Reading a DLL

[Guest]

I'm trying to control an external app through Access. I have a .dll file from
the external app developers but the app was written some time ago and I can't
seem to track down any documentation about what's in the .dll to make an API
call to it. If I try and Reference it in the VBA editor window I get an
error message "Can't add a reference the specified file".

Does anybody know any cool tricks to get into this .dll to find out what's
inside it?

Any help would be great, thanks.

Ian.

 

[Larry Linson]

..DLLs are generally compiled to machine language, and are most often
originally written in C, C++, or other languages unfamiliar to those of us
who develop in VBA. You can't "open them and read them in VBA".

You might find a decompiler or, more likely, a "disassembler" that would
regenerate compiler source or Intel Assembler language from the compiled
code.

Larry Linson
Microsoft Access MVP

 

[Guest]

Hi Larry,

Thanks very much for getting back to me, looks like I'm stuck without the
original authors notes.

Ian

 

[Stephen Lebans]

There are several free tools available that will examine your DLL and
display any exported functions.
An easy one to use is here:
http://www.dependencywalker.com/

--

HTH
Stephen Lebans
http://www.lebans.com
Access Code, Tips and Tricks
Please respond only to the newsgroups so everyone can benefit.

 

[Guest]

Hi Stephen,

Thank you so much, an excellent site, saved my hide!

Ian.