I found this on a Microsoft Windows forum.  AND IT WORKS !!! In Windows 7 the file  "C:\Users\ \AppData\Local\Stardock_Corporation\DellDock.exe_Url_zerevpyj2cwvrpvdb3tli4avbxq3yq3p\2.5.0.1527\user.config"  tends to get corrupted, expecially when an abnormal Windows shutdown or hung-up.  Delete the all directory "C:\Users\ \AppData\Local\Stardock_Corporation" and restart DellDock.    The directory will get regenerated and the program is up and running.   You dont need to uninstall or reinstall anything.  
I have a new Inspiron running Windows 7,  Last night I acccepted an update from Java and then got a message that "The Dell Dock Has encountered a problem and needs to close......Please tell Dell about this problem"  it says an error report has been created, but when I try to send the error report it  comes back "Threr was an error please try again"  at the same time ther is a dialogue box that comes up saying that "Dell Dock has stopped working Windows is trying to find a solution to this problem" I tried to do a system restore, but the only date I have to restore it back to  is this morning, and the Dock was not working at that time I also downloaded the Dell Dock and installed it but no go.. I have never done a Factory restore and am not sure if the lack of the Dell Dock is worth it, Could the Java update have caused this?  Has anyone got a fix for this or have any ideas?? 
Dell Dock...Gone