How to Fix Excel Application Error 0xC0000142 at Startup
Question details
The user needs to fix an error preventing Microsoft Excel from launching properly.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open the Microsoft Excel application or an Excel file.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to start and displays an error message stating: 'The application was unable to start correctly (0xC0000142)'.
Ensure you have an active internet connection if you need to run an Online Repair, and temporarily disable any aggressive third-party antivirus software that might be blocking Office processes.
Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office
Running an Online Repair fixes corrupted or missing Office components that are typically responsible for the 0xC0000142 application error.
Microsoft Office includes a built-in repair tool that can fix issues without deleting your personal files. The Online Repair option is more comprehensive than the Quick Repair as it reinstalls the core files.
Click the Start menu, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and press Enter.
Click on 'Programs' and then select 'Programs and Features' to view the list of installed applications.
Scroll through the list to find your Microsoft Office installation. Right-click it and select 'Change'.
In the dialog box that appears, select 'Online Repair' and click the 'Repair' button. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Start Excel in Safe Mode
Safe Mode allows you to open Excel without any add-ins, helping you determine if a third-party extension is causing the startup failure.
Clean Boot and Reinstall Office
If software conflicts or deep system corruption persists, a clean boot combined with a complete reinstallation of Office may be necessary.
Use WPS Office When Microsoft Excel Fails to Start
If Microsoft Excel is stuck on error 0xC0000142 and you need to access or edit your spreadsheets urgently, WPS Office provides a lightweight, reliable, and highly compatible alternative that installs in seconds.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer. The installation completes in just a few clicks.
- 2. Launch WPS Spreadsheets: Open WPS Office and select the 'Spreadsheets' module.
- 3. Open Your Excel Files: Drag and drop your existing Excel workbooks directly into the WPS interface to resume your work instantly without error codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the 0xC0000142 application error in Excel?
This error is typically caused by corrupted Microsoft Office installation files, incompatible third-party add-ins, outdated Windows components, or interference from background programs and antivirus software.
Will running an Online Repair delete my Excel files?
No, running an Online Repair through the Control Panel will only replace and fix the Microsoft Office application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and settings will remain safe and unaffected.
Can I edit my spreadsheets while trying to fix the 0xC0000142 error?
Yes. As a temporary workaround, you can upload your files to OneDrive and use Excel for the web at office.com, or you can install a free alternative like WPS Office to open and edit your files locally.
