Error code 0xc0000142, commonly known as the application error, occurs when a core Windows application fails to start up properly. The issue is frustrating and often faced by users while they are trying to run ‘cmd.exe’. 

This error comes with a message reading:

The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142). Click OK to close the application.

However, it can be easily solved if you follow the fixes provided here. In this article, we will mention the causes and the solutions to this particular error. 

Reasons for the Error Code 0xc0000142 

This error 0xc0000142 is caused by a corrupted program that you are trying to use. There are many reports where users have complained about seeing this error when they are trying to run “cmd.exe” which is the DOS emulator program for your computer. 

This error does not specify the actual problem your system is facing. However, it can be resolved using standard procedures.  

The error occurs when the files are corrupted or damaged that many software needs to run. These files are required for use by your computer and if they are damaged or corrupted in any way they will produce errors like 0xc0000142.

Solutions to Fix Error Code 0xc0000142

There are various methods listed below. You can start at the beginning and then skip to the next fix if that is not working. 

Fix 1: Uninstall the Corrupted program

Corrupted files cause this error and that needs to be removed. To keep your PC safe, you need to follow these steps to remove the corrupted applications:

First, press the Windows key and R key together, type Control panel in the box and press Enter. Now you need to choose Programs and Features, click on the program you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.  

Fix 2: Update the Graphics Card Driver 

Update your graphics card driver if not updated yet. Sometimes, the graphics card creates a problem and can result in this error code 0xc0000142. Follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel, set the View by section to Large icons and select Device Manager.
2. Now, in the Device Manager window, click on the arrow beside Display Adapters to show the list of graphics card drivers installed. 
3. Next, right-click on a driver and select Update driver software and follow the instructions to update the drivers.

Fix 3: Run Application in Compatibility Mode 

Running a program in compatibility mode helps a lot of users. Steps that you need to follow to do that:

First, right-click on the application and select Properties. Now you need to move to the Compatibility tab. Next, put a tick mark on the Run this program in compatibility mode box, select an older version of the Operating System you are using and simply put a checkmark on Run this program as an administrator. In the end, apply the changes and exit and try running the program that was creating the issue.  

Fix 4: Download the Latest C++, DirectX, and .net Framework 

The error 0x0000142 is not only because of the malware in the graphics driver but can be due to bugs and adware present in the c++, .net Framework or directX present on the system. You can avoid and solve this issue by downloading these applications once again. 

Fix 5: Modify the Registry

When you delete programs, some of them leave residues and can cause error 0xc0000142 and can make cmd.exe not start properly. To fix this, follow the steps mentioned below:

Press Windows key + R to open the run dialogue box, type “regedit” and hit Enter. Now you need to go to this location: 

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION RUN

Delete the segment of the program, from the right column and after that, reboot your system. 

Note: Tweaking with the registry is a risky business, therefore if you are not a tech-savvy person, please consult with a technician. 

Fix 6: Change the Value of Loadapplnit_DLLs

To change the value you need to,

1. Press Windows key + R and a run dialogue box will open in front of you, type “regedit” and hit OK. In the registry editor you need to move to the following location: 
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows.
3. Now double- click on LoadAppInit_DLLs, a box will pop up and you need to change the value data from 1 to 0.
4.  Now click on Ok to save the changes. 

We have provided you with different procedures that you can follow to solve the error code 0xc0000142. If you have followed the steps properly, you must have solved the issue by now.

Always use legitimate websites for downloading important software applications or else you are inviting viruses and malware that can affect your system. 

When deleting files you should be careful enough, so that you do not delete any important files. We hope this article was useful to you.