Frequently encountered, the error code 0xc0000142 often manifests when attempting to launch a specific application or program. While common, rest assured it is reparable. Typically, the root cause can be attributed to missing or damaged files. However, it’s worth noting that this error may stem from various sources.
Fortunately, resolving this issue is straightforward, and in this article, we will explore several methods to effectively troubleshoot and eliminate the error for good.
Error appearance:
Application was unable to start correctly. (0xC0000142)
Contents
- 1 Causes of error 0xc0000142
- 2 How to fix error 0xc0000142
- 2.1 Solution 1: Perform a Clean Boot
- 2.2 Solution 2: Repair corrupted system files
- 2.3 Solution 3: Update your graphics card drivers
- 2.4 Solution 4: Change the value of LoadAppInit_DLLs
- 2.5 Solution 5: Run the application in Compatibility Mode
- 2.6 Solution 6: Repair program throwing error 0xc0000142
- 2.7 Solution 7: Reinstall the program
Causes of error 0xc0000142
This pertains specifically to the program you are attempting to open, indicating a strong likelihood that the program itself has encountered a malfunction. Additionally, there are several potential culprits responsible for triggering error code 0xc0000142.
- Program file corruption
- Loss of system file (restricting to open Excel – 0xc0000142 office)
- Corrupted/incomplete software installation
- Missing DirectX and/or .NET framework
- Antivirus conflict
- Incorrect placement of registry files
- Unwanted installed programs
How to fix error 0xc0000142
No matter what error message appears on your Windows screen, don’t panic. Stay calm and take a moment to assess the root cause of the issue. If you are unable to identify the specific error, such as 0x80070422, begin troubleshooting with the provided solutions below.
Solution 1: Perform a Clean Boot
Initiating a clean boot serves as an excellent starting point to address various similar errors. Often, conflicts between startup programs can lead to such issues. A clean boot entails restarting the system with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, effectively mitigating these conflicts.
- Go to the Windows Search bar.
- Type in MSConfig and hit enter.
- System Configuration will appear in the search results. Open it.
- Go to the Service tab. Check the box against Hide all Microsoft Services.
- Choose the Disable all option.
- Now to the Startup tab.
- You can see an Open Task Manager option. Click it.
- When the Task Manager opens, choose Disable for all of the Startup items. Close it after that.
- Go back to the Startup tab of the System Configuration and choose the OK option.
- Restart your system.
Solution 2: Repair corrupted system files
The SFC, which stands for System File Checker, is a utility tool designed to search for and repair corrupted files within your system. Error 0xc0000142 may also arise from corrupted system files. The advantage of SFC is that it comes built-in with various versions of Windows, eliminating the need for manual installation.
- Press the Windows key + R key on your keyboard at the same time to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type in cmd and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Alternatively, you can use the search bar to look for cmd or Command Prompt. You do have to run it as an administrator either way.
- In the prompt screen type in SFC /scannow and then hit Enter. Be careful to put the space between SFC and /scannow.
- Now SFC will start to automatically detect and repair corrupted files.
Solution 3: Update your graphics card drivers
This approach targets the potential issues stemming from malfunctioning graphics card drivers, which could be a contributing factor to error code 0xc0000142. Occasionally, drivers may become corrupted or have missing or outdated files. In such cases, the most effective step is to update your graphics driver to resolve the problem.
- Get to the Windows Search bar.
- Use it to look for the Device Manager.
- Open the app from the search results. Or, Windows + X can get you the same option directly.
- Find the Display adapters in the Device Manager. Click on the arrow beside it to expand it.
- Now you should look for the graphics card that you are using. Right-click on it once you find it.
- Choose the Update Driver option from the menu.
- On the next window that appears, select Search automatically for updated driver software. If available, Windows will start installing the newest version of the driver.
- Once you are done with the installation, Reboot your PC.
Solution 4: Change the value of LoadAppInit_DLLs
DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries) are files containing code and data utilized by multiple applications. The AppInit_DLLs feature permits manipulation of these DLLs, offering an opportunity to enhance software performance.
- Press the Windows key + R key on your keyboard at the same time. The Run dialogue box will appear.
- In the Run dialogue box type in Regedit, and click on OK.
- Use the left pane of the screen to go to the location as follows: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion \Windows\LoadAppInit_DDLs
- Double click on LoadApplnit_DLLs on the left pane.
- In the value data, change the value from 1 to 0.
- Choose the OK option and then leave. This is all you need to do.
Solution 5: Run the application in Compatibility Mode
Launching the app in compatibility mode will resolve any potential software compatibility issues that may be present.
- Right-click on the app that is showing the error.
- Choose the Properties option and select the Compatibility tab from it.
- Choose Run Compatibility Troubleshooter from this tab.
- Now check the box against Run this program in compatibility mode.
- Choose the compatibility mode according to your preference.
- Under Settings panel, check the box against Run this program as an administrator.
- Choose the Apply option and then leave.
- On the next window, choose the recommended settings option.
- Click on Test the program… and if it runs, choose Yes, save these settings for this program.
- If that doesn’t work, choose another operating system and try again.
Solution 6: Repair program throwing error 0xc0000142
Solution 6: Repair program throwing error 0xc0000142The trouble arises due to corrupted files within a specific program. For instance, Microsoft Excel was displaying the “The application was unable to start correctly” error. However, we resolved the issue by repairing the entire installation, and successfully fixing the 0xc0000142 Office error. Here’s how you can fix it:
- Open Settings panel and search for Apps & features.
- Find the program causing issues out of the listed install program.
- Tap on the program and choose Modify option.
- Select Yes when it asks if you are okay to make changes to your device.
- Choose Online Repair at last and it will start the repair process.
Solution 7: Reinstall the program
Essentially, resolving the 0xc0000142 Office error involves uninstalling and reinstalling the program causing the issue. For instance, if Microsoft PowerPoint is giving you this error, it might be due to compatibility issues with the latest version of Microsoft Office.
To easily solve the 0xc0000142 Office error, start by uninstalling Microsoft Office. Following that, it is advisable to install an older version, such as Office 2016, as there isn’t a significant difference between the 2016 and 2019 versions. This should help resolve the issue without any complications.
Wrapping up,
The error code in question is 0xc0000142, and like any other error, it can be disruptive and frustrating during your work. This article presents several methods to resolve the issue. Give them a try, fix the error, and quickly get back to whatever you were doing without any further interruptions.
