HomeApplicationHow to Open DLL Files

How to Open DLL Files

Use DLL files

How to Open DLL Files Picture 1

Understand what a DLL file is. A DLL (dynamic link library) is a Windows file used by programs to request available features. In essence, they allow Windows and other programs to perform their functions without having to have that feature built-in.

DLL files are an indispensable part of Windows programming, they help programs operate more smoothly and efficiently.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 2

Normal users will not need to open or interact with the DLL file. With them, the DLL file exists only in the background. Programs install and request DLL files automatically, so moving DLL files will cause serious problems with the system.

Occasionally, during the installation of some community-created programs, you will be asked to place DLL files in specific locations. Make sure you trust the program before following the instructions because the DLL file can become malicious.

If you are interested in learning about how DLL files are built, please see the next section.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 3

Register a new DLL. If you manually copy a DLL file into the folder intended for use by the program, you will need to register the DLL in the Windows Registry before using it. Consult the documentation provided by the program to see if this step is necessary for you (as this is extremely rare for most Windows programs).

Launch Command Prompt. You can find the program in the Start menu or press the Windows + R key combination and type cmd. Navigate to the location of the new DLL file.

If you are using Windows 7 or a more advanced operating system, open the folder containing the DLL file, hold down the Shift key, then right-click on the folder and select "Open command window here". Command Prompt will launch directly in that folder.

Type then press Enter. This will add the DLL file to the Registry window.regsvr32 dllname.dll

Type to remove the DLL file from the Registry window.regsvr32 -u dllname.dll

Decompile DLL files

How to Open DLL Files Picture 4

Download and install a recovery compiler. A "recovery compiler" is a program that allows you to see the source code used to build a file or program, in this case a DLL file. To see the code that makes a DLL file work, you need to use a recovery compiler to decompile the file into readable code. Opening a DLL file without using a recovery compiler (such as opening the DLL file with Notepad) will just result in a jumble of unreadable characters.

dotPeek is one of the popular free recovery compilers. Software available atjetbrains.com/decompiler/.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 5

Open the DLL file on the recovery compiler. If you use dotPeek, simply click "File" → "Open" and browse for the DLL file you want to decompile. You will discover the content inside the DLL file without affecting the system.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 6

Use the "Assembly Explorer" window to browse for DLL file nodes. DLL files are made of "net nodes", also known as code modules that work together to compose the entire DLL file. You can expand each node to see the sub-nodes (if any) it includes.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 7

Double click a button to view its code. The node code you selected will appear in the right pane of dotPeek. You can scroll down from the beginning to the end of the code to take a look. dotPeek will display the code in C#, or the program will download additional libraries so you can view the original source code.

If the node requires additional libraries to be able to view the code, dotPeek will attempt to download it automatically.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 8

Detail the different pieces of code. If you find a piece of code that you don't understand, you can use the Quick Documentation feature to see what the command does.

Place your cursor over the code you need to study in the Code Viewer pane.

Press Ctrl + Q to load the Quick Documentation window.

Follow the hyperlinks to dig deeper into each aspect of the code you're analyzing.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 9

Export code into Visual Basic language. If you want to process, edit, and build the file yourself, you can export it into Visual Studio. Code will be exported in C#, even if it was originally written in another language.

Right-click the DLL file in the Assembly Explorer window.

Select "Export to Project".

Select output options. You can choose to have the project opened immediately in Visual Studio if you want to start working right away.

How to Open DLL Files Picture 10

Edit code in Visual Studio. Once the project has loaded in Visual Studio, you will have full control over editing and building the DLL according to your own ideas.

4 ★ | 1 Vote
dllfilecodefiles

You should read it

May be interested

  • How to Open Djvu FilesPhoto of How to Open Djvu Files
    djvu (derived from the phrase 'déjà vu') is a similar document format that is an alternative to pdf. this format can compress multiple images into a single file without losing quality. to view djvu files, you need specialized software on your computer. luckily this software is completely free.
  • How to Open DAT FilesPhoto of How to Open DAT Files
    tipsmake today will show you how to open dat files on windows or mac computers. you can do this by opening the dat file in the program that was used to create the file. if you don't know which program was used, you'll need to determine this first before you can open the dat file. note: some dat files (such as those used to store codecs for languages) cannot be opened with regular programs; these files are used by your computer's operating system and therefore should not be edited.
  • How to Open a BIN FilePhoto of How to Open a BIN File
    if you recently downloaded an image file of an old game or program from many years ago, you may be wondering how to open the file on your computer. bin is an old file type that contains all the information of the original cd or dvd. you cannot directly open the bin file; to enable it, you need to either burn it to a blank disc or mount it to a virtual drive. you can also convert bin files to iso to use more compatible disc burning or mounting programs.
  • How to Unlock PDF Files SecurelyPhoto of How to Unlock PDF Files Securely
    a secure pdf file enforces copyright law with features that prevent other users from reproducing or distributing. the owner or creator of a pdf file uses password protection to restrict actions from other users such as accessing, printing, copying text and editing the document. if you need to edit or copy text from a pdf file but don't have access permission from the owner, follow these instructions to unlock the pdf file.
  • How to Unlock Layers in PhotoshopPhoto of How to Unlock Layers in Photoshop
    layers are locked to ensure you don't accidentally change the original image or part of your work. this is why any opened image is locked and labeled 'background layer'. photoshop anticipates and prevents you from affecting the original image. however, you can still adjust the locked layer.
  • How to Open .zip files without Winzip softwarePhoto of How to Open .zip files without Winzip software
    today's tipsmake will show you how to open a zip file (compressed folder) to view the content without using winzip software or any other paid program with the same function.

Application