Buzz
DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files store essential code and resources for Windows programs. Without specialized software, you can't view or modify DLL contents directly. Explore DLL files with these free tools to analyze, decompile, and extract media. Caution: Avoid altering DLLs in use by programs to prevent crashes.
Steps to Explore DLL Files
Resource Hacker
Resource Hacker allows easy browsing and extraction of icons, images, and media from DLLs. With its user-friendly graphical interface, you can edit DLL content using text and binary editors. Get Resource Hacker free from http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker.
Resource Tuner 2
Resource Tuner 2 is your go-to tool for viewing, editing, and extracting various media files from DLLs. Similar to Resource Hacker, it offers additional features such as extracting PNGs. However, it's only free for a 30-day trial period, after which payment is required. Download the trial version from http://www.restuner.com/download.htm.
Dependencies
Dependencies provides a comprehensive list of all the components required by a DLL. It scans the file and displays a hierarchical tree of dependencies and necessary files, making it ideal for troubleshooting DLL errors. While it doesn't allow editing, it's a valuable tool for analysis. Download Dependencies from https://github.com/lucasg/Dependencies.
ILSpy
If you aim to inspect the code within a DLL, consider using a decompiler like ILSpy. This .NET decompiler, available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, allows you to explore DLL contents, decompile them into Visual Basic, and save the code as a C# project. Download the standalone version from https://github.com/icsharpcode/ILSpy, or get the Visual Studio plugin from https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=SharpDevelopTeam.ILSpy.
dotPeek Decompiler
dotPeek, a free decompiler by JetBrains, offers another avenue for examining DLL code. It provides features to convert .NET DLLs into C# or IL code, allowing you to save the output as a .csproj file for further modifications in Visual Studio. Download dotPeek from https://www.jetbrains.com/decompiler.
HxD Hex Editor
HxD Hex Editor is a Windows tool enabling direct editing of DLL hex code. As DLLs are compiled code, standard text editors won't suffice. If you prefer not to decompile and edit source files directly, HxD allows binary editing. Download from https://www.portablefreeware.com/?id=1454. Remember, hex code consists of binary digits—this isn't conventional programming code editing.
Dumpbin
Visual Studio users can utilize the dumpbin command to access DLL information. It's a component of Visual Studio, including the Community versions, providing insights into DLL files. Execute dumpbin from the Visual Studio command prompt, employing syntax like dumpbin [options] filename.dll. Useful options include /DEPENDENTS, /HEADERS, and /EXPORTS. Refer to Microsoft's documentation for a comprehensive list of options.
