How to Fix Error 0xc0000142 - Application Unable to Start
STATUS_DLL_INIT_FAILED - A DLL initialization routine failed. This guide provides specific solutions for the 0xc0000142 error.
Table of Contents
What Does This Error Actually Mean?
Have you encountered How to Fix Error 0xc0000142 - Application Unable to Start? This is one of the most common Windows errors.
Quick Fix (Works for 80% of Users)
Why this works: The Software Protection service manages software licensing. When corrupted, it can prevent applications from starting.
### Steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter
Step 2: Find "Software Protection" service
Step 3: Right-click �?Properties �?Set Startup type to "Automatic"
Step 4: Click Start if the service is stopped
Step 5: Restart your computer
Solution 2: Repair Windows Runtime Libraries
Why this works: Runtime libraries can become corrupted after Windows updates or improper shutdowns.
### Steps:
Step 1: Open Settings �?Apps �?Installed apps
Step 2: Search for "Microsoft Visual C++"
Step 3: Click each version �?Modify �?Repair
Step 4: Repeat for all Visual C++ versions
Step 5: Restart your computer
Solution 3: Re-register Core Windows DLLs
Why this works: This re-registers all system DLLs, fixing registration corruption issues.
### Steps:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Step 2: Run: for %i in (%windir%\system32\*.dll) do regsvr32.exe /s %i
Step 3: Wait for the process to complete (may take 5-10 minutes)
Step 4: Restart your computer
Command Line Repair
For advanced users, these commands can repair the underlying system issues:
``batch
sfc /scannow && DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
`
How to run: Press Win + X`, select "Terminal (Admin)", paste the command, and press Enter.
Preventing Future Occurrences
Once you've fixed the 0XC0000142 error, here's how to prevent it from returning:
### System Maintenance
- Keep Windows Updated: Enable automatic updates
- Regular SFC Scans: Run sfc /scannow monthly
- Monitor Disk Health: Use CrystalDiskInfo
### Software Practices - Install Runtimes First: Ensure Visual C++ and DirectX are current - Use Official Sources: Only download from trusted sources - Create Restore Points: Before major software installations
### Preventing Future Issues
1. Keep Windows Updated: Regular updates patch known issues 2. Use Official Sources: Only download software from trusted websites 3. Maintain Runtime Libraries: Keep Visual C++ and DirectX current 4. Create System Restore Points: Before installing new software 5. Run Regular Maintenance: Use built-in Windows tools monthly