Traditional Windows programming uses the Dynamic Link Library.These files can be used by programs to gain additional features without having to build them into the program itself.Many different programs share DLL files.DLLs should not be a problem for most users.You may need to register a DLL in order for a program to work correctly.Exploring how DLLs are constructed can be very illuminating if you're interested in coding.
Step 1: Understand what a DLL file is.
A DLL is a Windows file that is used to call upon functions.They allow Windows and other programs to gain function without having to have built-in features.DLL files are an essential part of Windows programming.
Step 2: The average user doesn't need to open or interact with DLL files.
DLL files will be in the background for most users.If programs are moved they can cause serious problems with the system.During the installation of community-made programs, you may be asked to place DLL files in specific locations.DLL files can be malicious if you don't trust the program.The next section explains how DLL files are constructed.
Step 3: Register a new DLL.
If you have had to manually copy a DLL file into a folder for a program to use, you may need to register it in the Windows registry.Refer to the program's documentation to find out if you need to perform this step.You can open the command prompt.You can find it in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key.You can find the location of the new DLL file.If you are using Windows 7 or newer, open the folder containing the new DLL file, hold the Shift key and click on the "open command window here" button.The Command Prompt will open in that folder.Press Enter to type regsvr32 dllname.dll.The DLL file will be added to the registry.To remove a DLL file from the Windows registry, you need to type regsvr32 -u dllname.dll.
Step 4: Decompiler can be downloaded and installed.
A DLL file is a program that allows you to see the source code that was used to build it.If you want to see the code that makes a DLL file work, you need to use a decompiler.A mess of unreadable characters will be created when opening a DLL file without a decompiler.dotPeek is a popular free decompiler.You can find it from jetbrains.com/decompiler.
Step 5: The DLL file can be opened in your decompiler.
Clicking "File" will open a DLL file you want to decompile.The contents of the DLL file can be explored without affecting your system.
Step 6: The "Assembly Explorer" can be used to browse the DLL file.
DLL files are composed of modules of code that work together to form the entire file.You can expand each one to see what's inside.
Step 7: You can see the code for it by double-clicking it.
The code will show up in the right frame.You can review the code by scrolling through it.You can download additional libraries if you want to view the original source code.dotPeek will try to download the additional libraries if they are required.
Step 8: Different pieces of the code need clarification.
You can use the Quick Documentation feature to see what the command is doing if you find a piece of code you don't understand.The Code Viewer frame has a piece of code that you need documentation for.The Quick Documentation window can be loaded with the press of a button.You can learn more about each aspect of the code by following the hyperlinks.
Step 9: The code can be exported to visual basic.
If you want to manipulate, edit, and build the file on your own, you can export it.Even if the code was written in a different language, it will still be in C#.The DLL file can be found in the Assembly Explorer.You can choose to export to a project.If you want to get started on the project immediately, you can open it in visual studio.
Step 10: The code can be edited in visual studio.
Once you have the project loaded in Visual Studio, you will have complete control over editing and building the DLL into your own creation.Detailed instructions on using visual studio can be found here.