How To Fix The Mshtml.dll Error

The Mshtml.dll error is a very common error that affects computers using Internet Explorer. The error is normally shown when you try and use this Internet browser and is actually very easy to fix. Here’s how to do it…

What Is The Mshtml.dll Error?

Mshtml.dll is a file that is integral to the smooth operation of Internet Explorer. Not only does it actually handle the processing and procurement of webpages, but it’s also responsible for many other Internet-related functions that your system has.

The error that Mshtml.dll produces normally looks like this:

“Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Click here to see the error report.”

When you look at the report that has been generated, you’ll see that the Mshtml.dll file s behind the problem.

Causes Of The Mshtml.dll Error

This error can be caused by several different reasons, which you can see here:

• The file is missing or corrupted from your system.
• The file is an old (or corrupt) version from past versions of Internet Explorer
• The file is unreadable or inaccessible
• Viruses have damaged the file

All these problems are possible causes of the Mshtml.dll error, and so fixing them is vital. Here’s the run-down of what you need to do to fix these errors for good:

How To Fix The Mshtml.dll Error

Step 1 – Replace The File With A Fresh Copy

Unfortunately, it’s often the case that the file will simply become damaged or corrupted, leading Windows to be unable to read it. This problem is very common in older versions of Windows and is fixed by replacing the file with the latest version of it. To do this, you should follow these steps:

1) Download a fresh copy of Mshtml.dll from this link

2) Search for “mshtml.dll” on your system
(should be in C:\Windows\System\mshtml.dll)

3) If the file is on your system, rename it to mshtml.dll.old

4) If the file is not on your system, try placing the new mshtml.dll
file in the C:\Windows\System\mshtml.dll folder

5) If you already have the file on your system, place the new version where the old version was.

6) Restart your PC

This should put a fresh new copy of the file onto your computer, allowing it to process the data it has.

Step 2 – Upgrade Internet Explorer

– Upgrade IE here

Internet Explorer is constantly being upgraded and the current version of the software (in 2010) is IE8.0. You should try upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer to ensure that your PC has all the latest files and settings that come with it. This is very easy to do and the website link above shows you exactly what to do.

Step 3 – Repair Windows

If you find that this does not fix the error, you might want to repair Windows. This is a process which basically re-installs all of the settings and system files that Windows needs to run, and is a great way to get the mshtml.dll file back onto your system. To repair Windows, you must have the Windows installation CD for your system and then follow this tutorial on how to repair your computer.

Step 4 – Scan For Viruses

– Download This Antivirus Tool

There are many viruses that target the mshtml.dll file on Windows, because of it’s importance with all the Internet processes that your computer has. There are a large number of antivirus programs which are able to fix the problems that are causing the issues with the mshtml.dll file, allowing your PC to run smoother and more effectively.

Step 5 – Clean The Registry

– Download This Registry Cleaner

The registry is a database which stores “DLL Path References” for your system. In simple terms, this means that your computer has a central directory which tells it where the various DLL files are on your PC and where to find them. A big problem for most Windows systems is the way in which this system constantly saves a lot of the DLL references in the wrong way, making Windows confused about where the files are that it needs. It’s often the case that the reference location for mshtml.dll is wrong, making Windows unable to open it – leading to your PC thinking it’s not got the file in the first place.  You can download our recommended registry cleaner from the link below: