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Fix Microsoft Office Error 0xc0000142 When Opening Word
Question details
The user is unable to launch Microsoft Office applications like Word due to an application error code 0xc0000142, and previous attempts with SFC, basic repair, and reinstallation have failed.
- Product
- Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Word or other Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to start and displays the application error code 0xc0000142.
Ensure your Windows operating system has the latest updates installed and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software, as background security scans can sometimes block Office services from launching properly.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
Perform a complete and clean uninstallation of Microsoft Office to remove corrupted residual files that standard uninstallations leave behind, which often cause persistent 0xc0000142 errors.
Since standard reinstallation and Office repairs may not fix registry corruptions, the official Microsoft SaRA tool helps to completely wipe Office traces before you install it fresh.
Visit the official Microsoft Support website and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) uninstall tool.
Launch the downloaded setup file, agree to the terms, and select 'Office' from the list of troubleshooting options. Choose the option that says you have Office installed but cannot uninstall it.
Select the version of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 you wish to remove, then click 'Next' and follow the prompts to completely wipe it from your computer.
Restart your computer once the tool finishes the process, then log in to your Microsoft account online to download and reinstall a fresh copy of Office.
Start Office Applications in Safe Mode
Launch Word or other Office apps without third-party add-ins or extensions to determine if an outdated plugin is triggering the error.
Perform an Online Repair via Windows Settings
Use the built-in Windows Application Manager to trigger a comprehensive online repair of the Microsoft Office suite.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If Microsoft Office error 0xc0000142 persists and disrupts your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, reliable, and completely free alternative that allows you to open, edit, and save Word documents without dealing with complex installation or registry errors.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free, lightweight installer and complete the setup in minutes.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open' on the sidebar, and select your existing .docx or .xlsx files to instantly resume your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Microsoft Office Error 0xc0000142?
Error 0xc0000142 is an application initialization failure. It means the program could not start correctly, usually due to corrupted system files, outdated software frameworks (like .NET), or conflicts with other software running on your computer.
Why did repairing or reinstalling Office normally not fix the 0xc0000142 error?
Standard uninstallation methods via the Control Panel often leave residual registry keys and system files behind. If these leftover files are corrupted, the error will persist even after reinstalling. This is why using the official Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) for a clean removal is recommended.
How can I access my Word documents urgently if Office refuses to open?
If you need immediate access to your files while troubleshooting the 0xc0000142 error, you can use a free alternative like WPS Office or upload your files to OneDrive to edit them using the free web version of Microsoft Word.
Can third-party antivirus software cause error 0xc0000142?
Yes, aggressive third-party antivirus or firewall applications can sometimes block critical background processes required by Microsoft Office applications, triggering initialization errors. Temporarily disabling them can help isolate the issue.
