Getting Error Code 0xc0000142? Learn How to Fix

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  • Updated on February 18th, 2025

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Error Code 0xc0000142 is a Window-related error that typically appears when you attempt to open a program or an application. This error mainly affects applications like Microsoft Office and indicates issues with system files, software parts, or settings. As a result, it prevents the program from launching. But, what can we do about it? Before you begin with the solution, you must identify the cause of the error 0xc0000142. Here is a blog that will guide you through the possible solutions to restore your Office 365 applications. Well, to keep your Office 365 mailbox data secure, we suggest using Office 365 Email Backup Software.

What Could be Causing Error code 0xc0000142?

  • Faulty system configurations or environment variable problems could lead to this error.
  • Drivers, particularly for graphics and hardware, if outdated or incompatible might create issues when running programs.
  • Malicious software or viruses might corrupt files or cause system malfunctions can result in error 0xc0000142.
  • A third-party application or a background process could be interfering with the program you are attempting to launch.
  • System file errors or Windows registry issues can hinder the proper launch of applications. This error may appear when the Office application tries to run but encounters problems with critical system components.

How To Fix Error 0xc0000142?

Having understood the potential causes, let’s now explore ways to fix the error and get your Office 365 applications running smoothly.

Run the Program in Administrator Mode

Sometimes, launching an application as an administrator can fix the error 0xc0000142. This can be possible especially when the app needs higher permissions to interact with system resources. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Right-click the application icon.
  2. Now, choose Run as Administrator.
  3. See if the error persists.

Run SFC & DISM Scan

SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) are two built-in tools in Windows designed to help repair system files and fix issues with the operating system. Have a look on how to do it:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Now, type sfc /scannow to execute the System File Checker. Press Enter.
  3. Next, run the DISM scan by typing “DISM /online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and hit Enter.

This method should fix the Error code 0xc0000142. 

Check for Driver Issues

If your drivers—graphics or chipset drivers — are outdated or faulty, they could cause the error. Make sure to update all your drivers.

  1. Press Windows + X and Open Device Manager.
  2. Look through the categories to find devices with yellow warning signs.
  3. Now. right-click on the device with an issue and choose “Update Driver” or “Uninstall Device” to reinstall it.
  4. Reboot your computer after updating the drivers.

Run in Compatibility Mode

Having trouble with an older application? Try using compatibility mode to run it.

  1. Right-click on the app’s icon.
  2. Now, click on Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility option.
  4. Enable the option to Run this program in Compatibility mode.
  5. Now, from the drop-down menu, choose an earlier version of Windows, like Windows 7  or Windows 8.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Now, launch your app again.

Check for Windows Update

Ensure that your system is up-to-date, as updates often include patches that fix error 0xc0000142 one:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. On the left, click Windows Update.
  4. On the right side, click Check for Updates.
  5. Install if there are any pending updates.
  6. Now, restart your computer.
  7. Open your app and check if it functions properly.

Repair Office 365 to Fix Error Code 0xc0000142

One of the most common reasons for this error is the damaged Office installations. Microsoft offers a repair tool that can resolve issues without the need for a full re-installation. Below is a step-by-step process:

  1. Open the Control panel from the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.
  3. Select Microsoft 365 > Click Change.
  4. Choose Quick Repair and follow the instructions that pop up.
  5. Now, restart your computer and check if the error 0xc0000142 is resolved.

Disable Add-ins

Many times, corrupt add-ins lead to this kind of error in Office 365. By disabling all add-ins one can figure out if they are the reason behind the error.

  1. Open any MS Office program.
  2. Move to File > Option.
  3. Now, select Add-ins.
  4. In the Manage dropdown list, choose COM Add-ins and tap Go.
  5. Then, deselect all Add-ins. Click OK.

Reinstall Windows

If none of the above methods helps, try reinstalling Windows.

Step 1: Reset your PC

  1. Navigate to Settings > Update Security > Recovery.
  2. Now, go to Get Started beneath Reset this PC. You must now decide whether you want to keep your files or erase them.

Step 2: Set up New installation

  1. Use Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive.
  2. Restarting the PC.
  3. Boot from the USB to perform a new Windows installation. 

Update or Reinstall DirectX

If the error still persists in game applications, DirectX could be one of the causes. Reinstall it to fix error 0xc0000142.

  1. Head to the official DirectX download site.
  2. Select the language and click Download.
  3. Install the latest version of DirectX.
  4. Restart your PC once the installation is complete.
  5. Now, try to open your game.

Try Reinstalling MS Visual C++ Redistributable Files

Damaged MS Visual C++ Redistributable files might be the reason behind the error code 0xc0000142. Try to Reinstall them.

  1. First, visit the Microsoft download site.
  2. Then, download both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and install them.
  3. After installing them, restart your computer.

By Creating a New User Account

Sometimes, a corrupted user account may be the cause of the issue. By creating a new user account you might be able to fix the error 0xc0000142.

  1. First of all, open Settings.
  2. Then, move to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Now, click Add someone else to this PC and follow the instructions thereafter.
  4. Now, log in to your newly made account.

Start your PC in Safe Mode

By starting your computer in Safe Mode can fix error 0xc0000142. By doing this, we are only allowing important system components to work. Here’s how to begin the process:

  1. First, click on Windows > Settings.
  2. Then, Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
  3. At the bottom of Advanced Setup > Restart Now.
  4. After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
  5. Now, tap Restart.
  6. After your PC restarts again, hit F4 to start in Safe mode or Press F5, if you want Safe mode with networking.

By performing a Clean Boot to Resolve Error Code 0xc0000142

By using this method, you can identify whether a third-party software is behind the error or not. Take a look at how you can do it:

  1. Tap Windows + R, type ‘msconfig.’, and press Enter.
  2. The System Configuration window unfolds, go to Services > and select Hide all Microsoft Services.
  3. Then, select Disable All.
  4. Now, go to Startup > Task Manager. Disable all the items in Task Manager. 
  5. Now, restart your computer.
  6. Test the program now.

These are some of the debugging methods to fix error 0xc0000142. You can try any of them depending on the real cause of the error.

If you’re concerned about data loss or security, then the Office 365 Email Backup Tool is a reliable, trusted, and expert solution. This software enables users to create a backup of mailbox data. With this tool, one can save Office 365 data in formats, including PST, MBOX, PDF, MSG, JSON, HTML, EML, DOCX, and others. Moreover, when switching to other platforms, the software provides a convenient solution. 

Conclusion:

Error code 0xc0000142 is a common error in Office 365 applications and can be caused by several factors like corrupted files, software conflicts, malware, etc. It does not allow the application to start. This sometimes creates frustration among users. Tracking down the accurate cause may require troubleshooting, but the steps discussed above should have guided you toward solving the issue.

Related Post : Fix Outlook Timeout Error 0x8004210a.

About The Author:

Raj is a skilled technical writer who makes complicated topics easy to understand. With experience in email and cloud migration, he creates clear and engaging content that helps readers learn about technology. His work is trusted by many and has been featured on well-known tech sites.

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