What To Do When DLL Files Go Missing On Your PC

Not all computer errors are as complex and difficult to troubleshoot as they appear at first glance. One such category of computer errors that are easy to resolve are DLL errors. The purpose of this article is to explain what DLL files are and how to independently resolve DLL errors such as msvbvm60.dll and msvcr80.dll errors.

A DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file contains codes that are called upon by different programs to perform one or more tasks, such as providing graphical interface for applications. DLL files are executed when a program or another process calls on them. DLL files cannot execute themselves or directly by a user. For instance, if you double-click on a DLL file nothing will happen.

Innumerable DLL files are present on any Windows computer and that is why the occurrence of DLL errors every now and then is not uncommon. The bright side is that generally DLL errors do not indicate a serious problem with your computer and are fairly easy to resolve.

To take our discussion further, let’s look at examples of common DLL error messages:

• The msvbvm60.dll file is missing
• msvcr80.dll was not found
• This application failed to load. An important component: msvcr80.dll is missing. Reinstalling the application may fix the error.

The majority of DLL errors crop up when the required DLL file is missing. Some common causes of missing DLL files are listed below:

• Malware infection
• Deleting of a DLL file by mistake.
• Removal of a shared DLL file when uninstalling a program.

Now that we know the cause of missing DLLs, you may follow the corrective measures listed below in order to resolve missing DLL errors.

Perform a malware scan

When you receive a missing DLL error, the first thing you must do is to run a malware scan using sophisticated antivirus and antispyware tools to ensure that your PC is not infected. Malware programs are known to delete and modify DLL files, like the msvbvm60.dll and msvcr80.dll files, causing recurring DLL errors.

If a malware scan shows the presence of malicious programs on your computer, immediately remove them to fix the missing DLL error.

Use a reliable file recovery tool to recover the deleted DLL file

If by mistake you have permanently deleted a DLL file, recover the lost DLL file with the help of a reliable file recovery tool to resolve DLL errors.

Reinstall recently uninstalled programs

If you incorrectly uninstall programs, you may end up removing one or more shared DLL files in the process. If you suspect a DLL error has started occurring after you recently uninstalled a program, then to fix the error you will need to reinstall the program. Always be sure that when you uninstall a program you use the built-in Add or Remove Programs utility or you may opt to use a trusted third-party uninstaller tool.

Download a new copy of the DLL file from the Internet

You may also obtain a new copy of a DLL file from any popular DLL directory to fix the DLL error. A few words of caution though.  Some websites may push rogue files, disguised as DLL files, so always ensure that the source you are downloading the DLL file from is genuine.