Quickly Fix the IEframe.dll was not Found Error on Windows

IEframe.dll is a dynamic link library (DLL) file associated with Microsoft Internet Explorer. This file is a crucial component of the web browser and is responsible for rendering various user interface elements, including the browser window itself.

Even if you don’t actively use Internet Explorer as your browser, elements may still be used within apps and programs that display web content. DLL files like ieframe.dll help with this process because they can be shared among different applications.

Therefore, if IEframe.dll is corrupted or goes missing, it can render Internet Explorer and many other programs unusable.

I first encountered this error when opening an older RSS feed-reading app, even though I use Chrome as my browser. I got the message:

This application failed to start because ieframe.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.

I also got an error opening Skype, referencing an Access violation at address…in ‘ieframe.dll’.

If you’re experiencing the same or similar DLL errors, here’s everything you need to know:

Why was IEframe.dll not found?

A DLL file like ieframe.dll can go missing or stop working properly for many reasons. The most common include:

• Malware – Viruses and other malware target DLL files because they are shared among different programs and can quickly cause system damage. Malware might delete ieframe.dll completely or hijack it for other purposes.
• Broken Registry – The Windows Registry is the operating system’s personal reference library, which contains all the software and configurations on your computer. Access to DLLs can be interrupted if the registry is damaged, even if the DLL itself is not missing.
• Bad Software – If you update or uninstall poorly coded software, ieframe.dll may be accidentally deleted.
• Interrupted Tasks – Any unexpected interruption can cause files like ieframe.dll to be corrupted when updating Windows or installing software.
• Failing Hardware – A failing RAM module or hard drive can lead to write or read errors when accessing files and general file corruption. IEframe.dll can be a victim if it’s being used at the time.
• Overactive Antivirus – If a program tries to update, modify, or even access ieframe.dll, some antiviruses can overreact and quarantine the file. This is because it detects what might be unauthorized access to critical areas of the system.
• Human Error – Sometimes, inexperienced users accidentally delete system files and DLLs when browsing deep within Windows. However, it’s more common for poorly coded system cleaning software to delete files it deems unnecessary, but you still need.

How do I fix IEframe not found errors?

Fixing ieframe.dll errors depend on the cause, although there are some common steps to take.

1. Scan for Malware

Before proceeding with any other fixes, it is a good idea to scan for malware using Windows Defender and/or a third-party antivirus to make sure no viruses or other malware are infecting your DLL files.

2. Reinstall Internet Explorer or Shared Software

If you are only experiencing the not found error while using a certain program, you should try reinstalling it as it may come bundled with the ieframe.dll file. This happened to me after uninstalling Internet Explorer but continuing to use an RSS feed reader that relied on it.

Fortunately, the program itself included the file, but in some cases, you may need to reinstall Internet Explorer itself. Of course, this is also worth trying if you’re trying to use IE itself. However, Microsoft dropped all support for the browser in 2022.

3. Run System File Checker and DISM

The built-in System File Checker on Windows will check your computer for missing or damaged system files, including ieframe.dll and other shared DLLs. To open this:

1. Type CMD in the start menu search bar, highlight the Command Prompt app, and choose administrator privileges from the options on the right.

2. Enter the following command and press the Enter key: sfc /scannow

3. SFC will start scanning for and replacing corrupt or missing system components.

4. After your PC restarts, go back to the command prompt and enter the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

DISM is a similar tool that repairs the Windows image, system files, and other components.

5. Restart your computer when prompted.

4. Replace IEframe.dll manually

If ieframe.dll is genuinely missing from Windows, you can replace it yourself by finding a clean DLL copy online. However, make sure to check if the file is truly missing first. Depending on your version of Windows, it may be located in:

• C:\Windows\System32\ieframe.dll for 32-bit versions of Windows.
• C:\Windows\System32\ieframe.dll (32-bit version, used by 32-bit processes).
• C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ieframe.dll (32-bit version, used by 64-bit processes).

If it’s not there, you can download the file from the web and put it in the correct folder, but this does come with the risk of fake files and malware. To avoid this, use a DLL fixer as outlined in step 6 below.

If the file exists or you have put a fresh version in the correct folder, but it still won’t work, you may need to re-register it. Here’s how:

1. Type CMD into the Windows start menu search bar and open the Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type the cd command for the folder path and press Enter. For example: cd C:\Windows\SysWOW64\

3. Then type the regsvr32 command with the ieframe.dll file name, and press Enter: regsvr32 ieframe.dll

4. Wait for a confirmation message.

When the Windows Registry is broken, these steps still may not solve the ‘not found’ error. In that case, you can try using a restore point or DLL fixer.

5. Use a Restore Point

A quick way to undo recent system changes or incompatible settings that are causing DLL errors is to use the System Restore feature.

1. Type Create a restore point in the start menu search bar to locate the utility.

2. Click the Open System Restore option to launch the System Restoration Wizard.

3. Select a restore point prior to noticing the ieframe.dll not found error.

4. Confirm the selection and click Finish. Your computer will automatically restart after restoration is complete.

6. Use a DLL Fixer

Fortect offers a comprehensive repair solution to not only find and replace missing DLLs but also repair the entire Windows Registry, ensuring your system runs smoothly.

1. Download and Install Fortect.

2. Open Fortect and click Start scan.

3. After a quick scan, click Start Repair to start replacing DLLs automatically with working versions from its database.

4. Restart your PC.

Fortect’s DLL fixer tool offers a robust and comprehensive solution for all your DLL-related problems, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting and reducing the risk of further system damage.