How do you catch missing DLL errors?

[JohnR]

Hi all.. my application uses a custom dll which should be in the same
directory as the exe file. If the dll file is missing the application
immediately aborts with a "Applicatio n has generated an exception that could
not be handled" exception.

I would like to catch the error and display a meaningful message. I tried
TRY CATCH in the SUB Main(), I tried ON ERROR in the SUB Main(), I also
tried to test for a fileinfo.exists on the dll file right at the beginning
of the program. Nothing seems to be able to catch the error before it
happens.

One other piece of info... The application has a Startup Module which is
the starting point. This is where I define my "error handler of last
resort". In the startup module I do an Application.Run (new FORM1) to get
the actual program kicked off. I believe that the problem might arise
because in the startup module I do an IMPORT of my custom DLL file, and I
also create a reference to a singleton pattern class which is defined in the
"missing" DLL. Here is the reference to the class in the DLL file: Dim
GlobalItems As GlobalLibraryVa rs = getGlobalVarsOb ject()

So, between the Imports statement and generating the DIM that references the
"missing" DLL file, I don't seem to be able to catch the error. Looks as if
the system processes the DIM statements before executing the Sub Main()
procedure. If that is the case, it's trying to access the DLL library
before I get control in the Sub Main() to set an error handler...

Am I missing something obvious? Any suggestions?

thanks, John