Understanding Langinfo.dll
Langinfo.dll is a dynamic link library (DLL) developed by ABBYY Software Ltd.. It provides language‑information and character encoding tools that are used by certain software — especially OCR (optical character recognition) applications. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What Is Langinfo.dll Used For?
The primary function of langinfo.dll is to supply language metadata, code page support, and translation routines used in applications that need to identify, validate, or convert text in different languages. It can manage character sets, provide locale‑specific information, and help applications understand which linguistic rules or encodings are relevant. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Because it is associated with ABBYY software (such as ABBYY FineReader), langinfo.dll is often required for OCR and document‑scanning applications, where correct recognition of multiple languages is critical. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Common Errors Related to Langinfo.dll
When langinfo.dll is missing, corrupted, or improperly registered, applications may emit various error messages. Some of the most frequent include:
- “The program can’t start because langinfo.dll is missing.” :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- “Error loading langinfo.dll. The specified module could not be found.” :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- “Procedure entry point … could not be located in the dynamic link library langinfo.dll.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- “Langinfo.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.” :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
These errors can stem from a few root causes:
- The DLL was accidentally deleted or moved.
- The DLL is corrupted (e.g., by malware or disk errors). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- The Windows Registry has incorrect or missing entries for the DLL. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- The installed version of the DLL is not compatible (e.g., 32-bit vs 64-bit, or version mismatch). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Where to Download Langinfo.dll Safely
If you need to obtain langinfo.dll, here are some trustworthy sources (as of November 2025):
- DLL‑Files.com provides multiple versions of langinfo.dll. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- DLDownloader.com offers a free download (4.3 MB) of the latest versions. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Telecharger‑DLL.fr also hosts langinfo.dll files, scanned by antivirus before upload. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
When downloading, always check:
- That the file comes from a reputable source.
- That the file version matches what your application requires (especially 32- vs 64-bit). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- That any compressed archive (e.g., ZIP) is extracted properly before use. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
How to Install Langinfo.dll Manually
Here is a step‑by‑step guide to manually installing langinfo.dll and addressing related errors:
1. Extract the DLL from Its Archive
If the downloaded file is zipped (for example, .zip), extract it using a utility like WinRAR or 7‑Zip. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
2. Copy to the Correct Directories
Depending on your system architecture:
- On a 32-bit Windows system: place
langinfo.dllinC:\Windows\System32. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} - On a 64-bit Windows system: copy the DLL to both
C:\Windows\System32andC:\Windows\SysWOW64. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17} - Alternatively, you may place the DLL in the installation folder of the program that reports the error. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
3. Register the DLL (If Needed)
If simply placing the file does not resolve the error, open a Command Prompt with administrator privileges and run:
regsvr32 langinfo.dll
This command attempts to register the DLL with Windows so that applications can locate it. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
4. Reboot and Test
After copying and/or registering the DLL, restart your system and run the affected application to verify whether the issue is resolved.
Automatic Methods to Fix Langinfo.dll Errors
If manual installation is inconvenient or fails, you can try the following automated strategies:
System File Checker (SFC)
Run the built-in Windows utility to check for and repair corrupted system files:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt (run as administrator).
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Wait until the scan is complete. If SFC repairs the DLL, restart your machine to apply the fix. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
System Restore
If the problem started recently, you can restore your system to a point before the error began. This may recover a working version of langinfo.dll. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Anti‑Malware Scan
Malware may corrupt or replace DLL files. Running a full system scan with a reliable antivirus or anti-malware tool can detect and remove malicious interference. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Reinstall the Related Application
Sometimes, reinstalling the program that uses langinfo.dll (for example, ABBYY FineReader) will restore the correct version of the DLL. During installation, the installer typically includes the correct DLL and places it in the right folder.
Troubleshooting Tips & Best Practices
Check Architecture Compatibility
Make sure you’re using the correct build of langinfo.dll — 32-bit vs 64-bit — depending on the application and your Windows OS. Mixing architectures may lead to load failures. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Use Trusted Sources Only
Avoid downloading DLLs from random sites. Stick to reputable cleanup, DLL‑repository, or vendor‑provided sources. Poorly sourced DLLs may contain malware or be tampered with.
Back Up the Registry
If you register or replace DLL files, it’s wise to back up your Windows Registry or create a system restore point first, so you can roll back changes if something goes wrong.
Document Version Information
When you download langinfo.dll, note the version number (e.g., 10.0.1001.129 vs 9.0.1000.35). Use the highest compatible version that your application supports. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Regular Maintenance
Run Windows Update, keep your drivers current, and scan your PC periodically to prevent DLL corruption or compatibility issues. Many DLL-related problems stem from neglected maintenance. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Alternatives and Related DLLs
In some cases, you may encounter a variant such as LangInfoUnicode.dll, which is closely related to langinfo.dll but provides enhanced Unicode and code-page support. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
If a particular application expects LangInfoUnicode.dll instead of langinfo.dll (or in addition), you may need to download and install it separately, following similar steps for placement and registration. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
Security Considerations
Since DLLs are executable code, downloading them from unsecured or malicious websites can pose serious security risks. To minimize risk:
- Download only from verified, reputable sources.
- Verify any checksums (MD5, SHA-1) provided by the source to ensure integrity. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- Scan any downloaded file with antivirus software before placing it in system folders.
- If possible, use the original software installer to get the correct DLL instead of manual downloading.
When to Contact Support
If you have tried manual installation, automatic fixes, and system recovery without success, it may be time to reach out for help:
- ABBYY Support: If you are using ABBYY software (e.g., FineReader), their technical support team may provide the correct version of langinfo.dll or a patch that fixes the dependency.
- Software Vendor: If the DLL dependency arises in a third‑party application, contact the software vendor. They may have a bundled version, or they might update their installer to include the required DLL.
- IT Specialist: In a corporate or managed environment, ask your IT department to assist. They can deploy or register the DLL properly using administrative tools.
Conclusion
Langinfo.dll is a specialized ABBYY library used for linguistic information and encoding support. Missing or corrupted versions of this file can disrupt OCR applications and other programs that rely on language‑metadata processing. Fortunately, you can usually fix related errors through safe downloading, proper installation, registration, and system repair techniques.
Always be cautious about where you obtain DLL files: use trusted sources, verify integrity, and avoid putting arbitrary files into system directories without checking their authenticity. When in doubt, using the original software installer or contacting the software vendor offers a safer and more reliable route.
