How to Fix Shell32.dll Errors
Do not download shell32.dll from a “DLL download” website.
There are many reasonswhy downloading a DLL file that way is a bad idea.
Restore shell32.dll from the Recycle Bin.
The easiest possible cause of a “missing” DLL file is that you’ve mistakenly deleted it.
initiate the sfc /scannow System File Checker commandto replace a missing or corrupt copy of the shell32.dll file.
Since this DLL file is provided by Microsoft, theSystem File Checkertool should restore it.
Try your best to complete this step.
Having Windows replace the file is a likely solution to this error.
Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system.
Use System Restore to undo recent system changes.
Reinstall the program that uses the shell32.dll file.
If the DLL error triggers when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.
Update the drivers for hardware devicesthat might be related to shell32.dll.
This DLL file may or may not be related to video cardsthis was just an example.
The key here is to pay very close attention to the context of the error and troubleshoot accordingly.
Roll back a driver to a previously installed versionif errors began after updating a particular hardware gadget’s driver.
Install any available Windows updates.
Manyservice packsand otherpatchesreplace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your rig.
This DLL file could be included in one of those updates.
Test your memoryand thentest your hard drive.
If the hardware fails any of your tests,replace the memoryorreplace the hard driveas soon as possible.
Repair your installation of Windows.
Use a free registry cleanerto repair shell32.dll related issues in the registry.
A registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid DLLregistry entriesthat might be causing the error.
I rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners.
This option is included here as a “last resort” attempt before the destructive step coming up next.
Perform a clean installation of Windows.
This will erase everything from the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows.
If none of the steps above correct the shell32.dll error, this should be your next course of action.
All the information on your hard drive will be erased if you complete this step.
Troubleshoot for a hardware problemif any errors persist.
After a clean install of Windows, your DLL problem can only be hardware related.
Need More Help?
In some cases, shell32.dll errors could indicate aregistryproblem, a virus or malware issue, or even ahardwarefailure.
There are several ways shell32.dll errors can show up on your box.
The context of the error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.
