What is a .DL_ file?
A .DL_ file is a type of compressed file specifically for DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files. It is created using Makecab, which is a utility provided by Windows designed to compress files and generate .CAB (Cabinet) files. This compression is particularly useful for saving space on storage media, such as Windows installation CDs, allowing more files to be stored on the same disc.
The .DL_ format is essentially a .DLL file that has been compressed to reduce its size. DLL files are important because they contain code and data that can be used by multiple programs simultaneously, helping to promote code reuse and efficient memory usage.
To handle .DL_ files, you can use Microsoft Makecab, which is included with the Windows operating system. This tool allows you to create .DL_ files by compressing .DLL files. The command to do this in Makecab is: ``` makecab myfile.dll myfile.dl_ ``` If you need to use the original .DLL file, you can decompress a .DL_ file back into a .DLL file using another Windows utility called Microsoft Expand. Although Microsoft Expand has been discontinued, it is still included with the Windows operating system. The command to decompress a .DL_ file is: ``` expand myfile.dl_ myfile.dll ``` It's important to note that while the .DL_ format is specifically used for DLL files, the Makecab utility can also be used to compress other types of files. For example, an executable (.EXE) file can be compressed into an .EX_ file using a similar process. This flexibility makes Makecab a useful tool for managing file sizes and preparing files for distribution or storage.
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