How to Fix the Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)

In this guide, we take a look at trying to resolve error code 0xc0000142. This error can show up in almost any app or game but is well known to show up in Microsoft Office, Fortnite, Steam, AutoCAD and many more. Here are the steps you need to take to find and repair this error.

there are many reasons why this error could happen. If you run any one of these steps and the problem isn't resolved, please revert any changes where you can. Otherwise, there could be complications. We will be reminding you of this as we proceed. You can follow step-by-step

1: Modify a Registry Key

A DLL file sometimes causes these errors, so we want to try and change LoadAppinit_DLLs in the registry from 1 to 0. Once again, be sure to back up your registry or return to this page to follow the instructions to restore that key to 1.

Press the Windows Key + R and type in regedit and press enter. Copy and paste or navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows. Double-click on LoadAppinit_DLLs and look at the Value data. If it is 1, change it to 0. Otherwise, close regedit and do nothing.

2: Diagnose Services With a Clean Boot

Some people have found that Services are causing the problem. This is also one of the places people break their computers if you don't restore the settings later.

Press the Windows Key + S and type in system configuration until you see system configuration and click on that. If you don't see it, press the Windows Key + S, type in msconfig and press enter.

Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services. Next, click on Disable all.

4: Uninstall The App or Game

We hate to have to uninstall anything and reinstall because of the time it takes. But, if the first three steps failed, you may have no choice. We prefer to use a third-party uninstaller to make sure everything is removed; otherwise, leftover files and registry entries could cause the problem to reappear immediately try using IOBit Uninstaller.

5: The Usual Suspects

The first three steps should fix most problems, but let's take a look at other possibilities that can help as well.

Make sure your drivers are up to date. You can use Driver Booster.
Be sure Windows Update is current. Go to your Control Panel, Updates and Security and check for updates. We've seen numerous problems appear while Windows Updates are pending.

Update Microsoft.Net. You can use Microsoft .NET Framework Redistributable Package from Microsoft
If you have the Intel Driver Update Utility you should update or uninstall it.

6: Fix Problems With Windows Repair

Windows Repair can fix some registry and file association issues. It takes a long time to run everything, so choose a handful of scans to run only. Windows Repair can also backup your registry and run System File Checker as well.