Match the system's architecture
For .DLL files to work properly on your system, they need to match the system's architecture and be placed in the correct directory. On a 64-bit Windows system, you can use both 32-bit and 64-bit DLL files. Place 32-bit DLLs in the '/windows/SysWOW64' directory and 64-bit DLLs in the '/windows/System32' directory. Ensuring DLLs are in the right location is crucial for smooth system operation.
- x86 (32-Bit): This architecture is also known as 32-bit and is mostly used on older systems. It can handle up to 4GB of memory.
- x64 (64-Bit): Also known as 64-bit, this architecture is used on most modern systems and can handle significantly larger amounts of memory than x86.
- ARM/64: This architecture type is used for devices that are powered by ARM processors, such as smartphones and tablets.
64-bit systems are generally backward compatible with 32-bit systems. This means that a 64-bit operating system can run 32-bit applications without any issues. However, 32-bit operating systems are unable to run 64-bit applications.
How to check your system architecture
In Windows, to determine whether your system is running a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture, go to the "System" section in the Control Panel. Here, under "System type," you'll see either "32-bit Operating System" or "64-bit Operating System" displayed.
Not all .dll errors stem from missing files. They can also result from version mismatches, file corruption, or software incompatibility.