How to Fix Application Error (0xc0000005) in Various Windows Applications
Quick Answer
The 'Application Error (0xc0000005)' indicates an Access Violation, meaning a program attempted to access a protected memory location. This often occurs due to corrupted system files, faulty RAM, or incompatible software. A quick resolution often involves restarting the application or the computer, or checking for recent software updates.
What Causes This Error
- Corrupted system files or application files.
- Faulty or insufficient Random Access Memory (RAM).
- Incompatible or outdated device drivers.
- Malware or virus infections.
- Incorrectly configured Data Execution Prevention (DEP) settings.
- Conflicts with third-party software, such as antivirus programs.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Restart the Application and Computer
- Close the application displaying the 'Application Error (0xc0000005)' message.
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
- In the 'Processes' tab, locate any remaining processes related to the problematic application, select them, and click 'End task'.
- Restart your computer.
- Attempt to launch the application again.
2Run System File Checker (SFC)
- Open the Start menu, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- In the Command Prompt window, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter.
- Allow the scan to complete. This process may take several minutes.
- If corrupted files are found and repaired, restart your computer.
- Attempt to launch the application again.
3Update Device Drivers
- Open the Start menu, type 'Device Manager', and select 'Device Manager' from the results.
- Expand categories such as 'Display adapters', 'Sound, video and game controllers', and 'Network adapters'.
- Right-click on each device, select 'Update driver', and then choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software'.
- Repeat this process for any other critical hardware components.
- Restart your computer after updating drivers and test the application.
4Scan for Malware
- Ensure your antivirus software is up to date. Open your antivirus application and check for updates.
- Initiate a full system scan using your antivirus software.
- Allow the scan to complete and follow any instructions to quarantine or remove detected threats.
- Restart your computer after the scan.
- Attempt to launch the application again.
Advanced Fixes
Configure Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
- Open the Start menu, type 'This PC', right-click on 'This PC', and select 'Properties'.
- Click on 'Advanced system settings' on the left pane.
- In the 'System Properties' window, go to the 'Advanced' tab and click 'Settings' under 'Performance'.
- Go to the 'Data Execution Prevention' tab.
- Select 'Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only'.
- Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'. Restart your computer and test the application.
- If the error persists, return to the DEP settings, select 'Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select:', and click 'Add'.
- Navigate to the executable file of the problematic application, select it, and click 'Open'.
- Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'. Restart your computer and test the application.
Perform a Clean Boot
- Open the Start menu, type 'msconfig', and select 'System Configuration'.
- Go to the 'Services' tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services', and then click 'Disable all'.
- Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager'.
- In Task Manager, for each startup item, select it and click 'Disable'. Close Task Manager.
- Click 'OK' in the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
- Attempt to launch the application. If it works, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the conflict.
- To return to normal startup, go back to System Configuration, select 'Normal startup' on the 'General' tab, and click 'OK'.
Test RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Save all open work and close all applications.
- Open the Start menu, type 'Windows Memory Diagnostic', and select the application.
- Choose 'Restart now and check for problems (recommended)'.
- Your computer will restart and run the memory test.
- After the test, Windows will restart automatically. Check the Event Viewer for the test results (Windows Logs > System, look for MemoryDiagnostic entries).
- If errors are detected, consider replacing the RAM modules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does '0xc0000005' specifically mean?
The '0xc0000005' error code is an Access Violation error. It indicates that a program attempted to access a memory location that it was not authorized to access, or that was already in use by another process. This often points to issues with memory, corrupted files, or software conflicts.
Can a simple Windows update fix this Application Error?
Yes, sometimes. Windows updates often include patches for system stability, driver updates, and security fixes that can resolve underlying issues causing an 'Application Error'. Ensuring your operating system is up to date is a recommended troubleshooting step.
Is this error always caused by hardware failure?
No, not always. While faulty RAM can be a cause, the 'Application Error (0xc0000005)' can also stem from software issues such as corrupted application files, outdated drivers, malware infections, or conflicts with other installed programs. Hardware is one potential cause among several.
Will reinstalling the problematic application help?
Reinstalling the application can resolve the 'Application Error' if the issue is due to corrupted application files, incorrect installation, or missing components. It is a valid troubleshooting step, especially after trying basic fixes. Ensure you download the installer from the official source.
How do I prevent this error from happening again?
To minimize the recurrence of this error, regularly update your operating system and drivers, maintain up-to-date antivirus software, perform routine system scans, ensure sufficient free disk space, and avoid installing software from untrusted sources. Addressing any detected hardware issues, such as faulty RAM, is also crucial.