What are the different types of DLL files found in the Windows operating system (OS)? [2024]

Different types of DLL files found in the Windows : DLL files are an essential part of the Windows operating system. They are dynamic link libraries that contain code and data that can be used by multiple programs at the same time. In this article, we will explain what DLL files are, how they work, and what are the different types of DLL files found in Windows.

What is a DLL file?

A DLL file is a library that contains code and data that can be used by more than one program at the same time. For example, the Comdlg32.dll file performs common dialog box related functions, such as opening and saving files. Each program that needs this functionality can use the code and data in this DLL file, instead of having to write its own code.

A DLL file has the following advantages:

• It promotes code reuse and efficient memory usage. By using a DLL file, a program can be modularized into separate components, and each component can be loaded into the main program at run time if that component is installed. This reduces the disk space and memory required by the program, and also makes it easier to update and maintain.
• It allows for internationalization and localization. A DLL file can contain resources, such as icons, images, and strings, that can be customized for different languages and regions. This makes it easier to create multilingual and multicultural applications.
• It enables extensibility and interoperability. A DLL file can expose functions and classes that can be used by other programs, regardless of the programming language or platform. This allows for creating plugins, add-ons, and drivers that can enhance the functionality of existing applications.

How does a DLL file work?

A DLL file works by using dynamic linking methods. Dynamic linking means that the code and data in a DLL file are not linked to the executable file of a program until run time. This is different from static linking, where the code and data are linked to the executable file at compile time.

There are two types of dynamic linking: implicit and explicit.

• Implicit linking means that the program specifies the name of the DLL file and the functions or classes it wants to use in the DLL file at compile time. The operating system then loads the DLL file and resolves the references to the functions or classes when the program is launched. This is the most common way of using DLL files.
• Explicit linking means that the program does not specify the name of the DLL file or the functions or classes it wants to use in the DLL file at compile time. Instead, the program uses the Win32 API functions LoadLibrary and GetProcAddress to load the DLL file and get the addresses of the functions or classes at run time. This allows for more flexibility and control over the use of DLL files.

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What are the different types of DLL files found in the Windows?

There are many types of DLL files in Windows, depending on their purpose and functionality. Some of the common types of DLL files are:

• ActiveX Controls (.ocx) files. These are DLL files that contain graphical user interface components, such as buttons, menus, and calendars, that can be embedded in other applications. For example, the MSCOMCTL.OCX file contains common controls, such as list boxes, progress bars, and tree views.
• Control Panel (.cpl) files. These are DLL files that contain the settings and options for various features and devices in Windows. For example, the MAIN.CPL file contains the settings for the mouse, keyboard, and display.
• Device driver (.drv) files. These are DLL files that contain the code and data that enable the communication between the operating system and a hardware device, such as a printer, scanner, or sound card. For example, the WINSPOOL.DRV file handles the printing operations in Windows.
• Shell extension (.dll) files. These are DLL files that extend the functionality of the Windows shell, such as the desktop, the taskbar, and the file explorer. For example, the SENDTO.DLL file adds the Send To option to the context menu of files and folders.

How to manage DLL files in Windows?

DLL files are usually installed and registered automatically when you install a program or a device driver that uses them. However, sometimes you may need to manually install, register, unregister, or delete DLL files. Here are some ways to do that:

• To install a DLL file, you need to copy it to the appropriate folder, usually the System32 or SysWOW64 folder in the Windows directory. You may also need to register the DLL file using the Regsvr32.exe tool, which adds the information about the DLL file to the Windows registry.
• To register a DLL file, you need to run the Regsvr32.exe tool with the name and path of the DLL file as an argument. For example, to register the MSCOMCTL.OCX file, you need to run the command: regsvr32 C:\Windows\System32\MSCOMCTL.OCX
• To unregister a DLL file, you need to run the Regsvr32.exe tool with the /u switch and the name and path of the DLL file as an argument. For example, to unregister the MSCOMCTL.OCX file, you need to run the command: regsvr32 /u C:\Windows\System32\MSCOMCTL.OCX
• To delete a DLL file, you need to unregister it first, and then delete it from the folder where it is located. You may also need to remove any references to the DLL file from the Windows registry using the Regedit.exe tool.

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Conclusion

DLL files are an important part of the Windows operating system. They are dynamic link libraries that contain code and data that can be used by multiple programs at the same time. They have many advantages, such as code reuse, memory efficiency, internationalization, localization, extensibility, and interoperability. There are different types of DLL files in Windows, depending on their purpose and functionality. You can manage DLL files in Windows by installing, registering, unregistering, or deleting them.