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Forums Using DNN Platform Administration and Configuration

Determine DLLs not in use

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Leith
New Around Here
Posts: 17
New Around Here
8/31/2020 11:14 AM

I've inherited a 10+ year old DNN instance that was at 9.2.2 and I've so far upgraded to 9.4.4 and we're working on scehduling the next upgrade to the latest stable.  In working on the system the developers discovered we're suffering from this issue because the RadEditor still lingers in the web.config and bin folder.

https://dnncommunity.org/forums/aft/1128

In going to look into that I see DLLs going back to 2010 in the bin folder and lots of other DLLs for extensions that are no longer in use and were removed.  Over the decade of use either the option to delete the files was never checked or the uninstaller for modules left behind their DLLs.

How do I determine which of these DLLs are not actually needed anymore and can be removed?

Joe Craig
Veteran Member
Posts: 1246
Veteran Member
MVP
MVP
You're an MVP!
8/31/2020 12:07 PM
Make sure that you make a good backup of the site, both the database and the file system.
If possible, you should copy the site for experimentation.
Looking at the DesktopModules table will show you what is installed.
I think that the best way to determine if a dll file is needed is to remove it and see what happens. I would created a Removed folder in bin and drag files there. If you remove one and you find you need it, just drag it back.
If a module has been deleted, you can delete the corresponding folder in DesktopModules.
Leith
New Around Here
Posts: 17
New Around Here
8/31/2020 4:38 PM
Thanks for the information. I setup a fresh DNN 9.4.4 and installed all the same modules the other installation had into it and used that to merge compare the bin folder. That allowed me to find the DLLs that were orphaned by old installs and remove them.
Joe Craig
Veteran Member
Posts: 1246
Veteran Member
MVP
MVP
You're an MVP!
8/31/2020 5:08 PM
That's a great way to do it!

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