Wlanapi.dll is Essential for Wi-Fi Connections

Overview - What is wlanapi.dll?

If you see an error message mentioning the wlanapi.dll file, you should take it seriously, as it is a module that is important in order to establish a Wi-Fi connection. Without the wlanapi.dll file it will be impossible to create a wireless LAN.

This DLL file is usually found in the WinOS/system32 folder of WinOS XP and WinOS Vista. It's to be found on all versions including 64 bit versions and in all service packs. The wlanapi.dll library file is called by most third-party wireless LAN software, and thus errors regarding wlanapi.dll usually occur after installing a new wireless LAN card.

Errors - What to Expect if wlanapi.dll is Missing or Corrupt

The most common fault with this DLL file is when the wlanapi.dll file conflicts with drivers of third-party wireless network adaptors. Sometimes when WinOS is restored from another issue, or if WinOS is updated, the wlanapi.dll file can overwrite third-party DLL files, causing a number of WinOS error messages to appear. The most common error messages appear to look something like:

• "WZCSLDR2.exe - Entry Point Not Found. The procedure entry point apsInitialize could not be located in the dynamic link library wlanapi.dll"

Another reason you may experience issues with your wlanapi.dll file is due to registry issues. All DLL files are registered in the WinOS registry, and if those entries are corrupt, or have been removed you may find yourself receiving recurring DLL errors. In order to solve the issue of recurring DLL errors originating from the registry, you should check your registry. Remember it's always advisable to back up your registry first before making any changes. You may also do a search of your registry to look for any mention of the wlanapi.dll file. This may give some clue as to the issue you are experiencing.

Solutions - What to Do if You Need to Repair or Replace wlanapi.dll

If you see an error message like this, it usually means the wlanapi.dll file has become corrupted or is missing altogether. Unfortunately, restoring WinOS files may not fix the problem, as your wireless LAN adapter will require its driver files in order to work, and those are the files that probably created the problem in the first place.

• The best solution is to check the wireless LAN adapter you are using to make sure it's compatible with your version of WinOS.
• If it is, then you may need to download the latest drivers and install them. It's suggested that before installing a new version of your wireless LAN drivers, you should uninstall any existing drivers and restore the wlanapi.dll file. This should remove any issues that are still in conflict.
• Running a system restore, or using the WinOS repair utility can restore the wlanapi.dll file.

Finally, it's known that some malware programs and malicious software attacks the wlanapi.dll file. Some malware will deliberately change DLL files that may cause an error to be generated every time the specific DLL file is called. If you are still experiencing error messages after checking your registry and reinstalling your wireless LAN adapter, you should run an antivirus program and antimalware software to check for malicious code.