Fix: The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142)

The error code “0xc0000142” is a common startup issue in Windows, causing applications to not launch. It usually means there is a problem with loading necessary DLLs. This error often points to corrupted or missing system files, especially in the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages.

The main cause is typically corrupted system files or missing DLLs, but it can also happen due to conflicts with third-party software or outdated drivers. Sometimes, certain Windows updates or system changes can make the system unstable, causing this error.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Reboot your computer

Restarting your computer can be effective as it clears temporary errors, resets processes, and reloads important system parts. This can fix issues with memory, application conflicts, or incomplete updates that stop programs from launching properly.

2. Run the application as an administrator.

Sometimes applications don’t start because they lack permission to access important system files. Running the application as an administrator gives it the permissions needed to access protected resources and libraries. This helps prevent errors related to loading necessary components.

1. Right-click on the application or game.
2. Click Properties and go to the Compatibility tab.

   

3. Tick ‘Run This Program as an Administrator’.
4. Check ‘Run This Program in Compatibility Mode For’, select Windows 7 or Windows 8.
5. Click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’.

   

6. Launch the application to see if it resolves the issue.

3. Change the current system locale.

Switching the system locale can fix compatibility problems. If the locale doesn’t match the program’s needs, it can cause errors like 0xc0000142. Adjusting the system locale ensures the program has the right language and format settings.

1. Open the Start Menu and type ‘Control Panel’, then open it.
2. Select Region from the options.

   

3. Go to Administrative and click ‘Change System Locale’.
4. Select your region, click OK, then Apply and OK again to save the changes.

   

5. Launch the application to see if the issue is resolved.

4. Modify the Registry File

Editing the registry can fix errors that prevent an application from starting by correcting system library or application path entries. Always back up the registry before making changes to avoid issues.

1. Open the Start Menu and type ‘cmd’.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as an administrator.

   

3. Enter the following command and press Enter:

   reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows" /v "LoadAppInit_DLLs" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

   

4. Check if the application issue is resolved.

5. Use commands to re-register all DLL files.

By resetting the registration of all DLL files, you’re addressing a key issue that often leads to application startup errors like 0xc0000142. When Windows fails to load necessary DLL files, applications can’t launch properly. Re-registering these files ensures the system recognizes and associates each file with its function, resolving issues from corrupt, missing, or outdated libraries.

1. To re-register, press Windows + R to open the Run Program.
2. Type ‘cmd’ and then press the ‘Enter’ key.

   

3. Copy and paste the following command and hit Enter:

   for %i in (%windir%\system32\*.ocx) do regsvr32.exe /s %i

   

4. Once done, check if the issue is resolved.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

To troubleshoot conflicts, perform a clean boot to isolate background processes or software that might interfere with application startup. Disabling non-essential services and programs allows necessary system components to run, helping identify if the error is from conflicting software.

1. Open the Start Menu and type ‘MSConfig’ to access System Configuration.
2. Select Selective Startup and click on the Services tab.

   

3. Check Hide All Microsoft Services and then click Disable All.

   

4. Restart your computer and launch the application to see if the error is resolved.

7. Run the repair commands.

Running SFC and DISM commands fixes system issues that cause errors like “0xc0000142.” SFC repairs damaged or missing system files, while DISM fixes deeper system image corruption. These commands ensure core system files are healthy to resolve application launch failures.

1. Type ‘cmd’ in the Start Menu search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run As Administrator.

   

3. Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   sfc /scannow

   

4. Attempt to launch the application to check if the error is resolved.

8. Reinstall the Microsoft .NET Framework

Refreshing the Microsoft .NET Framework can fix issues that stop applications from launching. Many applications need this framework to work correctly, so if it’s corrupted or outdated, it can cause problems. Reinstalling it replaces damaged files and ensures the application has what it needs to run, addressing errors like “0xc0000142.”

1. Press Win + R to open the Run window and type ‘control’, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
2. Go to ‘Programs & Features’.

   

3. In the left sidebar, click on ‘Turn Windows features on or off’, locate .NET Framework, uncheck it, and click OK to uninstall.
4. Check it again to reinstall, or download the latest version from the Microsoft website.

9. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

Reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages restores missing or damaged files needed by applications. These packages contain important components for running programs, and if they’re broken, apps might not start. Reinstalling ensures these essential components are in place, allowing applications to function properly.

1. Open the Start Menu and type Control Panel.
2. Go to ‘Uninstall a Program’ in Programs & Features.

   

3. Select Microsoft Visual C++ and click Uninstall.

   

4. Download and install the latest version of Microsoft Visual C++.

10. Update Windows

Outdated Windows versions can miss updates that fix stability and compatibility issues. Updating Windows applies the latest patches, fixing problems like corrupt files and software conflicts. Regular updates also improve system performance and reliability, reducing issues with running applications.

1. Press ‘Win + I’ to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.

   

3. Click ‘Check for Updates’, install any available updates, and then restart your computer.

   

12. Reinstall the Application or Game

If the previous solutions don’t work, reinstalling the application or game might be best. This replaces any missing or corrupted files and resets the software to its default settings, removing conflicts and giving the application a fresh start.