0xc0000005 is a common error code. Many window users encounter it at least once in a while.  This is a very broad error code that you can occur in different cases, such as the following

• Access Violation error
• The application was not able to start
• Windows installation error.

When you receive this error, you should check the issue that has lead to this error code and then try the solutions listed for that case in this post.

Case 1 – Access Violation Error

In case of access violation error, your system can throw up the 0xc0000005 error message. Access violation error mainly occurs when you run an application that tries to access a location that it is not assigned for its use. You will see an error message like the one below.

When you close the error message box, the application that caused the error will also close automatically, allowing the system to recover. There can be many reasons for this error, including the application wanting to use system memory improperly.

Here are some troubleshooting methods you can follow.

Solution One- Run Anti-virus scan

Malware and viruses can affect the working of your system in unknown ways and might force the Windows to generate a 0xc0000005 error code. Hence, the first thing you need to do is run anti-virus scan to ensure your system is malware-free.

Solution Two- Make changes to Disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) settings

Viruses and malware are known to attack Windows operating system by executing code from system reserved memory for Windows and authorized programs. The Data Execution Prevention is a security feature in Windows that prevents any damage to your computer from malicious programs and security threats.

Some programs are not compatible with DEP. It is possible this is true for the program with which you are getting the 0xc0000005 error code. In such a case, you can disable Data Execution Prevention. However, before you do that, you must ensure that the program you are trying to run is completely safe.

Here are the steps you need to follow to disable Data Execution Prevention.

• Log in Windows as administrator
• Press Windows key and R simultaneously to bring up Run command console
• Type cpl in Run command box
• In the system properties window, click Advanced tab and then click Settings

• In the Performance option window, click Data Execution Prevention tab
• Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select and then Click Add

• Open the problematic application executable file and then click OK

Solution Three – Check Physical RAM

A faulty physical RAM could be one of the reasons behind the 0xc0000005 error. You need to check the physical RAM by swapping it with another RAM module of same specification. Since physical RAM is installed inside the computer, you need to take a professional’s help to do it.

If you are confident of doing it by self then follow the steps given below

• Switch off the computer/laptop and remove the power cables
• Open the computer and unseat the physical RAM module from its slot
• Replace another RAM module in the empty slot
• Close the computer/laptop chassis start the computer and see if the issue is resolved.

Case 2- The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000005)

You get this error when you are trying to run a program and it crashes displaying an error message like shown below

To resolve this error, you can follow the solutions given below.

Solution One- check your system for virus or malware

Virus and malware can prevent some programs from running and you need to rule out this possibility by running a full virus scan on your computer. In some cases, anti-virus software can also prevent the execution of certain programs. To rule out this possibility, temporarily disable the anti-virus software and try launching the problematic program.

Solution Two- Fix faulty drivers

Corrupt, outdated or incompatible drivers can be one of the causes behind “The application was unable to start correctly” error. In such cases, updating drivers is the best option available to resolve such issue.

There are two ways to update drivers- manually through device manager and automatically using driver update software.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

• You can update device drivers automatically
• The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
• The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
• Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

Start Download

 

Solution Three- Undo any changes

“The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000005)” error might be also caused due to recent system changes you may have done like installing a program or any changes to the settings that are not compatible with the system.

You can resolve this issue by undoing the changes like uninstalling the program or reverting settings back to the previous state.

If you are unable to recall the changes made recently, you can use the system restore option to revert the Windows operating system to a previous state (when the problematic program worked without any problems).

Here are the steps to follow.

For Windows 7

• Click Start and type restore in the search box

• Select System Restore from the list of search results
• When the system restore window opens, click Next
• In the next window, select the appropriate system restore point and click Next

• Click Finish to initiate System Restore process

For Windows 10

• Click Start and type restore in Cortana search box

• Click Create restore point from the list of search results
• In the System Properties window, click System Restore

• In the System Restore window, click Next
• In the next window, select the right system restore point and click Next
• Click Finish to start the System Restore process

Windows will reboot and revert the system to the previous state. Now see if the error is resolved.

Solution Four – Repair Boot Configuration Data

Windows operating system might also throw up “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000005)” error due to erroneous boot configuration data (BCD).

To rectify this problem, you need to repair boot configuration data by following steps given below.

• Put Windows installation media in your computer
• Boot your computer from installation media
• If you are using Windows 7: click Next -> Repair your computer -> Next -> Command Prompt.
• If you are using Windows 8 or 10: click Next -> Repair your computer -> Troubleshoot-> Advanced options -> Command Prompt.
• In the command prompt window, type following commands and press Enter after each command. After typing the last command in the list, press Enter, and Y when prompted for an answer.

• del d:\windows\system32\xntkrnl.exe
• del d:\windows\system32\xosload.exe
• del d:\windows\system32\drivers\oem-drv64.sys
• attrib c:\boot\bcd -h -r -s
• ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old
• bootrec /rebuildbcd
• Close command prompt window and reboot PC. Launch the problematic application and see if the issue persists.

Case 3- Windows installation error

Many users also encounter a 0xc0000005 error while installing Windows. When you get the Windows installation encountered an unexpected error (0xc0000005), you cannot continue with the installation.

One of the reasons to encounter a 0xc0000005 error during Windows installation is a problem with partition where you are trying to install Windows. To resolve this issue, delete all partitions and create new partitions.

Remember deleting partition will lead to loss of all data stored in the partition. So be careful when you proceed with this troubleshooting step. There is also a possibility the RAM or hard drive is faulty. You can try using other hard disk and RAM module and see if the issue is resolved.

Common Windows 10 install issues