A DLL file is a module with certain functions that can be used by multiple programs, as long as it is registered. Although DLL registration under Windows Vista and Windows XP usually takes place in the background, hard drive problems, software installation, or virus infection may make it necessary to register a DLL manually. Follow these instructions to register a DLL in Windows Vista or Windows XP.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Register a DLL through the Run window
Step #1. Open the Run window
- In Windows XP, click the Start button on the left side of the taskbar in Windows XP. Then select Run on the right side of the Start menu. It appears immediately to the right of All Programs.
- In Windows Vista, click the Windows icon on the left side of the Windows Vista taskbar. Then type “run” in the search field that appears at the bottom of the menu. The Run command will appear, under Programs. Click Run.
Step 2. Type the command regsvr32 in the Run window
The syntax of the regsvr32 command is as follows: regsvr32 “path and a file.dll”.
- To register a file called myfile.dll, which can be found in c:\windows\system32, type regsvr32 “c:\windows\system32\myfile.dll”.
- Click OK or Enter to run the command.
Step 3. Look for the pop-up window titled “RegSvr32” right after executing the command
The message should say something like “DLLRegisterServer in scrrun.dll succeeded.” Click OK to close this window.
Method 2 of 2: Register a DLL via Command Prompt
Step 1. Type “cmd” in the Vista search field
Step 2. Right click on cmd
Choose Run as administrator/administrator, from the context menu.
Step 3. Type regsvr32 "path and a file.dll" at the prompt
Step 4. Wait for the error messages
- If you get a message that the DLL failed to register, double-check that you spelled the DLL name correctly.
- In Windows Vista you may have to tinker with the permissions a bit to make sure the registration works.