What
the heck is a DLL?
Short
for Dynamic Link Library, a library of executable functions or data
that
can be used by Windows applications. Typically, a DLL provides one
or
more particular functions by creating either a static or dynamic link to
the
DLL.
A static link remains constant during program execution while a dynamic
link
is created by the program as needed. DLLs can also contain just data.
DLL
files usually end with the extension .dll, .exe., .drv, or .fon.
A
DLL can be used by several applications at the same time. Some DLLs
are
provided with the Windows operating system and available for any
Windows
application. Other DLLs are written for a particular application
and
are loaded with the application.
If
you want to know more about DLLs visit PC
Webopaedia.
Where
do they go?
Good
question. My guess is into "the void". If you are anything
like me
all
you want to know is.....
Where
do I go to get them back?
Below
are some links to sites on the web where you can download those
pesky
little files that seems to up and disappear over night.
This
site touts themselves as "the 1st comprehensive site on the web".
NoNags
Missing DLL & OCX Files
This
site allows you to search for the needed file by entering the exact file
name
in a textbox.
CME
Products
This
is a site for a nifty utility called CopyText. Their download site
includes
a zip
file that includes MSVBVM50.DLL, TABCTL32.OCX, COMCTL32.OCX
and
STKIT432.DLL.
After
downloading files you will need a utility to "unzip"
the
files to your hard drive...I suggest Winzip.
WinSite
Windows 3.1 Archive
This
site has nine pages of dlls and other necessary files. These files
are
in
a zipped up format.
Help
and Support Files at Rocket Download
This
site has a very nice alphabetized listing of over 40 support files
Smart
A pretty
thorough resource for downloading MFC.DLLs.
Bruce's
Web Page Help - Windows DLL Files
This
site is an excellent source of DLLs and includes instructions on how
to
download and unzip the files to your hard drive. It also has a search
engine
in the event you do not find the DLL you are seeking.
SoftSeek
DLLs and Libraries
Not
as simple as some other sites. Three pages of DLLs and utilities
that
include
DLLs that you can download separately.
FreeSoft97
VBRUN.DLL
files
I hope
you find what you need through these links to get you out of DLL Hell.
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This
page updated on July 23, 1998
