How to copy or replace DLLs from your GAC

  • Article

If you want to actually browse DLLs in your GAC at C:\Windows\assembly\ follow the instructions below.  This register edit will disable the assembly viewer and instead let you browse files like you would any other folder and allow you to grab or copy files, etc.

1)    Use Regedit and go to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Fusion and add a REG_DWORD entry called “DisableCacheViewer” and set the value to 1

2)    After updating that entry you can path through to C:\Windows\assembly\ and copy or grab files, replace them, etc. 

WARNING: Always be careful and backup files before you replace them.  Also, make sure you hit CTRL+C to copy a file as dragging and dropping may actually move the file out of the folder.

Comments

  • Anonymous
    September 17, 2014
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    September 17, 2014
    HKLM = HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

  • Anonymous
    March 19, 2015
    Nice post and yes... I have an idea what you said.

  • Anonymous
    March 20, 2015
    FYI: as of Windows 8 this registry key is no longer supported. Windows 8 uses standard File Explorer to view C:WindowsAssemblies and not Assembly Viewer. Yes, I am working on a project involving the GAC on Windows 7 and 8 so my renewed interest in this flag.

  • Anonymous
    September 08, 2015
    Guys - this does not work in windows 8/10 - any ideas