The exception code: 0xc0000005 is an error message you will see when your computer cannot process the files and settings or configurations required to run a software or program on your Windows computer correctly.
If the error affects your Windows installation it will not make the Windows run smoothly and can affect your Windows audio player or volume control.
The exception_access_violation (0xc0000005) error message is often accompanied by faulty RAM, wrong system configuration and corrupt files on your computer.
To fix exception_access_violation (0xc0000005) on your Windows you need to check your Windows for corrupt files or incorrect configuration. You can use the Windows System File Check to scan corrupt files on your Windows to see if there are any and replace them with the appropriate files from your Windows cached version.
Cause of 0xc0000005 Error Code
If you are seeing the 0xc0000005 code in Windows 7, Windows 8 or 10 consistently then the following are probably responsible for the causes.
- Access violation error
- Application unable to start
- Corrupt Files
- Virus
- Program or Software not properly configured
- Windows installation error
The above error could result in a different error code on your Windows computer when you try to perform a task. However, to fix this, you probably need to check more than a single problem and look for a lasting solution.
If the error 0xc0000005 often occurs in your Windows 7 and the later version here is how to fix it permanently.
How to Fix Error 0xc0000005 in Windows
We will discuss a variety of ways to fix Windows error code 0xc0000005. It would help if you attempted to use all the troubleshooting tips. If the first troubleshooting tip doesn’t work for you the others in the fixes might work.
Run the System File Check (SFC) to Find and Replace Corrupt Files
If the program or software files that you are trying to run are corrupt you will run into an error stopping the program from working perfectly. Therefore, it’s advisable to scan for corrupt files first and replace them using the files’ cached version on your PC.
- Click on the “Search” box on the “Taskbar” at the bottom left corner.
- Type “Command Prompt.”
- Right-click on the “Command prompt” and select “Run as Administration.”
- Tap “Yes” on the “Windows Command Processor” popup.
- Type “sfc /scannow” without the quotes. Do take note of the trailing line (/) between the commands.
- Hit the “Enter” button.
- You will see a message on the “Command Prompt” saying “This process will take some time.”
- Wait for the “Scan” process to complete. If there are corrupt files found you need to replace them from the cached version on your computer.
- Click on the “Windows” icon at the bottom right.
- Select the “Power” icon and choose “Restart.”
Check Whether your RAM is Faulty or Damaged
If your Windows RAM is faulty or damaged it can cause Windows programs or software not to work perfectly. In a worst-case scenario, you can run into Window going to sleep. The following steps will help you check whether your RAM is faulty or damaged.
- Right-click on the “Windows” start icon at the bottom left.
- Select “Run” from the pop-up.
- Type “mdsched” without quotes.
- Click on “OK” on the “Run.”
- Click “Restart now and check for problems” under “Check your computer for memory problems.”
- Your Windows computer will restart itself and check for possible problems with your device’s RAM.
- You will see “Blue Screen” during the process. Do not panic at this time because your computer is undergoing the RAM diagnostic process.
- Wait for the process to complete and your Windows computer will start up itself. You may need to type your Windows password if you use one.
- Click on “Event Viewer” on the popup. However, if you do not see the popup it could mean that your Windows RAM is in good condition.
- But if on the contrary, if you see the popup there is likely a problem with your RAM and the actions you need to take will be contained in the “Event Viewer” pop-up.
- Click on the “Windows Log” on the left side.
- Select “System” from the expansion.
- Click on “Information” in the “System Menu.”
If you see the error then you need to fix them. But if none then you are lucky.
Scan your Computer with Windows Defender for Virus
Your computer might be under attack if you keep seeing the error code. However, if neither your Windows Defender nor third-party anti-virus is active during the time you may find it difficult to scan and remove. However, if either of the Windows protection is active then you can scan your PC for possible virus effects.
Corrupt Registry Files
Issues like the 0xc0000005 error is can also be caused by corrupt registry files. However, the quickest way to resolve this issue is to restore the registry files if you have a backup.
Apart from restoring the file registry backup, tampering with the registry files if you are not a professional can harm your computer and cause more harm than you could ever imagine.
However, we advise that you first backup your registry files before you alter the default file settings so that if anything goes wrong you can easily restore the backup in your archive.
Now, proceed with the following steps to fix your Windows registry causing 0xc0000005 error.
- Press ‘Win + R’, type regedit, and click on the ‘Enter’
- Navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\AppInit_Dlls
- Double-click LoadAppInit_DLLs and modify the value from 1 to 0
- Click ‘OK’ to confirm the changes
- Close the Registry Editor Window and restart the system
Now, try to launch the application to check whether the error still pops up.
Disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
The DEP is a Windows built-in system-level memory protection feature to protect Windows computers from viruses that can easily damage your Windows security.
Whenever an app that is not compatible with the DEP is installed and run on your Windows computer the 0xc0000005 error occurs. However, to be able to run both applications that are compatible with your system and not, you have to turn off the DEP on your Windows OS.
- Sign in to Windows as Administrator using your username and password
- Press ‘Win+R’ and type “sysdm.cpl” without the quotes. Hit Enter
- Click on the “Advanced” tab and then click on the “Settings” button
- Click on the “Data Execution Protection” tab and click ‘Turn on DEP” for all programs and services except those I select’
- Click on the ‘Add’ button and then browse and add all the executable (.exe) files that are causing the issue
- Click ‘OK’
- Restart the system and try running the programs
Run CHKDSK Utility
If your Windows computer hard disk is corrupt you may be encountering exception code 0xc0000005 error whenever you launch a program on your computer.
And if you have a bad section in your computer hard disk you can’t escape this 0x0000005 threat so you have to run the check disk to fix it.
- To run the check disk on your Windows press “Win + R” and type “cmd” after you have to click on the “OK” button.
- Now type chkdsk X: /f /r where “X” is the hard drive you want to repair.
- Click on the “Enter” key on your keyboard.
However, if your drive disk name isn’t “X”, make sure you type the drive name.
Troubleshoot Windows Hardware
You can troubleshoot your Windows hardware to fix the error code as an alternative means. Troubleshooting Windows hard can help diagnose and fix a lot of errors in your Windows. For a complete result, you can also search for online fixes using the troubleshooting feature.
- Press the Windows button and go to the search bar.
- Type “Troubleshooting” and click on the search button or enter on your keyboard.
- On Windows 8 and Windows 10 click on “View All” at the top left side of the display of the Windows OS troubleshooters.
- Once the troubleshooter’s option comes up click on “Hardware and Devices” to launch the Troubleshooting.
The troubleshooting will start running to find and fix the issue, once the option to “Apply Fixes” comes up kindly apply and restart the system.