It can be very annoying to run into the dreaded “Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)” problem on Windows 10 or 11. When trying to launch applications, this issue frequently shows up with a message that stops your workflow or gaming session. It’s a widespread problem that often affects popular games and Office apps.
Usually, issues like faulty Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files, incompatibilities, or incomplete software installations are the cause of the 0xc0000142 error. However, efficient solutions can help you deal with it and restore the functionality of your apps.
In this guide, we’ll lead you through six tried-and-true solutions to correct the problem. Running compatibility mode, fixing corrupted system files, updating drivers, or re-registering necessary DLLs are all techniques designed to get rid of the underlying reasons for this problem.
By taking these actions, you will not only resolve the issue but also enhance your system’s general stability and functionality. Continue reading to learn how to effectively diagnose and fix the 0xc0000142 error, guaranteeing that your Windows computer may continue to be used for work and play games.
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#1 Run The Application In Compatible Mode
When outdated software is incompatible with contemporary operating systems like Windows 11 or 10, the error number 0xc0000142 frequently appears. By creating an environment that is appropriate for the software’s original design, Compatibility Mode can fix this problem. To activate Compatibility Mode, follow these steps:
- Find the installation folder for the software: To access the folder containing the affected software, press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
- Properties of Access: Choose Properties by right-clicking on the EXE file containing the application.
- Make compatibility mode active: Navigate to the Compatibility tab in the Properties box. Examine the box that says to utilize compatibility mode when using this program.
- Choose a Windows Version That Is Compatible: Select a Windows version that was up to date at the time the product was released, like Windows 7 or 8, from the drop-down option.
- Implement the Modifications: After selecting Apply, click OK to save your changes.
For automated support, you can also utilize the Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. This utility finds your software’s ideal settings and applies them automatically. In the Windows search bar, type “Program Compatibility Troubleshooter” to open it. By following these procedures, the error should be fixed and the software should function properly.
Scan System Files Of Your Computer
Essential parts of the Windows operating system, dynamic link libraries (DLLs) enable programs to share resources and code, cutting down on redundancy and increasing efficiency. DLL corruption, however, might result in system failures or interfere with software functionality. Inappropriate program uninstallation, flawed Windows updates, or poor software installations or upgrades can all lead to corruption. For example, a faulty DLL may remain after a botched installation or shared DLLs may be inadvertently erased during an uninstallation. Reinstalling the impacted software, using DLL fixer tools, or replacing the corrupted DLL with a new copy are the three ways to remedy such problems. System stability depends on maintaining DLL integrity.
DLLs and other corrupted system files may cause the error code 0xc0000142. Windows comes with built-in capabilities to identify and fix these kinds of problems.
- Launching the (SFC) as the owner(admin) will be your first move, to do that, search for “CMD” in Windows.
- Now enter and type: sfc /scannow code.
- Corrupted system files are scanned and automatically repaired.
- Additionally, to fix problems with system images, utilize the (DISM) tool. Do that by going to CMD and running the following command:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
This guarantees the integrity and functionality of the system image. To ensure the new changes, please restart after executing both programs. By successfully repairing file corruption, these tools assist you in getting rid of the 0xc0000142 issue.
Resolve The System Locale
The 0xc0000142 problem can occasionally be caused by incorrect system locale settings, particularly for non-Unicode applications that need certain regional setups. By aligning the software’s requirements with the location of your PC, changing the system locale guarantees compatibility. To set the correct system locale, take the following actions:
- Go to the Control Panel: Press Windows + R for an instant launch of the Control Panel.
- Navigate to the Region Settings: Inside Control Panel, head towards “Clock and Region” and go to “Region”.
- Open the Administration: Select the Administrative tab in the Region window.
- Modify the System Locale: Press the button labeled “Change system locale.” A new window will open.
- Choose the Appropriate Region: To select a locale that corresponds to your region or the one your software requires, use the drop-down option.
- Conserve Modifications: To complete the modifications, click Apply after selecting OK. Get out of the window.
For the updated locale settings to take effect, restart your computer. This technique guarantees that non-Unicode applications run without hiccups and may fix the 0xc0000142 problem by removing conflicts caused by regions. Setting up the locale correctly is very helpful for legacy or multinational software.
Edit Registry Key
When necessary DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are not correctly registered on the system, and the error number 0xc0000142 frequently appears. This problem can be fixed by reregistering every DLL file to make sure the system recognizes them properly. Here’s the method:
- With administrator rights, open the Command Prompt: In the search results, type Command Prompt, press Windows + S, and choose Run as administrator.
- Run the command for reregistration: Enter the command below and hit Enter: for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1
- With this command, every DLL file in the system is secretly registered without requiring a prompt.
- Wait for Completion: Don’t close the Command Prompt until the operation is complete.
Reregistering DLL files guarantees proper functionality, frequently fixing the 0xc0000142 issue and allowing impacted apps to resume regular operation.
Update Your GPU Driver
Updating your GPU can fix the application not opening correctly if the error is caused by your graphic drivers. Since most people use Nvidia GPU, we’ll guide you on how you can get the latest driver version quickly.
Nvidia graphics driver updates guarantee top performance and device compatibility. Take these actions:
- Navigate to the top-right option on the Nvidia webpage and select Drivers.
- Click Search after choosing your GPU specs from the dropdown selections.
- Click Download after choosing the correct version that works with your configuration.
- Click the.exe file to start the setup process once the download is finished.
- To install the driver, do whatever it says on the screen.
- If prompted, restart your computer. Updating your drivers on a regular basis maintains your GPU operating at peak performance with the newest fixes and improvements.
Update GPU Drivers On Windows 11
Graphics drivers are among the outdated drivers that Windows Update can identify and install. To bring them up to date:
- Choose Settings from the Start menu.
- Inside the said windows, go to “Windows Update”.
- Click “Check for Updates.”
The list will show any available driver updates, including those for graphics drivers. Observe the instructions to install them. Windows Update offers a simple method of updating basic drivers but with a restricted scope.
Enable .NET Framework 3.5
Older versions of the .NET Framework, like .NET Framework 3.5, are necessary for some programs to perform properly. If this framework is missing, the 0xc0000142 error could occur. .NET Framework 3.5 can be installed with PowerShell or the Command Prompt:
- To launch Command Prompt as an administrator, hit Win + R, type “cmd”, and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Instead of typing cmd for PowerShell, type powershell.
- Now execute the following command: Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:”NetFx3
- As an alternative, utilize this PowerShell command: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName “NetFx3”
The.NET Framework 3.5 installation is started by this command. To implement the modifications, restart your computer after the process is finished. This fix fixes incompatibilities and facilitates the operation of applications that rely on earlier iterations of the .NET Framework.
Conclusion
0xc0000142 Error is not a common problem with Windows users but it is not that rare either. Once in a while, there are many users who complain about this issue on Forums. It is frustrating to not be able to launch software or games that you may need to use. With solutions provided by CMDs, Registries, GPUs, and .Net Framework, enhancing your computer experience is possible. Particularly on the applications not opening up the problem, you can fix that using the methods we discussed.
