What is winhttp.dll?
Winhttp.dll file is a part of the Windows HTTP service designed by Microsoft as per the HTTP protocol stack.
What are the errors generated by winhttp.dll?
The errors generated by the corrupt winhttp.dll files are:
'Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: winhttp.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.''Winhttp.dll Not Found''This application failed to start because winhttp.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.''Cannot find [PATH]\winhttp.dll''The file winhttp.dll is missing.'
What are the operating systems affected by winhttp.dll corruption?
This is an important file of HTTP service, so it is included in all versions of Windows from 95 to Win 7.
How to fix errors generated by winhttp.dll
Winhttp.dll is part of the HTTP client/server application that helps in sending HTTP requests from a system to the server. Microsoft provides an API which helps in communicating with a variety of HTTP servers using the HTTP protocol. Winhttp.dll is one of the core files of the OS which helps in communicating with the web servers, so once this file is affected, the errors pop up.
You will get the error mainly when you open Internet Explorer. The error is generated not because of the browser, but due to the core winhttp.dll file which is corrupted. Many spyware and malware programs try to attack this HTTP service and compromise it, so it is always better to run a full system scan to check for infections. These errors can be solved by the methods given below:
1) System Restore
2) Windows Update
3) Running the repair
System Restore – System Restore helps in restoring the last working version of the OS. It puts back the registry of a chosen date, and so, the corrupt files are overwritten. To run System Restore, follow these steps:
- Click on Start and then go to All Programs
- Choose Accessories and then click on System Tools
- Choose System Restore
- From the list of dates, choose a date when the system was free of the winhttp.dll error
- Click Next
The system will now apply the settings of the chosen date and restart the system. After this, you can open the browser and try again. If you still get the error, follow the next method.
Windows Update – As this file is part of the service pack, you can run a Windows update which will overwrite the HTTP service and protocol files. To run Windows update, follow these steps:
- Click on Start and go Control Panel
- Choose Windows Update
The service pack will automatically install all the updates and prompt you to restart the system. If it still gives you the error after the restart, you can undertake Windows Repair.
Running Windows Repair– You can run Windows Repair from the OS disk. To do so, follow these steps:
- Put the Windows disk in the drive and boot from the CD
- From the Advanced menu, choose Repair your computer
- After choosing this, you will come across System Recovery Options
- Choose Start Repair and choose Windows installation.
After this, all the core files will be overwritten, including the winhttp.dll file, and the system will restart and solve the problem completely.