How to Resolve the ” (0xc0000142)” Error for Office Apps

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Error for Office Apps

How to Resolve the “Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)” Error for Office Apps

Experiencing the “Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)” error when trying to open Office apps can be a significant inconvenience, especially for those who depend on Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Office applications for their daily work. This article delves into various strategies to overcome this challenge and ensure the smooth operation of Office apps on your Windows system. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge to fix the 0xc0000142 error and facilitate a seamless user experience with Office applications.

Strategies to Overcome the 0xc0000142 Error

Elevate Permissions

A common trigger for the “Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)” error is the insufficient permissions for Office apps to access necessary files. To mitigate this:

  • Right-click on the Office app icon (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Choose Run as administrator from the context menu.

If granting administrative privileges resolves the issue, consider adjusting your settings to allow Office apps to always run with administrative rights, ensuring unhindered access to essential resources.

Utilize Microsoft’s Repair Tool

Microsoft offers a tool designed specifically to fix common issues that may prevent Office apps from functioning correctly. This tool has proven effective for many users:

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Programs and Features window, locate your Microsoft Office suite, select it, and click Change.
  3. Opt for the Online Repair option and proceed by clicking Repair.

Manage Office Services

Two crucial services for Office apps are the Office Software Protection Platform and Microsoft Office Click-to-Run. These services validate your Office suite’s authenticity and manage updates. Ensure these services are active:

  1. Search for services using the taskbar search.
  2. Locate and right-click on the Microsoft Office Click-to-Run Service; choose Start or Restart.
  3. Do the same for the Office Software Protection Platform service, if available.

Re-Register DLL Files

Corrupted or inaccessible DLL files can also cause the 0xc0000142 error. To address this:

  1. Open Terminal (Admin) by right-clicking the Start button.
  2. Enter for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1 and press Enter.

Reinstall Microsoft Office

If the issue persists, it may be due to corrupt or missing core files. Uninstall and then reinstall Microsoft Office:

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Select Microsoft Office, click Uninstall, and follow the prompts to remove it.
  3. Download and install Microsoft Office from the official website.

Try Clean Boot Mode

A conflicting background program or service could be the culprit. Boot your PC in a clean boot state to identify and resolve any conflicts:

  1. Press Windows + R, enter msconfig.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration, go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
  3. Switch to the Startup tab, open Task Manager, and disable all third-party apps and programs.

Restart your PC and attempt to open Office apps again.

FAQs on Fixing the 0xc0000142 Error for Office Apps

Q1: What causes the 0xc0000142 error when opening Office apps?

A1: This error typically arises from permission issues, corrupted files, or conflicts with background services or programs.

Q2: Can running an Office app as an administrator fix the 0xc0000142 error?

A2: Yes, running Office apps with administrative privileges can often bypass the error by allowing access to required files.

Q3: How does the Microsoft Office Repair tool help?

A3: It diagnoses and fixes common problems that prevent Office apps from launching correctly.

Q4: Why are the Office Software Protection Platform and Click-to-Run services important?

A4: They ensure your Office suite is genuine and manage updates, which is vital for the apps’ operation.

Q5: What does re-registering DLL files accomplish?

A5: It addresses issues with corrupt or inaccessible DLL files that might prevent Office apps from starting.

Q6: Is reinstalling Microsoft Office a reliable solution?

A6: Yes, it can resolve issues related to corrupt or missing core Office files.

Q7: What is the purpose of starting Windows in a clean boot state?

A7: It helps identify if third-party programs are causing the 0xc

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