I had a reader write in to ask: "Is it safe for me to remove shared files?"  This post covers this for my reader, and anyone else who may be wondering the same thing.

When you remove programs from your computer, using the Add/Remove Programs system, should you answer "Yes" or "No" to the question, "Do you want to remove a shared file?"

Shared files have the file extension ".DLL" on them. That means they're a Dynamic Linked Library file. All this means is, the file in question can be used by different programs. A word processor (like MS Word) and another program may share a DLL file. So removing that file COULD cause another program to malfunction.

You may have seen a message stating that a certain file cannot be found. That file is needed in order to open the program you're trying to use. Why is it missing? Could be that you removed it when you uninstalled another program and said YES to the question "Do you want to remove the shared file."

The bottom line: If you aren't familiar with a filename, and you're asked if you want to delete it, don't. Just answer "NO" to the question. It won't do any harm if it's not actually needed. But watch out if it *is* needed – and you've removed it!

Add/Remove Programs System?

Click on Start

Control Panel

Add/Remove Programs

Select the program you want to uninstall

Select Change/Remove

DLL files are tiny files, but it's like a having a tiny fuse blowing in your car. When that tiny bit of power blows, all that sophisticated technology grinds to a halt.

Sometimes a .dll file disappears or is damaged, or is removed accidentally. And suddenly you find that one of your programs no longer works. The answer?

Download another one from the Internet and install it.

Sounds easy enough, right?

Just go to Google and type in dll in the search box. You'll see a ton of links to sites that let you download the .dll file you're missing from their .dll library. If you don't find the file you're looking for at one site, just go to another one until you do.

Some sites may try to charge you, but don't pay for a .dll file… because there are other sites that will offer you the same file for free.

Be sure to write down the number of the .dll file you need, then type it into the search box of the download site. Also look for a site that gives you instructions on how to install it. Print out those instructions and follow them to a t… and everything should return to normal for you when you open that program that is missing a .dll file.

Until next time…

Don't forget to Follow me on Twitter.

Ed

I also hope that no one has been living in a closet to not know that the most prolific spam and virus monster to travel the Internet in quite some time is making it's rounds disguised as a "Greeting Card from a Friend"…etc.

Here is a MODIFIED example of one of these email's that LOOKS real… but careful analysis would tell you otherwise!  DO NOT click on the link in this example… just MOUSE OVER IT!
==========================================

Hi. School mate has sent you a postcard.

See your card as often as you wish during the next 15 days.

SEEING YOUR CARD
If your email software creates links to Web pages, click on your card's direct www address below while you are connected to the Internet:

http://75.66.76.94/?c3a9ebeed435601e5ee71

Or copy and paste it into your browser's "Location" box (where Internet addresses go).
  

PRIVACY
BlueMountain.Com honors your privacy. Our home page and Card Pick Up have links to our Privacy Policy.

TERMS OF USE
By accessing your card you agree we have no liability. If you don't know the person sending the card or don't wish to see the card, please disregard this Announcement.
We hope you enjoy your awesome card.

Wishing you the best,

Postmaster,

BlueMountain.Com

=============================================

Looks pretty legitimate, huh?  When you see only an IP address, this is a DEAD GIVEAWAY that a site is fake!  The legit BlueMountain.com website would NEVER do this.  NEVER!

This is exactly why I do NOT open even legitimate online Greeting Cards.  Those things are dangerous.. and now.. my long time preaching about why NOT to send electronic greeting cards to anyone is coming true!!

If you have opened even ONE online greeting card in the past month… I STRONGLY suggest you do a COMPLETE virus scan of your system and files.  One client called me this morning in complete distress over opening a greeting card he thought his daughter had sent him, only to find out it was a virus laden spoofed greeting card, and he just about lost his entire system!!

Folks…  be smart.  Stay the heck away from those things.. and DO NOT OPEN (or SEND anyone) an online greeting card, or a link from anyone saying they had sent you an online greeting card.

You have been warned!

Have a great Thursday!
Ed