Do you need to edit DLL files? This post from MiniTool Partition Wizard introduces what DLL file is, where to find DLL files, and how to edit DLL files. You can follow this guide to start the editing work.
What Is DLL File?
DLL, short for Dynamic Link Library, is a type of file containing code and data that can be used by multiple programs at the same time.
In Windows, application files are split into relatively independent DLL files. When executing a specific procedure, the corresponding DLL file will be called. An application can use multiple DLL files, and a DLL file may be also used by different applications. The biggest advantage of DLL is to save resources.
When Will You Need to Edit DLL Files?
In most cases, you don’t need to edit DLL files. In addition, editing DLL files is not an easy job, because they are written in many languages, such as C, C++, C#, Delphi, etc. To edit DLL files, you should master these computer languages.
But sometimes, you may need to edit DLL files. For example:
- You want to see what it looks like inside the DLL file.
- You want to extract something from the DLL file.
- You want to reverse engineer an application.
- You want to hack it.
Where to Find DLL Files?
Windows has stored some common DLL files or system DLL files. They are usually placed in the C:WindowsSystem32 path. If you have installed a certain program, this program may have its own DLL files and these files are in the program folder.
In addition, some DLL files may be very important, so Windows or the program developer may hide these DLL files. In this way, you will not delete these files be mistake. To unhide these DLL files, please follow the steps below:
- Open Windows File Explorer.
- In the upper left corner, click File > Options.
- On the Folder Options window, skip to the View
- In the box under Advanced settings, under Files and FoldersHidden files and folders, choose “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option, and then click the Apply button and then the OK
How To Fix: Missing DLL Files in Windows 10/8/7? (Solved)
How to Open and Edit DLL Files
To edit a DLL file, you may need a DLL file editor like Hex Editor, which allows you to view and edit the contents of a binary. How to edit DLL files using a Hex Editor? Here is the guide:
Step 1: Download a Hex Editor. You can choose Free Hex Editor Neo provided by HHD software.
Step 2: Double-click the Free Hex Editor Neo setup file to install it.
Step 3: Launch the Hex Editor Neo software. Then, in the upper left corner, click File > Open > Open File. Navigate to the DLL file you want to edit.
Step 4: To edit the DLL’s contents, please right-click on a binary value and choose the Edit Cell option. This software also allows you to insert or delete a binary value. After completing the editing work, you should save your work by clicking File > Save All.