.MANIFEST File Type
File extension: MANIFEST or .manifest
Author of the .manifest file extension: Microsoft Corporation
Category: System file
Programs that use the .manifest file type: Windows and various executable programs use .manifest files
Explanation of .manifest file extensions:
The .manifest file extension is an XML document that is used for updating older Windows programs for Windows XP or Windows Vista. These files connect the older program to a DLL file called “comctl32.dll†(version 6) which gives the program the updated appearance of XP/Vista. In addition, the .manifest file also describes a program’s dependencies including which DLLs the program references.
Typical problems associated with the .manifest file extension:
One of the most common problems with .manifest files is when the file is missing or in the wrong location. The .manifest file must be in the same directory as the .exe that it is updating.
Another common .manifest problem occurs with missing DLL files. Because a .manifest file contains the reference list of common DLLs that the program uses, if the required DLLs are not found, you could receive DLL errors.
In addition, the Windows registry can contain invalid instructions or spyware could have removed references to .manifest and DLL files.
Solutions/Recommendations:
Double check to see if the .manifest file is in the same directory as the .exe file. If it is in a different folder, try moving it into the same one that the .exe file resides in.
If you are missing DLLs and have recently uninstalled a program or installed a new program, try reversing the process. Re-install the old software or uninstall the new program and see if that solves your DLL problem.
Since many DLL problems originate in the Windows registry, it’s not a bad idea to use a registry cleaner when you are experiencing DLL or .manifest errors.
Associated links:
More information about .manifest files - http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa289524.aspx
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