Runtime error 76 is just one of many possible stumbling blocks when you’re trying to use your PC, but unlike some of the more complicated errors you’ll see as a computer user, this one is pretty straightforward to sort out . . . if you can identify the program that’s running when the error occurs.

A runtime error (of any number) just means that a program currently running has hit a snag. Something is keeping it from continuing as normal. Sometimes this can result in a crash where the program stops running. Other times, a runtime error doesn’t actually stop the program, but rather just makes it work slowly, incorrectly or partially.

Fixing A Problem with a Shared Resource

Step 1: Update Windows

Your first step to resolving a run-time error is to update Windows and the program you’re trying to use. Why? Often the error is caused by a shared resource file, like a .dll. If the program that uses it can’t find the resource, then a Windows Update might be able to identify the gap in the system and repair it.

Go to Start and type in “Windows Update”. Click on the program that appears and a box will show up on the screen to let you know if your Windows software is up-to-date. You can check for updates on this screen as well just to be sure. If there are updates available, be sure to update those and then check again to see if your program is working correctly.

Backing up documents from your computer’s hard drive has always been an important part of any computer maintenance schedule.  But whereas before the best option was to make backups on removable media, there is a new option for backing up your data that can now also make it accessible via the World Wide Web.  Doing so keeps it safe from loss due to hard drive failure, physical damage, virus attack, or accidental deletion. Of course, it's also a defense line against most prevalent threat to mobile computing: theft.  Storing your personal and business documents online is quickly becoming a popular option and part of the Web 2.0 phenomenon. Not only does this keep the data in a space that is unaffected by the plight of hardware, but it allows users to remote control some data, including access to that data.

Web 2.0

Even if the term has become cliche by now, Web 2.0 is still a popular label for the development of web-based applications that promote the interactive nature on the Internet. It sounds techy, but it's not.  Web 2.0 simply represents a mode of doing things online that were once done locally, on individual computers.  The term describes ubiquitous entities like social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.  But it also includes interactive information sharing networks, such as Wikipedia, and video sharing services like YouTube. Needless to say, It has also changed the way we conduct business and manage our day-to-day activities. Storing data virtually is just one of the ways we are integrating Web 2.0 into our daily lives.

Errors. Sometimes they just seem like a way of life when you’re working online. If you’re suddenly seeing a datamngr.dll, don’t panic – this problem isn’t as terrible as it may seem. And (for once) you’re not actually dealing with malware or a virus. This is just a problem with your computer making the right connections.

What Is a Datamngr.dll?

A dll file, or dynamic-link library, is an executable file that helps to support an application. We actually need these little guys to make the various programs we use on a daily basis function seamlessly. A datamngr.dll is just one of many .dll files that can cause problems if things don’t correct properly when a file is installed or uninstalled. Often, removing a file can leave these little executables behind causing the sorts of errors that are giving you a headache now.

The technical?  Specifically datamngr.dll is a data access layer component, a fundamental resource that helps different programs (as the name suggests) manage data.  This management comes in the form of creating files, reading them, updating them and deleting them.  You can tell right off the bat that it’s important, so getting a problem means that there’s some factor blocking a given program from controlling its data.

Resolving a Datamngr.dll Error

If you were to look around online to find a solution to the datamngr.dll error, you’d likely start to panic. There are many websites promoting malware software to remove this “dangerous” error. Unfortunately for these websites, you’re not dealing with anything dangerous, and you’re not likely to fall for a shady company trying to make you download something to “Fix the Datamngr.dll Error Right Now!” After all, you can certainly do this yourself.

Be safe when you're searching the web.  Remember that lots of vendors key in on a given name and try to scare you into thinking it's malware.  It's true that malcious software can imitate Datamngr.dll, but usually the cause of the error is more direct.  If your computer is acting odd in ways that don't seem to be related to the conditions outlined above; be suspecious.  If it's not just a recurrent error with one or more programs but systemic slowdown, popus, browser hijacks or computer crashes - then you might be dealing with foul play.

Otherwise, it's a documented and fixable problem - one that anyone can certainly handle.

If you really feel you must have support as you work through these steps, there are programs that can help you clean up your machine and resolve the error in the process. Just be sure to download programs from a company that you’ve researched and found reputable. It makes no sense at all to download malware to defeat something that isn’t malware.

Instead of looking for a quick fix provided by a company, perform your own quick fix. There are several things you can try to beat this error – some less complicated than others.

Restoring Windows seems rather complicated without that handy disk to just throw into the computer, but it’s actually a bit easier than you might think. You can even create your own new handy CDs if it makes you feel more comfortable, but it’s actually not necessary. You can restore Windows 7 without any disks at all. It’s a built-in feature of the new operating system.

Before you start any sort of system repair or restore, be sure that you have your Windows Registration Key. It can found in the paperwork that came with your computer or you may be able to find it on the label stuck to the back of your computer. It’s a good idea to store this number on a paper file or in your phone’s memory where you’ll have it on hand when you need it.

Windows Restore

In Microsoft systems prior to Vista, a recovery CD was sent along with the computer in case the new owner ran into trouble. Starting with Vista, Microsoft decided to stop sending the CDs as it was no longer necessary to use the external software to boot up the computer. Instead, it’s now possible to recover Windows from Windows 7 itself.

The hard drive in a Windows 7 computer is split up into partitions. These sections of the hard drive are split so that they can function and be backed up separately as the user desires. This is especially important for the Master Boot Record which is kept in the MSR partition – it’s the only file kept in this first slot on the hard drive, so if any problems occur, it’s easy to get there before problem areas actually load.

What is a Restore Point?

When you restore your computer using System Restore, you’re going to return your machine to a point in the past where things were working better for you. This is a restore point. Your computer is already making restore points every week or so and you can create your own restore points by clicking on Start and then right-clicking on Computer. Then click on Properties.