Missing .dll ? (win95)

[Anakhonda]

I was working on my gf's parents PC, trying to install a modem, when I ran into a prob. Anytime I tried to click on ANY icon in Control Panel, I would get an error message saying that some .dll file was missing. So here's my questions:
1) What is a .dll file?
2) How do you think it got erased?
3) To fix this, would it be a good idea to just upgrade them to Win98?

[Bob-NB]

DLL means - Dynamic link library.

Dynamically Linked Library
<library> (DLL) A library which is linked to application programs when they are loaded or run rather than as the final phase of compilation. This means that the same block of library code can be shared between several tasks rather than each task containing copies of the routines it uses. The executable is compiled with a library of "stubs" which allow link errors to be detected at compile-time. Then, at run-time, either the system loader or the task's entry code must arrange for library calls to be patched with the addresses of the real shared library routines, possibly via a jump table.

You also can look here for a better explaination of this, or any other PC term.

www.pcwebopaedia.com/TERM/D/DLL.html

You may have done nothing, but something did go wrong with the OS. You can re-load the current OS, an option before installing a new OS. (unless, of course, you are ready for the upgrade)



[This message has been edited by Bob-NB (edited 09-01-99).]

[nilknarf]

*.dll = Dynamic Link Library

Someone deleted something they shouldn't have or you have a virus.

First, find out what files are missing.

Try to locate those files on the install disks and reload them (be sure of where they need to go, most dll's go in the windows\system subdirectory, I think).

If that doesn't work, try reinstalling Windows and any software that is giving this error. You should be able to do this without losing any system or user settings.

If that that doesn't do it, get a good virus scanner and scan for viruses.

By the way, what are you doing working on a computer if you don't know what a dll is? Just kidding, a lot of techs don't know what some of the stuff is on a computer or what certain acronyms stand for. For instance, who knows that

TWAIN is Technology Without An Interesting Name
SCSI is Small Computer Systems Interface
CRT is Cathode Ray Tube
EIDE is Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics
BIOS is Basic Input/Output System

The best one is

Y2K means the Year 2048 in computer lingo!

[Anakhonda]

BoB & Nilknarf
Thanx! I'll be sure to check for a virus, but I doubt that's the problem, for two reasons: First, they don't have access to the net, yet (which is why I was installing the modem), and second, they have a 14 yr old in the house who ALWAYS screws up sh*t with their comp, so that's probably were the problem originated [img]/forum/smile.gif[/img] But I agree with you that it would be a good idea to check out that possibility

As for why I was working on their computer... I don't pretend to know everything about comps, but that doesn't stop me from tinkering and learning. This summer I built my first PC by myself (with a little help from my buddy, Petros. Mass props, Pete!). And I learned a lot about hardware doing it. I'm also going to school in Computer Network Communications, plus I'm interning as an assistant systems admin. My point: I do know a little bit more than the average joe about PC's, and I jump at the opportunity to work with em. This site is an awesome resourse for all of us to learn more... And I appreciate the two of you helping me out.
[img]/forum/smile.gif[/img]

[nilknarf]

Anakhonda,

Good luck with your classes!

You'll find that the best way to learn is expirience. So whenever you have the chance to do something different on a computer, take it. That's how I learned most of what I know about computers and eletronics. Having a photographic memory helps to!

Good luck! And don't get frustrated if you don't know something. After all, you have this wonderful forum for your questions!

[johnpaul]

Anakhonda - Here's a place with .dll files to spare.

http://solo.abac.com/dllarchive/

JP

[Nick66]

Thanks JP, that is a great site! [img]/forum/smile.gif[/img]