Fix: Windows Error Code 0xc0000417 (Unknown Software Exception)

An application might crash right away and show the message: “The exception unknown software exception (0xc0000417) occurred in the application” before it even opens fully. This error code means that an invalid setting or value was given to a basic part of the program that runs the application, causing it to stop working.

The most common cause is a conflict between third-party antivirus software and the program’s anti-cheat or memory tools. Other possible reasons include damaged system files, old drivers, or broken game files. Now that you know the causes, let’s discuss the solutions.

1. Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can quietly cause important features to stop working. Running this scan helps find and fix those damaged files by replacing them with healthy versions from the Windows cache or online. This process helps your applications work correctly again.

1. In the Start menu, type cmd.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. Enter the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow

4. Upon completion, execute the next set of commands one by one:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. These commands will scan and repair system file issues that may prevent certain programs from running.
6. Once done, reopen your game and check for the error.

2. Allow the App to Communicate Through Windows Firewall

Blocked network access can stop an app from loading important online parts. By updating your firewall settings, you allow the program to send and receive data freely. This helps prevent crashes caused by network restrictions.

1. Click on Start.
2. Type Windows Security and open it.

3. Navigate to Firewall & network protection.
4. Select Allow an app through the firewall.

5. Click Change Settings.

6. Select the app you wish to allow through the firewall. If it’s not listed, click Allow another app and locate it manually.

7. Check Private network to limit firewall exceptions to trusted networks.
8. Click OK to apply the changes.

3. Enable Low Resolution

Display issues or crashes when opening the app can happen if your screen settings are not compatible. Reducing the screen resolution makes your system use simpler display modes. This helps avoid problems with high-DPI settings or graphic features that your system may not support.

1. Right-click on your desktop.
2. Choose Display Settings.

3. Under Display Resolution, click the drop-down arrow.

4. Select a lower display resolution from the list.
5. Now launch your game to check if the issue is resolved.

4. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Older applications or games may not work correctly on newer versions of Windows, causing errors. This tool automatically finds and adjusts settings such as display options, permissions, and compatibility modes to help these programs run more smoothly.

1. Right-click the program or game displaying the 0xc0000417 error, then select Properties.
2. Move to the Compatibility tab.
3. Click Run compatibility troubleshooter.

4. Allow the scan to finish, then attempt to launch your program or game.

5. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Unexpected application errors often occur after incomplete or failed system updates. This troubleshooter scans for any update problems or interruptions and fixes them. By restoring normal update functionality, it can also resolve related issues that may be affecting your applications.

1. Click on Start.
2. Type Troubleshoot and select Troubleshoot settings.

3. Choose Run additional troubleshooters.

4. Click Windows Update.
5. Select Run this troubleshooter.

6. After the scan completes, try running your game again.

6. Reinstall the Game

Sometimes, serious installation problems or damaged game files cannot be fixed by updating or checking the files alone. Reinstalling the game replaces all files with fresh ones and sets them up correctly, removing hidden problems that might be causing the game to crash.

1. Type Uninstall in the Start menu.
2. Click Add or remove programs.

3. Find and select the game or application you want to uninstall.

4. Click Uninstall and confirm your choice.
5. After the uninstallation is complete, reinstall the game to restore any lost or damaged files.

7. Perform a System Restore

Unexpected behavior after recent software changes or updates can point to problems within the system. This step restores your system to an earlier, stable state, undoing recent changes that may have caused the issue, without affecting your personal files.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type System Restore and select Create a restore point.

3. Within the window, go to System Protection > System Restore.

4. Click Next.

5. Select a restore point from a date when your system was working correctly. You can also use Scan for affected programs to see which applications will be removed.

6. Click Next, then select Finish to start the restore process.
7. After the restoration is complete, reinstall your game if needed.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

Background services from other software can sometimes silently affect how programs start or use computer resources. Doing a clean boot turns off unnecessary services, making it easier to find out which program is causing the problem.

1. Press the Win + R keys together.
2. Type msconfig and click OK.
3. In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.

4. Navigate to the Startup tab.
5. Click Open Task Manager.

6. Disable all enabled startup programs and make a note of which ones you change.

7. Close Task Manager.
8. Return to the Startup tab and click OK.
9. Restart your computer to boot into a clean state.

Identifying the Problem in Clean Boot

Run your game. If it launches without error, follow these steps to identify the interfering software:

1. Press Win + R and enter msconfig.
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Ensure Hide all Microsoft services is selected.
4. Uncheck the upper half of all non-Microsoft services.

5. Click OK and restart your PC.
6. Check if the error persists after rebooting.

First Case: If the error does not occur, one of the unchecked services is causing the problem. To narrow it down, disable only the upper-half services and enable the lower half, then restart. If the error returns, disable several services at a time until you find the one responsible.

Second Case: If the error still appears, one of the checked services is likely the issue. Continue disabling a few services at a time and restarting your computer to identify which one is at fault.

After isolating the problematic service, you can leave it disabled or seek support from its manufacturer. If no service is responsible, move to the next step.

7. Switch to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
8. Enable the upper half of the previously disabled programs.
9. Restart your computer and see if the error returns.

First case: If the error does not reappear, then one of the programs you left disabled was the cause. To confirm, disable the upper half and enable the lower half, restarting each time. Continue this process to pinpoint the problematic software.

Second case: If the error reoccurs, progressively disable a few programs at a time and restart until the issue no longer appears.

Once you have identified the conflicting program or service, consider reaching out to its developer for a solution, or continue running your system with it disabled.

If neither a service nor a startup program was causing the problem, a Microsoft service could be responsible. Review the Windows recovery options for further assistance.

Restart Your Computer in Normal Mode After a Clean Boot

To return your computer to its normal startup state after troubleshooting, follow these instructions:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and open the General tab.
2. Select Normal Startup.

3. On the Services tab, uncheck Hide all Microsoft services and click Enable all.

4. If you identified a problematic service or program, keep it disabled.
5. Click Apply.
6. Go to the Startup tab.
7. Open Task Manager.

8. Re-enable all the programs you previously disabled.

9. If you found a problematic program, be sure to keep it disabled.
10. Select OK and restart your computer.

If you continue to experience issues, contact Microsoft support or share your question on the Microsoft forum. Moderators and developers can provide additional solutions tailored to your specific situation.