enjoy unlimited file recovery.

Method 6: Scan for Viruses and Malware

Certain viruses can delete, replace, or infect DLL files, causing system malfunctions or preventing programs from starting. Comprehensive security scans can identify and remove potentially malicious viruses, preventing further DLL file loss or modification.

Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Click Update & Security > Windows Security.

Step 3: Choose Virus & threat protection under Protection areas.

Step 4: Hit Scan options, select a scan method, and hit Scan now.

The scan will begin. After that, the system will prompt whether any threats are found and provide treatment suggestions. If the lost DLL files are not fully restored, try the methods below.

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Method 7: Perform a System Restore

Performing a System Restore can return your computer to a point in time before the DLL file was lost. This can automatically recover system files that have been accidentally deleted, replaced, or damaged.

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar and press Enter.

Step 2: Open System Restore

Change the view to Large icons or Small icons and click Recovery > Open System Restore.

Step 3: Go back to the restore point

Click Next in the pop-up window to continue. Then, select a restore point where the file still exists and hit Next > Finish.

Performing System Restore may not always work. If the files are still not restored, keep going!

Method 8: Update Your System

Updating Windows typically fixes known vulnerabilities and replaces damaged or missing system files. And it also ensures that DLL versions are compatible with the current operating environment.

This can help resolve DLL errors caused by outdated systems or file conflicts. While restoring functionality, it can also improve system stability and security.

Step 1: Open Settings

Right-click the Windows button and choose the Settings option.

Step 2: Access the Update page

In the Settings window, click Update & Security, then select Windows Update on the left.

Step 3: Check for updates

Click the Check for updates button. The system will automatically search for the latest update packages.

Step 4: Download and install the new Windows

If an update is available, a Download and Install button will appear. Click it to automatically download and install the update.

Step 5: Restart your computer

After the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart immediately. Save all your work and click Restart to complete the update.

If the above methods do not work, then the following method will be your life-saving straw.

Method 9: Reinstall Windows

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort for fixing missing DLL file issues, as it completely removes system misconfigurations, residual files, and potential malware.

It can create a clean system environment. This ensures all system DLL files are correctly installed and restored to their default state. It’s a comprehensive and fundamental solution.

After ensuring data security, let’s start reinstalling Windows:

Step 1: Open Settings

Press the Win + I combination to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Enter the recovery options

In Settings, click Update & Security, and then go to the Recovery tab.

Step 3: Begin resetting your PC

On the Recovery page, click the Get started button under Reset this PC.

Step 4: Choose a reset method

Select Remove everything. This completely erases all files, apps, and settings, restoring the system to factory settings.

Step 5: Choose an installation method

You will then be prompted to choose:

• Cloud download: Download the latest system image from Microsoft servers (requires an internet connection).
• Local reinstall: Reinstall using existing system files (faster but may not be as clean).

Step 6: Confirm and begin the reinstallation

The system will display a list of apps that will be removed. Click Next, then Reset. The system will automatically reboot and begin the reinstallation process.

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In Summary

This post tells you the definition of a DLL file, including its core functions and uses, possible causes of missing DLL files, and methods to restore them.

To fix missing DLL files, try the following: restart your computer, reinstall the problematic program, run DISM and SFC commands, scan for viruses, use MiniTool Power Data Recovery, perform a System Restore, or reinstall Windows.

For assistance with any MiniTool product, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond promptly.