Reading a dll

[VBAHole22]

Is there a way to view the code behind a .dll that someone distributes? I have a very usefull .dll that I would like to modify but don't know how to get at the code sos I can change it and make a new dll. Any hints?

[Quandary]

Um, a *distributed* DLL usually doesn't have code with it, and usually isn't a debug build.

That's kind of what makes it a distributed release.

If any old twit could go and look at the code in any DLL that anyone distributed, then, well... pretty much all of windows would be 'open source'

What you can do is get a dump on a DLLs exported functions. If you have Visual C++, go to your VC directory, and then to the BIN subdirectory. There should be a command line program called dumpbin.exe - run this program (with whatever switches you need) and you may be able to get a list of commands that are inside of the DLL.

Unfortunately, you don't know what *parameters* the commands take, but that is another problem.


As far as 'modding' goes - good luck. Unless you are willing to dirty your hands with a whole bunch of assembler hacking, you are not going to me making any tweaks to that DLL anytime soon.


- Quandary

[DocEvi1]

Depends on what you want. A great little prog called "Resource Hacker" allows you to view all the bmp's, icons.......menu system's from dll's and .exe's

I use it to remove splash screen's - works wonders with ZoneAlarm

Stefan

[qball]

good answers...

*distributed* DLL

What's that a 'DDLL', lol, lol. That makes as much sense as a +distributed text file+, lol, lol.

Are you thinking of decompiler? Some exist, but not very good.

DocEvi1,

DLL's contain many 'resources' for lack of better word. Some could include code.bmp which shows all code to create DLL.

Unlikely, but possible.

[?]
How does one replace an 'existing' DLL?
[/?]

[!]
Distribute a new one!?
[/!]

Sorry, Quandary, I understand now...

[DocEvi1]

sorry never actually used to to look at .dll's just .exe's....it does work in the same manner tho, allows you to see the resources not the coding.

With .exe's it does allow the viewing of some code, although the code you see makes little sense to me

Stefan