Office Apps Crashing

How to Fix Excel and Outlook mshtml.dll Error 0xc0000005 Crashing

Jason Miller Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where Microsoft Excel and Outlook crash unexpectedly, logging Event ID 1000 and showing mshtml.dll Error 0xc0000005.

How to Fix Excel and Outlook mshtml.dll Error 0xc0000005 Crashing

Product: Microsoft Excel and Outlook
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Opening or working within Excel or Outlook in a desktop environment.
Observed behavior: The applications close suddenly. The Windows Event Viewer logs Event ID 1000, identifying mshtml.dll as the faulting module and citing exception code 0xc0000005 (a memory access violation).

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into Windows with an administrator account, as fixing system-level DLL errors requires elevated Command Prompt access.

Solution 1Recommended

Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Use this solution to repair corrupted Windows system files, including mshtml.dll, which may be triggering the memory access violation.

Exception code 0xc0000005 is a memory access violation indicating that Excel is trying to access restricted memory. Repairing system files often resolves underlying issues with the mshtml.dll file.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.

Execute the SFC Command

In the Command Prompt window, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter.

Wait for Verification and Restart

Allow the system scan to reach 100%. If it finds and repairs corrupted files, restart your computer and test Excel or Outlook again.

Scan Duration: The SFC scan may take 10-15 minutes depending on your hard drive speed. Do not close the window until the verification is entirely finished.

Solution 2

Start Excel or Outlook in Safe Mode

Use this method to determine if a third-party add-in is causing the application to crash.

Solution 3

Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Office Using SaRA

Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) when standard repairs fail to resolve deep configuration errors.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Crash-Free Experience

If complex Windows system errors like mshtml.dll 0xc0000005 keep crashing your Microsoft Excel and Outlook, it may be time for a change. WPS Office offers a stable, lightweight, and free alternative that seamlessly handles your spreadsheets, documents, and presentations without the heavy system footprint that leads to memory access violations.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Free Download' to get the installer.
2. Install the Software: Run the lightweight installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your Windows PC.
3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Right-click any existing Microsoft Office file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to resume your work instantly.

Free and lightweight alternative to heavy Office suitesHighly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx), Word, and PowerPoint formatsStable performance minimizing unexpected crashes and memory errorsFamiliar user interface for immediate productivity and easy migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does exception code 0xc0000005 mean in Excel?

Exception code 0xc0000005 indicates a memory access violation. It means the application attempted to read or write to a location in memory that it does not have permission to access, often due to corrupted system files, faulty DLLs like mshtml.dll, or problematic third-party add-ins.

How can I view Event ID 1000 logs for application crashes?

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Event Viewer', and open the app. Expand 'Windows Logs' on the left panel, click 'Application', and look for entries labeled 'Error' with 'Event ID 1000'. Clicking an entry will display the faulting application and module details.

Why does a standard Office repair not fix mshtml.dll errors?

A standard 'Quick Repair' often only fixes superficial shortcut and file association issues. Since mshtml.dll is a core Windows component and the error stems from deep memory access violations, a clean removal using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant or an SFC system scan is required.

Why is this crashing issue affecting multiple computers in my office?

If hundreds of devices are experiencing the same mshtml.dll crash simultaneously, it is likely caused by a recent widespread Windows Update, a newly deployed network-wide Office add-in, or a conflict with centralized antivirus/security software deployed in your organization.

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