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DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are composed of computer data and code. These are used by software makers as shared resources on Windows operating systems. Rather than install separate components, they share the same DLL file. If you want or need to manually register/unregister DLL files, here’s how it is done.

Dynamic Link Library Registration

Step 1
If necessary, log in using your administrator account.

Step 2
Click Start and type command or cmd at the search box. It will depend on what Windows version you have.

Step 3

Type regsvr32 "path and FileName.dll" at the command prompt. Hit the Enter key. Make sure that you enter the correct name and file path. An example is "C:\Windows\System32\example.dll". This will register the file.

Step 4
After registration, a message will appear telling you registration was successful. The message will inform you that the file has been placed in the Windows Registry.

Command Line

If you want to manually register/unregister DLL files via the Regsvr32 Command Line, you can do so. Windows PCs with Internet Explorer 3.0 or later have Regsvr32.exe. If you are running 64 bit versions of the Windows OS, there are two variants.

The 32-bit version is at: %systemroot%\SysWoW64\regsvr32.exe

The 64-bit version is at: %systemroot%\System32\regsvr32.exe

To use any version of the utility, type the following:

Regsvr32 [/u] [/n] [/i[:cmdline]] dllname
Code language: Bash (bash)

The /u command will unregister the file. The /I can be used with /u to call dll uninstall. The /n parameter will not call DllRegisterServer. It is used with /i. If you use /s, no message boxes will be displayed. This is for Windows XP and later versions.

When you first launch Regsvr32.exe, the program will try loading the component it identifies. The DLLSelfRegister function will be invoked. If it works, a message will appear notifying you. If it doesn’t, an error message will pop up.

Unregister Dynamic Link Libraries

Click Start and type cmd at the Run box. The Windows Command Prompt will appear. If you are using Windows Vista, press the Windows and R keys at the same time. This will bring up the Run dialog box. Click OK.

The following commands can be used with both utilities. Type regsvr32 /u filename.dll. Hit the Enter key. A message will appear stating the file was unregistered.

Benefits of DLL Files

DLLs are notorious because they seem to cause so many error messages. But these are actually vital to improving the performance of computer programs. DLLs reduce the resources needed to do common tasks. There are fewer files on a hard disk and memory, increasing system speed. DLLs also promote the use of modular programming architecture.

It helps dynamic loading of functionality as well. Program installation and deployment become less complicated. If a DLL file is upgraded, every software that relies on that file will benefit.

There are several kinds of DLLs. Many are utilized by one or more programs. Device driver, Control Panel and ActiveX Control files are just some of them. ActiveX Control Files (.ocx) for instance, engage in a lot of functions that are reusable. In this sense they are comparable to Java. The files in the Windows Control Panel also use a lot of DLLs.

Usually there is no need to manually register/unregister DLL files; it is done automatically. But in case it has to be done manually, it pays to know the correct methods.

Charlie Brown is a free lancer writer and content builder of many Technology sites and has written many useful genuine articles.