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How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000142 in Windows 10!

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There are a lot of you out there who know how superior the Windows OS is to its competitors in customer satisfaction as well as in being user friendly. The one very prominent issue everyone faces is the error code 0xc0000142 in Windows 10. The statement reads, “The application was unable to start correctly(0xc0000142). Click OK to close the application”. It can occur in Microsoft Office programmes like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or any other application or software. Though annoying, this error code is common among Windows users and there is nothing to worry about. 

This troubling error is often encountered when you install or open a new application. There are a lot of reasons as to why it happens but if you are new to computers let us assure you, this is not a virus and it is not affecting your computer in any way. 

What Causes the Error 0xc0000142?

Now, what is error code 0xc0000142? Usually the error occurs when a user tries to run an unidentified game but sometimes it is also seen when trying to open a Word Document or apps like AutoDesk etc.

How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000142 on Windows 10

In some cases, the 0xc0000142 error can also be caused by a virus infection or due to problematic graphics card drivers, or because a Windows update has not installed correctly. Usually this error occurs in Windows 10 only but sometimes it can also occur in lower versions of Windows like 8, 7 and XP too. 

At times the error is being caused when the user tries to run “cmd.exe“ which is the DOS emulator program for your computer. 

To sum it up, this particular error occurs when the programme is corrupt or damaged. There is a simple or easy way to fix it and no there is no issue with your PC or laptop.

Some other probable causes for the error to pop on your screen are as follows:

  • Full Memory
  • Files registered as corrupt
  • Windows not updated successfully
  • Incomplete update of Windows patches
  • Malware
  • The program you are trying to run is out of date

6 Ways to Fix 0xc0000142 Error in Windows 10!

There are a lot of ways to fix this issue with the error just as there are many ways in which this error occurs. Here we list down some of the most common ones and the ways in which you could easily and accurately eradicate this pest.

1. Uninstall Third Party Antivirus Application(s)

Some Antivirus software are very sensitive or rigid towards malware or some types of programmes and give false alerts. Given permissions, these Antivirus apps can directly stop you from opening or loading a certain application or programme. First try to disable the permissions you have given to the software and after that if the problem still persists then just go ahead and uninstall it.

As we said before, this error does not pop because your computer is damaged or that there is a virus affecting your computer. This issue occurs due to a lot of reasons and these AntiVirus applications too mean no harm but they are made to boost your security which in turn does not allow you to load a single or sometimes multiple files in different formats.

2. Update or Reinstall the Programme

Very often than not, the issue because of which this issue occurs is because the programme is outdated. 

#1. A simple way is to update the programme and run it.

#2. If the problem still persists, then just go ahead and uninstall the programme and reinstall it. This is a quite simple but unbreakable spell. 

If you’ve changed or updated recently on your Windows 10 computer or laptop, we recommend you to revert it back using a system restore. Just in case, if you’re unable to use the system restore option in Windows 10, you can find several alternatives in this post. This can surely get your system back to its original and might solve the error 0xc0000142 too. 

3. Change the Value of LoadAppInit_DLLs

#1. Hold the windows button and press R so the Run Command will pop open. There type “Regedit”.

#2. Go to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion \Windows\LoadAppInit_DLLs “ location in the registry editor.

#3. Double click LoadAppInit_DLLs and change the value from 1 to 0.

#4. By clicking OK you will accept and exit. Now the program will run.

4. Run the Application in Compatibility Mode

#1. Right click on the file that is giving application error 0xc0000142.

#2. Click on Properties followed by the Compatibility tab.

#3. Click on “Run Compatibility Troubleshooter” if the tricks work, save the settings if not then continue.

#4. Put a check mark on Run this program in compatibility mode for.

#5. Select the operating system under which the following programme works.

#6. Put a tick mark on “Run this program as an administrator” under Privilege Level.

#7. By clicking on allow, you are accepting the changes made and then exit. 

The problem should now be resolved after following the above methods. If not, don’t worry we have a couple of more ways to get the job done. Keep trying! 

5. Run System File Checker (SFC)

#1. Start by right clicking on the Windows button on your bottom left of the home screen.

#2. Click on “Command Prompt”(admin).

#3. Click on yes on the popped up screen so you will have the admin level accessibility on the Command Prompt.

#4. Type sfc /scannow and wait for the process to finish.

#5. Restart your device.

Recommended Post: Best GarageBand Alternatives for Windows 

6. Start the Computer in Safe Mode

#1. Go to Settings by clicking on the Windows Start button.

#2. Open “Update & Security” and go to “Recovery.”

#3. In there you will find “Advanced Startup”, click on it and then on “Restart Now.”

#4. Once restarted, go to choose an option and select “Troubleshoot.”

#5. Then go to Advanced Options there click on “Startup Settings” followed by “Restart.” You could be asked for the “Bitlocker Recovery Key”. If asked, Enter it and click on “Restart.”

#6. Once the settings are over and the computer has restarted, choose the Startup Settings that you want.

Your computer will then reboot, presenting you with a menu. Select option ‘4’ to “Enable Safe Mode” or choose option ‘5’ to select “Safe Mode” with Networking if you’re connected to a Network.

Closing Thoughts!

The error that you just faced is pretty common. As difficult as it may seem to shake it off, the answer to your issue is actually pretty easy. All the above mentioned methods to solve and eradicate your problem are safe and can be done by a novice too if the steps are followed with perfection. 

These methods will pretty easily solve the error code 0xc0000142 in Windows 10. If the problem still persists or if there are any other queries, feel free to leave a comment and we will encounter it with utmost care. 

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Ricky Shah
Ricky Shah

Ricky started GeniusGeeks in 2009 and there's no turning back since then! His flair of writing Windows OS related technical articles has been his hallmark! When not writing, he's often found exploring productivity and project management tools!

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