How to find out which installer package a given exe/dll belongs to

When IT admins need to locate the installer package for a given executable file (EXE or DLL), the process can be a time-consuming investigation. By following a few simple steps, however, the answer to the question can often be found in a matter of minutes.

The first step is to determine the file’s origin. If the file is part of a Windows system, it will usually have a version number and copyright information in the file’s Properties window. If the file is part of a third-party program, the Properties window will likely list the program name and version number. By looking at the copyright information, the IT admin can determine who the original creator of the file is.

Once the origin of the file is known, the IT admin can search the web for the program name and version number. This search will often lead to a download page for the software package, and the exact version of the file will be listed in the download information. If the file cannot be found on the download page, then the IT admin can search for other download sites that may offer the software package.

If the file is a Windows system file, then the IT admin can use the Sysinternals Process Explorer to get more detailed information. This tool can be used to find the EXE or DLL in question and it will list the program name, version number, and the path of the file in the system. This information can be used to determine which Windows system service pack or update the file is associated with.

Another useful tool for IT admins is the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility (MSICUU2). This utility can be used to remove all traces of a program from the system. Once the program is removed, the IT admin can then use the Sysinternals Process Explorer to determine which installer package the file belongs to.

Once the IT admin has located the installer package, they can then search the web for the download page. The download page will usually list the exact version of the file and the associated installer package. The IT admin can then download and install the software package in order to get the desired version of the file.

In conclusion, IT admins can easily find out which installer package a given EXE or DLL belongs to by following a few simple steps. The first step is to determine the origin of the file, and the second is to search the web for the program name and version number. If the file is a Windows system file, the Sysinternals Process Explorer can be used to determine the associated installer package. The Windows Installer Cleanup Utility can also be used to determine which installer package the file belongs to. Once the installer package is located, the IT admin can download and install the software package in order to get the desired version of the file.