Fixing the "The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly 0xc0000142" Error: A Detailed Guide

How to Fix "The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly 0xc0000142"? There are several methods to consider when dealing with this error, such as upgrading outdated tools or repairing corrupted files. Follow the detailed instructions in this article for effective solutions.

Causes and Effects of Error 0xc0000142

1. Causes 

The error "The application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000142" is a type of error that prevents programs or software from running. It is usually caused by corrupted installation files, making it impossible for the system to find the appropriate file and leading to the 0xc0000142 error notification.

2. Effects 

Generally, the "The application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000142" error does not severely affect the software or program. Instead, it simply alerts the user to the specific issue causing the program or software not to launch.

5 Simple Ways to Fix the Error

Here are some useful suggestions for fixing the "The application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000142" error:

1. Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer is a simple fix you should try first, as sometimes the computer may freeze or lag, preventing access to certain files needed to launch programs or software, leading to the error.

2. Change the Value of the LoadAppInit_DLLs File

Quick Guide:

Press Windows + R > Enter "Regedit" and click OK > Find the LoadAppInit_DLLs file under Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows > Change the Value data to 0 > Click OK to save.

Detailed Guide

Step 1. Open the Run window by pressing Windows + R. Enter "Regedit" in the search box > Click OK.

Step 2. The Registry Editor window will appear.

Step 3. Find the LoadAppInit_DLLs file under Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows.

Step 4. Double-click on the LoadAppInit_DLLs file you found > A dialog box will open > Change the Value data to 0 > Click OK to save the changes.

3. Uninstall Recently Downloaded Applications

Quick Guide:

Go to Start > Select Settings > Choose Apps > Uninstall recent applications under Apps & Features.

Detailed Guide

Step 1. Go to Start > Click on Settings to open the software and applications settings.

Step 2. Select Apps.

Step 3. Under Apps & Features, you will see a list of the most recently installed applications. Uninstall the software or applications installed recently to fix the "The application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000142" error.

4. Set Compatibility Mode

Quick Guide:

Right-click on the faulty application > Select Properties > Choose Compatibility > Select Run compatibility troubleshooter > Choose Try recommended settings > Select Test the program > Click Next > Select Yes, save these settings for this program > Check Run this program in compatibility mode for > Choose a compatible operating system > Check Run this program as an administrator > Click Apply > Click OK to save.

Detailed Guide

Step 1. Right-click on the faulty application and select Properties.

Step 2. A dialog box will open > Select Compatibility > Choose Run compatibility troubleshooter.

Step 3. Select Try recommended settings.

Step 4. Click Test the program to run the program with the 0xc0000142 error. If it launches successfully, the dialog box will close automatically > Click Next to continue.

Step 5. Select Yes, save these settings for this program.

Step 6. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for > Choose Windows 7 or another compatible operating system.

Step 7. Check the box for Run this program as an administrator > Click Apply to apply this setting > Click OK to save.

5. Use System File Checker

Quick Guide:

Go to Start > Select Windows PowerShell > Click Yes to access Windows PowerShell > Enter the command "sfc /scannow" > Press Enter to fix the "The application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000142" error.

Detailed Guide

Step 1. Press Start > Select Windows PowerShell or type "cmd" to open Command Prompt for Windows XP/Windows 7.

Step 2. A notification will appear asking if you want to allow access to Windows PowerShell > Click Yes to access the administrator window.

Step 3. Enter the command "sfc /scannow" > Press Enter and wait for the computer to fix the error. After fixing, restart the program or application.

Hopefully, after following the steps in this guide, you will successfully fix the "The application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000142" error.