Windows Integration Errors

How to Fix Excel and Word Error 0xC0000142 After a Power Outage

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to launch Microsoft Excel or Word and is receiving the 0xC0000142 application error following an unexpected computer power outage.

Product: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to open Excel or Word desktop applications after the computer shut down abruptly due to a power failure.
Observed behavior: The Office application fails to initialize correctly, displaying the EXCEL.EXE or WINWORD.EXE 0xC0000142 error prompt.

Before you start

Before attempting to repair the software, completely restart your Windows computer to clear out any temporary system glitches caused by the abrupt power loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Run the Microsoft Office Repair Tool

Use the built-in Windows application repair tool to fix missing or corrupted Office components caused by the sudden power failure.

A sudden power outage can corrupt the files Microsoft Office needs to start. The Windows built-in repair tool can automatically scan and replace these damaged components.

Open Windows Settings

Right-click the Windows Start menu button and select 'Apps and Features' or 'Installed apps' from the context menu.

Locate Microsoft Office

Scroll through your list of installed applications until you find your version of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365.

Select Modify

Click the three dots next to the Microsoft Office entry (or select the app directly on older Windows versions) and choose 'Modify'.

Run Online Repair

Select 'Online Repair' from the prompt to comprehensively fix corrupted files and download missing components, then click 'Repair'.

Internet Connection Required: The Online Repair option requires an active internet connection to download fresh installation files from Microsoft.

Solution 2

Update Windows to Verify System Integrity

Check for and install pending Windows updates to resolve underlying system integrity issues that may trigger the 0xC0000142 error.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable Document Experience

If Microsoft Office startup errors persist after a power outage, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that lets you view, edit, and save your Word and Excel documents without frustrating application crashes.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install the Suite: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Excel and Word files to continue working seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and Word (.docx) formats.Lightweight architecture ensures fast software initialization and minimal system load.Built-in auto-backup and document recovery tools protect your files against unexpected power outages.All-in-one suite allows you to manage spreadsheets, documents, and PDFs in a single window.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the 0xC0000142 application error in Microsoft Office?

This error generally occurs when an Office application fails to initialize properly. This can happen due to corrupted system files, missing DLLs, or damaged software components, often triggered by abrupt system shutdowns like unexpected power outages.

Will repairing Microsoft Office delete my saved documents?

No. Running the Quick Repair or Online Repair tool for Microsoft Office only fixes the application's installation files. Your personal Word documents and Excel spreadsheets are stored separately on your hard drive and will remain completely unaffected.

How can I open my Excel files if Microsoft Office still won't start?

If Microsoft Office remains inaccessible, you can install a highly compatible alternative like WPS Office to open, edit, and save your existing .xlsx files locally, or you can temporarily upload them to a cloud service like OneDrive to view them in Excel Online.

Microsoft Office Error Codes