Does Windows Updates change DLLs?

[wwjd]

One of my friends has a practice of changing the status of DLLs to "read-only" on Windows OS (7 and XP). He recommends doing this immediately after installation for security i.e. in order to prevent malware execution.

Does that sound like a good idea, or do DLLs need stay writeable, in order for Updates to occur?

 

[Britton30]

A .dll file is a small program which augments another program's functions, as I understand. I don't think it's a good idea myself and I don't see how it would have any effect on an infection, they often come with their own .dll or several of them. The friend is wasting a lot of time, I have a big boatload of dlls in my system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic-link_library

 

[Layback Bear]

I know enough about dynamic-link-library to leave them alone.
I believe that your anti virus and other security programs will watch over them the best that can be done.

 

[LMiller7]

Setting a file to read only doesn't prevent it from being written to. This is really just an advisory to prevent you from accidentally modifying the file. Most Windows software will honor the setting but some will not. Also be aware that the setting is easily changeable by software. You can be 100% certain that malicious software will ignore it. As a security measure this is essentially worthless.

A good policy for all files in the Windows folder is to leave then completely alone unless you really understand what you are doing. For users who are not administrators this is enforced.