Delete DLL Files

To delete unwanted or corrupt .dll files, you will need to find them by making hidden files visible, unregister them through Command Prompt, and then delete them manually from their source folder. Your PC's Dynamic Link Library files store shareable code for basic programs like pop-up windows. Unfortunately, some computer viruses pose as .dll files, making them difficult to locate and delete. Please note that, while it is possible to delete .dll files from earlier operating systems such as Windows XP and Windows Vista, there is no reliable way to do so on modern operating systems like Windows 8 and Windows 10.

Steps

Finding DLL Files

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Click "Control Panel". There should be a default icon in your Start menu.
    • You can also click "Run", type in "Control Panel", and then click "OK".
  3. Open the "Folder Options" folder. This will allow you to make changes to system folder appearances.
  4. Click the "View" tab at the top of the Folder Options menu.
  5. Click "Show hidden files and folders". This will display a wide variety of previously-hidden system files, including .dll files.
  6. Make sure "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files" are both unchecked. You should be able to view .dll files and their extensions now.
  7. Click "OK". This ensures that your preferences are saved.
  8. Open a web browser of your choice.
  9. Type "DLL scanner" into your search engine. Unless you know exactly which .dll files are corrupt--and, therefore, in need of deletion--you'll need software to scan for the afflicted files.
    • "DLL Files Fixer" and "DLL Archive" are both highly-recommended choices.[1][2]
  10. Download your DLL finder once you settle on a software choice. Make a note of the location to which the software downloads, since you'll need to install it from there.
  11. Double-click the software's icon to install the DLL finder. Software installation will vary based on its version and brand, so follow the instructions on your screen to install correctly.
  12. Run your DLL finder once it is installed.
  13. Review your results. The DLL finder should give you the names and locations of any corrupted or false .dll files. You can use this information later to unregister and then delete these files.

Unregistering and Deleting DLL Files

  1. Open your DLL file's location. This will ensure that your current directory is updated to match that of the .dll file.[3]
    • If you are deleting multiple .dll files, they may not be in the same location.
  2. Open the Start menu.
  3. Click "Run".
  4. Type "cmd" into Run's text field, then click "OK". This will open the Command Prompt app, which allows you to interact with the operating system via user-entered commands.
    • If you're using Vista or later, you'll need to boot Command Prompt in Administrator Mode. To do this, click "All Programs" in the Start menu, select "Accessories", right-click the "Command Prompt" icon, and select "Run as Administrator".
  5. Type "cd" without the quotes and press ↵ Enter. This will reset your Command Prompt execution to your current directory, where the .dll file is located.
  6. Type "regsvr32 -u (filename)dotdll" into Command Prompt. This command finds and unregister  your targeted .dll file. Exclude the quotation marks and the apostrophes; for "(filename)dotdll", insert the name of your target .dll file and the .dll extension.[4]
  7. Press ↵ Enter to unregister your DLL file. Your .dll file should now be ready for deletion!
  8. Locate your DLL file in its directory.
  9. Right-click your DLL file and select "Delete". This will send your .dll file to the Recycling Bin, from which you can delete it permanently.

Tips

  • You should always set a Use-System-Restore-on-Windows-7 before deleting sensitive files.
  • On modern operating systems, you should make sure you have a strong antivirus program in place to protect against viruses in .dll format.

Warnings

  • Never delete or alter system files on any computer other than your own personal machine.
  • A large number of .dll files are system files. Deleting the wrong one may cause your computer to crash, so never delete a .dll file unless you're absolutely sure of its function.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.dailytut.com/windows/dll-files-fixer-review-discount-offers.html
  2. ↑ http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/System/dllarch/Freeware.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.spywareremove.com/how-to-remove-dll-files.html
  4. ↑ http://www.xp-vista.com/how-to-unregister-dll-files

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