Quick Summary
The error code C0000005, also known as an Access Violation, indicates that a program is trying to access a memory location that it doesn't have permission to access. This typically means a software component is attempting to read or write to protected memory.
Common Causes
- Faulty RAM: Defective or improperly seated RAM modules can lead to memory access errors, triggering an Access Violation.
- Driver Issues: Incompatible, corrupt, or outdated drivers can cause applications to access memory incorrectly, resulting in the error.
- Software Bugs: Bugs within the application's code itself can cause it to attempt to read or write to invalid memory addresses.
- Antivirus Interference: Overly aggressive antivirus programs can sometimes mistakenly block legitimate applications from accessing memory, leading to the C0000005 error.
- Operating System Corruption: Corrupted system files or a damaged registry can cause widespread memory access issues.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run Memory Diagnostic Tool
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'mdsched.exe', and press Enter.
Step 2: Choose whether to restart now and check for problems, or schedule the test for the next restart.
Step 3: Allow the memory diagnostic tool to complete. After the restart, view the results in the Event Viewer (Windows Logs > System).
Step 4: If errors are found, consider replacing the RAM modules.
Method 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'Device Manager', and press Enter.
Step 2: Expand each category and look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark (indicating a problem).
Step 3: Right-click the problematic device and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'.
Step 4: If that doesn't work, try 'Update driver' again, but this time choose 'Browse my computer for drivers' and select a previously downloaded driver or use the 'Roll Back Driver' option if available.
Method 3: Perform a Clean Boot
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'msconfig', and press Enter.
Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the 'Services' tab. Check 'Hide all Microsoft services' and then click 'Disable all'.
Step 3: Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager'.
Step 4: In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
Step 5: Close Task Manager and click 'Apply' and 'OK' in the System Configuration window. Restart your computer.
Step 6: After the restart, check if the error persists. If the error is gone, re-enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the problematic application.
Method 4: Check Antivirus Software
Step 1: Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
Step 2: Try running the application that was causing the error.
Step 3: If the error disappears, the Antivirus is the issue. Add an exception for the application in your antivirus software's settings or consider using a different antivirus solution.
Step 4: Remember to re-enable your antivirus software afterwards if no issue is found.
Method 5: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter.
Step 3: Allow the scan to complete. This may take some time.
Step 4: If any errors are found, follow any on-screen prompts to fix them.