What is ntdll.dll [And Where To Download It]

Located in your “C” drive and typically designated “System32”, “WINNT System32” or “i386folder” Ntdll.dll, is a native application programming interface file, holds crucial information about NT functions.

Description of ntdll.dll

Each of the terms in the description requires a little elaboration:

“Native” describes a file or application designed to run only in the operating system (your computer) and machine language for which it was originally developed.

The term distinguishes OS-specific applications which run only on their intended platforms from “interpretive” and “emulated” files, which programmers have developed to work across different platforms.

An “application programming interface” or “API”- not to be confused with an “Adobe Plug-In,” which sometimes uses the same acronym – enables one software program to interact with other software.

An API in a Windows “C” file typically contains protocols for communication between programs and applications, and it includes specifications for object classes, routines, and data structures.

In simple terms, then, programmers developed ntdll.dll specifically for use with Windows operating systems, loading it with data that enables the central processing unit to run NT.

In the simplest possible terms, ntdll.dll empowers your CPU to run your operating system.

An error in ntdll.dll can easily be fatal to your system.

Errors is Ntdll.dll

When you encounter an ntdll.dll error, it usually results from an unknown or undetectable hard drive error; and these errors complicate or cripple practically every standard PC function.

When this kind of error occurs, you probably will receive one of the following error messages:

• STOP: C0000221 Unknown Hard Error SystemRootSystem32ntdll.dll
• STOP: 0xC0000221 STATUS_IMAGE_CHECKSUM_MISMATCHPathFile_name
• STOP: 0xC0000221 unknown hard error C:WinntSystem32Ntdll.dll (or another specific file or driver)
• STOP: C0000221 unknown hard error PathFile_name

To troubleshoot for and correcting these errors, start by looking for faulty or corrupt installation of Windows.

If the error appears almost immediately after you install your operating system, check to see if the installer disk is damaged or scratched.

Naturally, a fully functional disk facilitates easy and proper installation, but you can often complete your installation even with flawed media.

If, on the other hand, you employ a user-copied or illegal disk, you probably should abandon the installation.

If you feel confident you have installed Windows correctly, then look for faulty or obsolete driver files.

Of course, inaccurate or incompatible driver data will trigger errors in ntdll.dll.

Therefore, you must make sure drivers for your motherboard, CD/DVD, hard disk, and other drivers are updated to the current versions, error-free, and connected.

If you have downloaded drivers, you should be absolutely certain they and your system are compatible.

Then, look for malfunctioning hardware.

When you feel satisfied that your machine’s internal programs and applications are in good condition and running as they should, then look at the connectors and other hardware that sometimes cause ntdll.dll errors.

Experts point out that connector cables frequently are to blame for API errors, so check the integrity of the cable that attaches the motherboard and hard disk.

Check the cable by linking the hard disk with a zip-drive or CD driver that uses the same kind of cable.

If you discover the cable is at fault, naturally you should replace it. Full cable replacement should permanently resolve the difficulty.

Another binary which may frequently cause errors is gdiplus.dll but that’s for another article.