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Let’s face it, details matter a great deal in any system.

In fact, a tiny cog can go off the rails and lead to most unfortunate consequences. DLL errors in Windows 7 are a case in point: they are vexing issues that spring up out of the blue and prevent your apps from functioning properly.

What a nuisance. Indeed, you’d better deal with them without any delay. Just read on to know how.

What are DLL files?

Dynamic Link Libraries (or DLL) are actually external parts of your apps that store important pieces of code. DLL files are loaded into memory and utilized when their contents are needed by your programs.

Why Do DLL Errors Come Up?

When a DLL file is missing or corrupt, the code it contains becomes inaccessible for your OS or apps. That is when you receive the notorious ‘DLL file is missing’ message.

Also read: How to Find and Fix Corrupted Files in Windows 10?

How Can You Fix DLL Errors in Windows 7?

DLL errors, persistent though they may seem, are fortunately pretty solvable. Let’s take a closer look at each of the solutions:

1. Reboot your PC

That is the first thing you should do when troubleshooting the ‘missing DLL file’ issue. The problem is, some DLL errors might make your PC unresponsive. In a situation like this, you will have to force restart your machine.

2. Update your Windows 7

If DLL issues persist on your PC, try updating your OS – this might fix the problem.

Here is how you can do that:

  • Go to Start menu -> Control Panel -> System and Security.
  • Click Windows Update -> Check for updates.
  • You will see the Select Updates to Install window -> Click on the updates you wish to install on your PC -> OK -> Install updates.

Restart your PC and see if your issues have been resolved.

Also read: Ultimate Guide: How to Manually Check and Install Windows Updates

3. Examine your Recycle Bin

The point is, you might have accidentally deleted some of your DLL files. So, go to your Recycle Bin and carefully explore its contents:

  • Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
  • Use the search bar at the top and type in the name of the DLL file that you are missing.
  • Scroll through the list of deleted items.
  • If you do find the missing file, right-click it and select Restore.
  • The file will now be returned to its original location.
PRO TIP
Can’t find your DLL files in the Recycle Bin? There is no need to despair: you can easily recover them, using special software, such as Auslogics File Recovery. File Recovery can bring back any types of files in just a few clicks. It works for hard drives, USB storage drives, memory cards, and more!

If running a particular app causes DLL issues, consider reinstalling it to put an end to this adversity.

Just follow the instructions below:

  • Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program.
  • Select the program you want to uninstall from the list -> Click on it -> Uninstall -> Click Yes if prompted to confirm your action -> You will receive a status message -> Click OK.

Install your program again and see if the DLL issue has gone.

5. Perform a system restore

Incredible as it may sound, it is going to take a bit of time travelling to fix missing DLL files in Win 7. Luckily, the System Restore recovery feature will lend you its full backing and configure your OS to an earlier state:

  1. Navigate to Start -> Type System Restore into the Search box -> System restore.
  2. Restore system files and settings -> Click Next to proceed -> Select the desirable restore point from the list.
  3. Click on Scan for affected programs option to see what changes will happen to your programs and drivers.
  4. Then confirm your restore point -> Your PC will restart.
  5. The restore process will start automatically but it may take a while.
  6. When it’s complete, check if it has resolved your issues.
Fix this issue quickly
You can try using a safe and totally free tool developed by the Auslogics team of experts.
A few simple steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Download the tiny Auslogics TroubleShooter tool.
Run the application (no installation is needed).
The app will check for the issue mentioned in the article. When the scan is done, check that this is the issue you were looking to solve and click ‘Apply now’ to apply the recommended fix.
You can use the app to troubleshoot other malfunctions for free by simply typing in a brief description of the issue your PC is experiencing. Or you can scan your PC for performance issues using the My Scanner tab.
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Windows 10/11 (8, 7, Vista, XP)
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6. Run a SFC scan

Your DLL annoyance might stem from corrupt or missing system files. You should check them without further delay to get your system back on track. For this purpose, we recommend you utilize System File Checker.

Here is how to do that:

  • Open an elevated Command Prompt (Run it as an administrator) -> Type sfc /scannow -> Press Enter.
  • SFC will scan your system files for malfunction and repair them if necessary. Note that this may take some time.

If DLL issues persist, proceed to the following fix.

7. Update your drivers

Out-of-date or faulty drivers might have thrown a spanner in the works and caused your DLL files to go missing, which means you should fix your driver issues as soon as possible.

You have three options to do that in Win 7:

Make use of Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in tool that can update your drivers automatically.

To let it do its job, take the steps below:

  1. Go to Start -> Right-click on Computer -> Select Manage.
  2. Navigate to Device Manager -> Select the device which driver you want to update -> Right-click on it -> Select the Update Driver Software option.

Update your drivers manually

Device Manager is neither omnipotent nor flawless: it may fail to find the best driver versions for your hardware. In such a case, you can take matters into your own hands: search the net for the latest manufacturer-recommended drivers and install them on your PC.

PRO TIP
Use special software Suffice it to say, updating your drivers requires plenty of time and manual work. To save yourself a lot of effort, employ a special tool, such as one-click Auslogics Driver Updater, to get all your drivers in tip-top shape.

Also read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

8. Scan your PC for malware

Malicious software never sleeps: it might have penetrated your Win 7 and messed it up – as a result, your DLL files have gone missing. As such, it is time for you to run a full scan in order to detect and banish the unwelcome guests.

Here is what you can do:

Use Windows Defender

This built-in Windows tool is designed to protect your PC against malware. So, why not use it straight away? All hands on deck:

  1. Go to Start -> Type Defender into the box.
  2. Select Windows Defender -> Scan -> Full scan.

Use your main security solution

If you have a trusty third-party antivirus solution on your PC, you should use it to scan every nook and cranny of your system – keep in mind that malware is particularly stealthy these days.

PRO TIP
There’s no rest for the wicked: chances are your third-party antivirus software is not enough. In fact, you need an ally that remains abreast of the latest trends and developments in the world of malware. Auslogics Anti-Malware fits this description perfectly: this tool can hunt down the malicious entities your main security solution might not be aware of.

9. Perform a clean system install

If none of the fixes above has proved efficient for you, you have nothing to do but perform a clean install of Windows 7.

Unfortunately, this procedure will wipe all the files off your hard disk, so make sure to back them up. For this purpose, you can use intuitive Auslogics BitReplica, which will store all your files in the cloud so that you can easily access them from all your devices.

To give your Win 7 a fresh start, boot from your installation media, wait for the installation files to load and follow the on-screen prompts to install your OS from scratch.

Fix this issue quickly
You can try using a safe and totally free tool developed by the Auslogics team of experts.
A few simple steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Download the tiny Auslogics TroubleShooter tool.
Run the application (no installation is needed).
The app will check for the issue mentioned in the article. When the scan is done, check that this is the issue you were looking to solve and click ‘Apply now’ to apply the recommended fix.
You can use the app to troubleshoot other malfunctions for free by simply typing in a brief description of the issue your PC is experiencing. Or you can scan your PC for performance issues using the My Scanner tab.
Download for Free
Developed for
Windows 10/11 (8, 7, Vista, XP)
Please review EULA  and Privacy Policy

Also read: What Is Dllhost.exe Error on a Windows PC and How to Remove It?

How to Fix Missing DLL Errors in Windows 7: Answered

Missing DLL errors in Windows 7 can be a significant hindrance, but they are easy to manage. Check your Recycle Bin, run a few scans, use file recovery tools – and you should have your files right where they belong. Remember, maintaining a healthy PC involves regular updates, driver management, and malware scans to prevent such problems in the future.

We hope your DLL files are in their place now.

Do you have any ideas or questions regarding this issue?

We are looking forward to your comments!