Member Avatar for normanallen

I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit.
I am now getting a window coming up saying:
'The application was unable to start correctly (0xC0000142)'
when I run almost any program. A second click brings that program up normally.
My searches on this error number imply that there might be something wrong with the registry, but I do not want to run any kind of registry cleaner until I am sure that is where the problem is.
My scans for malware have not turned up anything.
If it is the registry what should I use?
If it isn't, where do I go from here?

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A short, practical follow-up that builds on what , , and have already tried.

The code 0xC0000142 is the OS-level STATUS_DLL_INIT_FAILED — it means a DLL failed during process initialization rather than a generic “bad exe.” That narrows troubleshooting toward loader/ DLL hooks, runtime libraries, or early initialization code. (support.microsoft.com)

Recommended diagnostic path (targeted; avoid blanket registry cleaners):

  • Inspect the Application log in Event Viewer for the exact crash time and the “Faulting module name”/exception details — that is often the single best clue. If the event log is empty, capture a loader trace or a crash dump (ProcDump/ProcMon) as the next step. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Look for injected/autostart hooks (AppInit DLLs, explorer/IE shell extensions, image hijacks). Use Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns to list and disable non-Microsoft entries (export before changing anything). AppInit DLLs can inject into many processes and are a frequent source of DLL-init failures. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • If the event points to a specific runtime DLL (VC runtime, msvcp/vcruntime, or .NET components), repair those runtimes rather than running a generic registry sweep: run the official .NET Framework Repair Tool and repair/reinstall the Visual C++ redistributables from Microsoft. (support.microsoft.com)

A few cautions and next steps: the timing in the thread suggests the CCleaner registry change coincided with the problem, so restore CCleaner’s backup or use System Restore before any aggressive registry edits. Microsoft does not support indiscriminate registry cleaner use and warns they can cause damage — prefer targeted diagnostics over automated “cleaners.” (learn.microsoft.com)

If these targeted checks identify a third‑party DLL, uninstall/repair that application (or remove the offending AppInit/autorun entry). If nothing appears, collect a dump (ProcDump) and the Event Log entries and consider a repair install / system restore as a last resort. (learn.microsoft.com)

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All 15 Replies

Member Avatar for Member #758415

Usually this error is to do with DLL initialisation. Have you tried inserting your Windows DVD and running System File Checker?

commented: Nice thinking +10
Member Avatar for jingda

Try what W1NDOW5 said. Alternatively, you can always download a registry cleaner. Or you can use the windows 7 installation disk, insert it. Go to start and select run and type cmd. When DOS prompt shows, type sfc/scannow

Edited by jingda because: n/a
Member Avatar for Member #758415

Try what W1NDOW5 said. Alternatively, you can always download a registry cleaner. Or you can use the windows 7 installation disk, insert it. Go to start and select run and type cmd. When DOS prompt shows, type sfc/scannow

Thanks for that, if you're trying to find a decent registry cleaner Piriform's CCleaner has always worked for me. Do what jingda said to run the system file checker.

Member Avatar for normanallen

Ran sfc, that came up with no problems at all. Looking a CCleaner now.

Member Avatar for Member #758415

Ok, come back with results ASAP

Member Avatar for normanallen

A very good friend has warned me not to run any registry cleaner, under any conditions whatsoever!
I've looked at what CCleaner says in it's Registry cleaner mode, and I can't see anything general enough to cause the kind of problem.
The types of error break down into the following categories
===
ActiveX/COM Issue
Installer Reference Issue (mostly Microsoft Silverlight)
Invalid or empty file class
Missing Shared DLL (mostly Microsoft.NET/Framework)
Missing TypeLib reference
Obsolete software key
Unused File extension
Unused registry key
====
so how does that help me with my problem?

Member Avatar for Member #758415

Just clean it and see if it helps. If no then let us know.

Member Avatar for Member #758415

Also can you give us a HijackThis log? This could point to any issues with your system at all.

Member Avatar for normanallen

Well. how about that for a bust. I ran CCleaner's registry fix and the error came up after HijackThis ran and tried to open Notepad to show the results!

I have renamed the log file as txt and attached it to this post (it does go on a bit!)

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 20:04:37, on 21/08/2011
Platform: Windows 7 SP1 (WinNT 6.00.3505)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v9.00 (9.00.8112.16421)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\taskhost.exe
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Windows\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\PC Tools Firewall Plus\FirewallGUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\Current\Framework\WRTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Nikon\Monitor\NkMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Preton\PretonSaver\PretonClient.exe
C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\WinPatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Service Manager\ServiceManager.exe
C:\ProgramData\LavaGuard Browsing Protection\lavaguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows iLivid Toolbar\Datamngr\datamngrUI.exe
C:\Program Files\ThreatFire\TFTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IDMan.exe
C:\Program Files\Second Copy 8\SecCopy.exe
C:\Program Files\DU Meter\DUMeter.exe
C:\Program Files\Stardock\CursorFX\CursorFX.exe
C:\Program Files\USB Safely Remove\USBSafelyRemove.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\PrintKey2000\Printkey2000.exe
C:\Program Files\TaskmgrPro\TaskmgrPro.exe
C:\Program Files\Secunia\PSI\psi_tray.exe
C:\Users\norman\AppData\Roaming\CBS Interactive\CNET TechTracker\TechTracker.exe
C:\Program Files\FreeMeter\FreeMeter.exe
C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Display\nvtray.exe
C:\IDrive\IDriveETray.exe
C:\IDrive\IDriveEBackground.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IEMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\FireTrust\MailWasher\MailWasherPro.exe
C:\Windows\system32\taskmgr.exe
C:\Windows\System32\msdt.exe
C:\Windows\System32\sdiagnhost.exe
C:\Windows\system32\conhost.exe
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HiJackThis\HiJackThis.exe
C:\Windows\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Windows\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://search.babylon.com/home
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = 
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = 
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = 
R3 - URLSearchHook: NCH EN Toolbar - {37483b40-c254-4a72-bda4-22ee90182c1e} - C:\Program Files\NCH_EN\prxtbNCH_.dll
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {a1e75a0e-4397-4ba8-bb50-e19fb66890f4} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: IDM Helper - {0055C089-8582-441B-A0BF-17B458C2A3A8} - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IDMIECC.dll
O2 - BHO: HP Print Enhancer - {0347C33E-8762-4905-BF09-768834316C61} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_printenhancer.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: NCH EN - {37483b40-c254-4a72-bda4-22ee90182c1e} - C:\Program Files\NCH_EN\prxtbNCH_.dll
O2 - BHO: ExplorerBHO Class - {449D0D6E-2412-4E61-B68F-1CB625CD9E52} - C:\Program Files\Classic Shell\ClassicExplorer32.dll
O2 - BHO: LavaGuard Toolbar - {6c97a91e-4524-4019-86af-2aa2d567bf5c} - C:\Program Files\lavaguardtb\lavaguardDx.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live ID Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Searchqu Toolbar - {99079a25-328f-4bd4-be04-00955acaa0a7} - C:\PROGRA~1\WI3C8A~1\Datamngr\ToolBar\searchqudtx.dll
O2 - BHO: Loader Class - {9D717F81-9148-4f12-8568-69135F087DB0} - C:\PROGRA~1\WI3C8A~1\Datamngr\BROWSE~1.DLL
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: HP Smart BHO Class - {FFFFFFFF-CF4E-4F2B-BDC2-0E72E116A856} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Classic Explorer Bar - {553891B7-A0D5-4526-BE18-D3CE461D6310} - C:\Program Files\Classic Shell\ClassicExplorer32.dll
O3 - Toolbar: NCH EN Toolbar - {37483b40-c254-4a72-bda4-22ee90182c1e} - C:\Program Files\NCH_EN\prxtbNCH_.dll
O3 - Toolbar: LavaGuard Toolbar - {6c97a91e-4524-4019-86af-2aa2d567bf5c} - C:\Program Files\lavaguardtb\lavaguardDx.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Searchqu Toolbar - {99079a25-328f-4bd4-be04-00955acaa0a7} - C:\PROGRA~1\WI3C8A~1\Datamngr\ToolBar\searchqudtx.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] "SOUNDMAN.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [00PCTFW] "C:\Program Files\PC Tools Firewall Plus\FirewallGUI.exe" -s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WebrootTrayApp] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\Current\Framework\WRTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Nikon Transfer Monitor] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Nikon\Monitor\NkMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PretonClient] "C:\Program Files\Preton\PretonSaver\PretonClient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinPatrol] "C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe" -expressboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ServiceManager.exe] "C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Service Manager\ServiceManager.exe" /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpqSRMon] "C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSRMon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LavaGuard Browsing Protection] "C:\ProgramData\LavaGuard Browsing Protection\lavaguard.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DATAMNGR] "C:\PROGRA~1\WI3C8A~1\Datamngr\DATAMN~1.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ashampoo HDD Control Guard] "C:\Program Files\Ashampoo\Ashampoo HDD Control\HDDControlGuard.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ThreatFire] "C:\Program Files\ThreatFire\TFTray.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [IDMan] "C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IDMan.exe" /onboot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Second Copy] "C:\Program Files\Second Copy 8\SecCopy.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DU Meter] "C:\Program Files\DU Meter\DUMeter.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [IDriveE Startup] "C:\IDrive\IDrvieEStartup.exe" Hide
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TClockEx] "C:\Program Files\TClockEx\TCLOCKEX.EXE"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CursorFX] "C:\Program Files\Stardock\CursorFX\CursorFX.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TaskmgrPro] "C:\Program Files\TaskmgrPro\TaskmpStart.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [USB Safely Remove] "C:\Program Files\USB Safely Remove\USBSafelyRemove.exe" /startup
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /autoRun (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\RunOnce: [mctadmin] C:\Windows\System32\mctadmin.exe (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /autoRun (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\RunOnce: [mctadmin] C:\Windows\System32\mctadmin.exe (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-387061296-2686591331-802062858-1004\..\Run: [Sidebar] "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe" /autoRun (User 'UpdatusUser')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-387061296-2686591331-802062858-1004\..\RunOnce: [mctadmin] "C:\Windows\System32\mctadmin.exe" (User 'UpdatusUser')
O4 - Startup: CNET TechTracker.lnk = norman\AppData\Roaming\CBS Interactive\CNET TechTracker\TechTracker.exe
O4 - Startup: Everything.lnk = C:\Program Files\Everything\Everything.exe
O4 - Startup: FreeMeter.lnk = C:\Program Files\FreeMeter\FreeMeter.exe
O4 - Startup: IDrive Tray.lnk = C:\IDrive\IDriveEReg2ini.exe
O4 - Startup: Karen's Time Sync.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Printkey2000.lnk = C:\Program Files\PrintKey2000\Printkey2000.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Secunia PSI Tray.lnk = C:\Program Files\Secunia\PSI\psi_tray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\Windows\system32\GPhotos.scr/200
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download all links with IDM - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IEGetAll.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with IDM - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IEExt.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office14\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Se&nd to OneNote - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office14\ONBttnIE.dll/105
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {64964764-1101-4bbd-8891-B56B1A53B9B3} - C:\Program Files\Classic Shell\ClassicExplorer32.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Show or hide HP Smart Web Printing - {DDE87865-83C5-48c4-8357-2F5B1AA84522} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\windows live\wlidnsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\windows live\wlidnsp.dll
O11 - Options group: [ACCELERATED_GRAPHICS] Accelerated graphics
O16 - DPF: {149E45D8-163E-4189-86FC-45022AB2B6C9} (SpinTop DRM Control) - file:///C:/Program%20Files/Jewel%20Quest%20Mysteries%20-%20The%20Seventh%20Gate%20Collector's%20Edition/Images/stg_drm.ocx
O16 - DPF: {CC450D71-CC90-424C-8638-1F2DBAC87A54} (ArmHelper Control) - file:///C:/Program%20Files/Bejeweled%203/Images/armhelper.ocx
O16 - DPF: {FFB3A759-98B1-446F-BDA9-909C6EB18CC7} (PCPitstop Exam) - http://utilities.pcpitstop.com/Optimize3/pcpitstop2.dll
O18 - Protocol: wlpg - {E43EF6CD-A37A-4A9B-9E6F-83F89B8E6324} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\AlbumDownloadProtocolHandler.dll
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: c:\progra~1\wi3c8a~
Member Avatar for Member #758415

Hmmm... The logs don't show anything too interesting. Does the system function properly in Safe Mode?

Member Avatar for normanallen

That's the thing. When I tried it, I didn't get anything,but the question is, was I on for long enough. The problem is intermittent but VERY annoying, so I can't say for certain.

Member Avatar for Member #758415

Just try using the system in Safe Mode for a while as it looks to me like a process stopping the system from functioning right. Try disabling some startup items you don't need.

Member Avatar for M Ishaq

plz tell me how fix the 0xc0000142

Member Avatar for bvestol

Check out this forum: It looks like essentially you need to run MSCONFIG.EXE and go through the items starting up until you can identify the culprit.

Member Avatar for Qurbani

Pl see form youtube video. site

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