What is Gdi32.dll and How to Fix It?

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Gdi32.dll is an integral system file required by the operating system. Its primary purpose is to act as a communication interface between your video card and display unit. If this file is inaccessible, then it will adversely affect Windows.

Gdi32.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file that forms part of your Windows 7/8/10 or 11 system; developed by Microsoft. There are an assortment of iterations for this file, with its file size being anywhere from 160 KBs and up.

DLL files are a file format used to store specific procedures or functions that they can be accessed by more than one application. This in turn works to preserve system memory. This also makes it possible to modify the functionality of several apps at the same time, without having to actually change the apps themselves. It’s possible to change or convert a DLL file to a static library by using DLL to Lib 3.00 or MSIL disassemble. DLL and EXE file types have several similarities. The most significant of which, is that both contain data, code and valuable resources.

Is Gdi32.dll Safe?

The short answer is yes. Gdi32.dll will not and should not cause any harm to your system.

Unlike with EXE files (files that carry the .exe file extension), DLL files cannot be run or executed directly, and instead must be called upon by another app to be run. That said, as previously touched on, both DLLs and EXEs carry a similar format, which means, in some instances, it’s possible to change a DLL to an EXE file and run it. While the vast majority of DLL files carry the typical .dll extension, other versions of this file type may have the .DRV, .OCX or .CPL file extension.

The only instances where a DLL file may be harmful is if it’s attached to an executable that was created specifically to cause harm to your system. In instances like this, a virus scan should suffice in locating and eradicating this threat.

In short, it’s best to assume, for every .dll file on your system, there is one or more .exe files that call upon it.

Common Gdi32.dll Error Messages

Gdi32.dll error messages, like the vast majority of error messages on your Windows based system, can and typically are caused by numerous factors. Gdi32.dll is a crucial Windows component, with typically error messages eluding to the inaccessibility (file not found) error types.

Generally, you’re looking at the following types of error messages:

Cannot register GDI32.dll

The program can’t start because GDI32.dll is missing

There was a problem starting GDI32.dll

Error loading GDI32.dll. The specified module could not be found

GDI32.dll could not be located

Typically you’re looking at the same repair process, when it comes to fixing it; irrespective of the exact error message.

What Causes Gdi32.dll Errors?

When we talk about gdi32.dll error causes, we’re looking at things, such as:

  • Outdated device drivers.
  • Outdated Windows operating system.
  • The corruption of integral system files.
  • A malicious file infiltrating the computer.

How to Fix It

If you’ve recently encountered a gdi32.dll error on your system, then the various solutions outlined below should help you.

Below you will find an assortment of fixes, from automated solutions, which entails the utilisation of specialised software, to manual methods. Which could mean actually replacing the corrupted and/or missing gdi32.dll file.

If you’re not the most experienced PC user, and thus, feel uncomfortable sifting through your Windows system files, then it’s probably best you started with the automated solution.

Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix Gdi32.dll Errors

This method is especially ideal for beginners to intermediate computer users.

If you’re getting “gdi32.dll not found” error messages and would like to avoid the various manual solutions below, then I recommend you use the Windows repair tool Advanced System Repair Pro.

This is a highly advanced Windows repair and maintenance suite, capable of fixing DLL errors. In addition to its ability to repair these error types, it’s also equally adept at repairing BSOD, registry and game errors.

This advanced tool comes with a built-in virus scanner, along with various optimisation capabilities, to speed up your system in the process.

If you would like to learn more about this powerful tool, then visit the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO

Update Your Device Drivers

An outdated or corrupted device driver can, in many cases be the source of a plethora of issues and error types (including the gdi32.dll error in question). Your systems device drivers play an integral role in the error free and smooth functionality of your operating system.

Hence, if you want to do your utmost to avoid errors and issues on your system, you better ensure your drivers are up-to-date. When it comes to updating your drivers, there are two ways you can go about it. The first, is the manual method and the second is through automated software.

For the sake of this particular error, it’s best you take a broad approach to updating your device drivers. Which means, updating as many as you can. For this reason, it’s definitely best you want with automated software such as DriverFinder. This particular tool, will fully automate the entire process, which means, locating, identifying, downloading and installing drivers where applicable.

Anyway, you can learn more about this powerful tool, from the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT DRIVERFINDER

Run a Malware Scan

If your system is infected with malicious files, then it can lead to a wide range of issues for your computer (including gdi32.dll related errors). To fix such a problem, you will need to run a full scan of your system using your current internet security solution.

Microsoft Windows has its own built-in solution called Windows Defender, which you may already be using. Alternatively, you can go with a third-party solution. Third-party internet security tools tend to be more extensive and thorough in their ability to locate and flush out viruses.

That said, I suggest you carry out a full scan, as soon as possible. Alternatively, you could give SpyHunter a try, which is amongst the very best antimalware tools. If the error is caused by a virus, then this tool will find it.

Anyway, learn more about this tool from the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT SPYHUNTER

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Run Windows Update

Microsoft are aware of many or even most of the errors that occur on their Windows platform. And to tackle these issues, they’re always releasing new updates, patches and fixes. Thus, as a viable solution, you may want to consider running Windows Update. If there’s a fix available, it will find it.

To run Windows Update, simply do the following:

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press windows key + R, type ms-settings:windowsupdate and click on OK.

open windows update using run command box

3. This will bring up Windows Update, from here, click on Check for updates then follow the onscreen instructions (in the event that it locates an update).

click on check for updates in windows update

Download Gdi32.dll

If you continue to receive “gdi32.dll not found” errors, even after attempting the many solutions above. It’s most likely the gdi32.dll file is not on your computer. In which case, you’ll need to download and copy it to your system.

For instructions on how to do that, continue reading:

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then download the Gdi32.zip file from one of the following links (depending on your version of Windows):

32-bit Gdi32.dll: https://www.mediafire.com/file/edfq16hiljqgdjo/gdi32+32.zip/file
64-bit Gdi32.dll: https://www.mediafire.com/file/kb8c745rnoxm1rp/gdi32+64.zip/file

3. Once you’ve downloaded the Gdi32.zip file to your system, open it, then click on Extract To.

click on extract to in Gdi32.zip file

Note: In this tutorial, we will be using WinRAR.

4. This will bring up the Extraction path and options applet, from here, type C:\Windows\System32 into the Destination path box and click on OK.

extract gdi32.dll file to system32 folder

Note: Repeat steps 3 – 4, only this time type C:\Windows\SysWOW64 into the Destination path box.

5. For the next step, press windows key + R, type cmd and press CTRL + Shift + Enter.

open command prompt using run box

6. This will bring up Command Prompt, from here, type the following command below and press Enter.

Regsvr32 gdi32.dll

Use System Restore

If you’re unfortunate enough to make it to this point without a viable solution in sight, then as a last resort you may want to try System Restore. Whether or not this method will work, depends on whether the appropriate Restore Points exist on your system.

Anyway, you can find comprehensive information on how to use this tool from my post on what is a restore point.

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