what is a .dll file and can i replace one???

It's a 'dynamic link library' and yes, you can. But you shopuld have a good reason and proceed with caution, so you don't blow things up. M2 If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

What is a DLL A DLL is a library that contains code and data that can be used by more than one program at the same time. For example, in Windows operating systems, the Comdlg32 DLL performs common dialog box related functions. Therefore, each program can use the functionality that is contained in this DLL to implement an Open dialog box. This helps promote code reuse and efficient memory usage. By using a DLL, a program can be modularized into separate components. For example, an accounting program may be sold by module. Each module can be loaded into the main program at run time if that module is installed. Because the modules are separate, the load time of the program is faster, and a module is only loaded when that functionality is requested. Additionally, updates are easier to apply to each module without affecting other parts of the program. For example, you may have a payroll program, and the tax rates change each year. When these changes are isolated to a DLL, you can apply an update without needing to build or install the whole program again. The following list describes some of the files that are implemented as DLLs in Windows operating systems:• ActiveX Controls (.ocx) files An example of an ActiveX control is a calendar control that lets you select a date from a calendar. • Control Panel (.cpl) files An example of a .cpl file is an item that is located in Control Panel. Each item is a specialized DLL. • Device driver (.drv) files An example of a device driver is a printer driver that controls the printing to a printer. (From http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb%3Ben-us%3B815065) In XP, normally you can just run sfc.exe /scannow and it will check your system files If you know the .DLL that you need to replace and it is a Windows .DLL you can go to Start>Run> msconfig press enter Then click 'Expand File' From there you can select the file you want to restore, put in your XP cd and restore it the cd (you can also do it from a command line as well) If it is from a 3rd party program then you may be able to find the file online, download it and replace your current file to fix whatever issue you may be having...

Some messages that say "cannot find ...dll" may be related to Spyware, such as this: About the bridge.dll file http://www.2-spyware.com/file-bridge-dll.html