So before we get to know the causes of a DLL error, we need to first understand what a DLL file is and their purpose. DLL or Dynamic Link Library files are the application files that are in the form of binary which cannot run on their own. These libraries are invoked by the operating system to access functions that are needed to run a specific job, which play a major role in the operation of an operating system. A DLL file cannot run on its own, they are specific to only one application for which those are written for. These have a static or dynamic link. A dynamic DLL link is accessed after all the static links are used. The DLL files have an extension in the form of.dll or sometimes in the rare case.exe when they can run on their own.

Since these are library files, these can be accessed simultaneously from many programs. The windows itself by default comes with a lot of DLL files that are used by almost all of the applications. These are general files, while there are also specific files which only a specific application can access.

There is this catchy phrase called the “DLL Hell” which collectively refers to the collection of DLL errors that can originate from the access of DLL files.

So, with that introductory part out of the way, let’s now dive into the causes of DLL errors.

When a new application is installed, and that has a DLL files those are overwritten on the older version. Since these are accessed by many applications at once, the newer version may not be compatible with most of the application, which leads to an error!

These are often made by the developers that are not aware of this situation. To ensure that this incompatibility issue doesn’t arise, the developer must make sure the newer version of DLL files are compatible with the older ones. So I recommend you when during the installation if there is a prompt asking you to let the overwriting of the file, make sure you keep the older version as a backup.

For a case, take the example of the file, Msvcrt40.dll. This DLL file is used by most of the application. When you delete this file, the application that depends on it throws an error or even the system shuts down, because even the operating system is using this. This DLL file is stored in the system32 directory, and all the DLL files found in that directory are vital and must not be removed in any case. So a simple way to immediately resolve a DLL error is to uninstall the application that is using it, and then reinstalling it so that the new DLL file created is now clean.

A malfunctioning hardware or device driver or a damaged registry can also be the cause of a DLL error. The very common case is when a DLL file called the hal.dll found in the C:\Windows\System32\hal.dll is corrupted. This error looks something like “The following file is missing or corrupt. Please reinstall a copy of the above file”.

Also if a DLL file is infected with virus or other malicious programs, this can get in the way of a smooth performance of an application that will throw up a DLL error. For example, when you upgrade the internet explorer to the 7.0 version, ieframe.dll error occurs. This is possible cause that your PC is infected with adware or malware. The quickest way to resolve that error is to install an antivirus program on your PC. Make sure, to update regularly and schedule to run it periodically. Also if you are suspecting a site that gets your malware to your PC, then make sure to report it. Or if you are using the Firefox browser, those sites are automatically blocked. If you think that site is safe, disable the protection mode. I also recommend you to invest in a firewall program like zone alarm to keep your PC fully secured along with good antivirus software!

Dll Errors can be fixed by the methods listed here http://www.optimize-your-pc.org/a-dummy-proof-way-to-fix-xp-dll-errors-in-quick-easy-steps.