Quick Summary
Error code 0xc0000142 signifies that the application failed to initialize correctly during startup. This usually indicates an issue with the application's dependencies, system files, or permissions.
Common Causes
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files, particularly DLLs, can prevent applications from starting. This can occur due to malware infections, improper shutdowns, or software conflicts.
- Insufficient Permissions: The application may lack the necessary permissions to access required resources or files. This is often seen when the application requires administrative privileges but is not running as an administrator.
- Incompatible or Corrupted Visual C++ Redistributables: Many applications rely on Visual C++ Redistributables. If these are missing, corrupted, or the wrong version is installed, the application may fail to start.
- Malware Infection: Malware can interfere with application execution by damaging files, injecting malicious code, or blocking access to system resources.
- Driver Issues: Incompatible or outdated drivers can cause application launch failures. This is more common with graphic-intensive applications like games.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run the Application as Administrator
Step 1: Right-click on the application's executable file.
Step 2: Select "Run as administrator".
Step 3: If this resolves the issue, you can configure the application to always run as administrator by right-clicking the executable, selecting "Properties", clicking the "Compatibility" tab, and checking the box labeled "Run this program as an administrator".
Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for 'cmd', right-click, and select "Run as administrator").
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
Step 4: If any errors are found, follow the on-screen instructions to fix them.
Method 3: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables
Step 1: Go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features.
Step 2: Uninstall all versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
Step 3: Download and install the latest versions of Visual C++ Redistributable from the Microsoft website. Ensure you download both x86 and x64 versions.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot
Step 1: Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab.
Step 3: Check the box labeled "Hide all Microsoft services".
Step 4: Click "Disable all".
Step 5: Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager".
Step 6: In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
Step 7: Close Task Manager and click "Apply" and "OK" in the System Configuration window.
Step 8: Restart your computer.
Step 9: After the restart, try running the application. If it works, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the conflicting program.
Method 5: Scan for Malware
Step 1: Run a full system scan using your antivirus software.
Step 2: If you don't have antivirus software installed, download and run a scan with Microsoft Defender Offline Scan.
Step 3: Follow the instructions provided by the antivirus software to remove any identified threats.
Method 6: Update Graphics Drivers
Step 1: Press Windows key + X and select "Device Manager".
Step 2: Expand "Display adapters".
Step 3: Right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver".
Step 4: Choose "Search automatically for drivers".
Step 5: If Windows doesn't find a new driver, visit the manufacturer's website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver for your graphics card and operating system.
Step 6: Install the downloaded driver.