Using Windows Search to Find Local .DLL Backups

• Installers leave traces: backups like .DL_, .DL~, or filename(1).dll may still exist.
• Config tools rename files: variants/suffixes often sit beside the app.
• Faster fix: restoring a verified local copy can beat a full reinstall.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Choose This PC or select a drive for a full-machine search.
3. Enable View → Hidden items to include hidden folders and files.

Start a search by replacing the filename with the DLL name (without .dll):

name:filename*

Replace filename with the DLL's base name (without .dll), e.g., vcruntime140.

Tip: Sort results by Date modified to find the newest copy first.

• For filename(1).dll or filename.dl~: copy out, then rename to filename.dll.
• For .DL_ files: expand them first (next step).

Windows (expand.exe)

expand "C:\Path\filename.dl_" "C:\Path\filename.dll"

7-Zip (GUI)

Right-click the .DL_ → 7-Zip → Extract here.

1. Prefer the app-folder method: see How to Install .DLL Files.
2. If the vendor requires registration, use RegSvr32.

• WinSxS: Don’t copy files out of C:\Windows\WinSxS. Use SFC to restore protected system files.
• 32-bit vs 64-bit: Match your app; try the other if errors persist.
• Hidden folders: Keep Hidden items on to include %AppData%/ProgramData.