How to Open DLL Files?

[Liikeaturtle]

I just want to be able to see the contents of .DLL files and potentially modify them.

[CyberneticTitan]

Googled this: http://www.wikihow.com/Edit-DLL-Files

 

DLL files are not plain ASCII files that you can easily edit. Actually, they are not intended to be editable by users. But since you are going to do it anyway, here are two programs that would allow you to view/edit .dll files:

PE Explorer http://www.heaventools.com/overview.htm
FlexHex http://www.heaventools.com/flexhex-hex-e…

The programs are easy-to-use tools for all users, but some functions require advanced programming knowledge to comprehend. What you do need is a good understanding of programming functions, and at a minimum the ability to read and understand those bunch of numbers that pop up when you open a dll.

[Ookami]

Restorator (I recommend it)

PE Explorer

Resource Tuner

[The Syndicate]

DLL Explorer

Notepad

[Cheesebaron]

If it is a .NET DLL I recommend Reflector or DotPeek.

[manon_gfx]

DLL are files with compiled code. You aren't meant to open them. You will need some kind of decompilers. If it's programmed in something like .NET it might be worth trying, but if it's made in something like C++ it's almost impossible.

[lutzee]

a C++ compiled DLL will be compiled directly to x86(_64) machine code so pretty much direct instructions to the CPU. C# has its own bytecode which you should be able to edit

[ILoveShaders]

For 32 bit I reccomend ollydbg (the creator is working on the 64 bit version but that will take some time)

 

For 64 bit try Immunity debugger or valgrind.

 

These will show you the assembly code of the DLL. You will need to learn ASM in order to properly edit them.