Application Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) occurs when your computer cannot correctly process the necessary files and settings to run a specific program or installation. This error may appear when using certain software or upgrading Windows. It has various causes, such as faulty RAM, corrupt files, and incorrect PC settings.
Cause of Application Error 0xc0000005
- Windows Installation Error
- Access
- Application Unable to Start
When you try to start a program or install the software in Windows, you might encounter Application Error 0xc0000005. This error causes the program to terminate and display the 0xc0000005 message, preventing it from running. We will address this issue with various fixes.
How to Fix Application Error 0xc0000005
Try Method 1: Initiate System Restore.
Before any action, opt for the most effective remedy: employ Windows System Restore. You can revert to a prior date when your PC operated smoothly, evading the application error 0xc0000005.
- Right-click on “This PC” or “My Computer” and choose Properties.

2. click “Advanced system settings” in the middle left corner within the Properties window.

3. Within the Advanced Settings window, navigate to the “System Protection” tab, and proceed to click on “System Restore.”

4. Click “Next” and tick the box labeled “Show more restore points.”

5. Choose a restore point (preferably 20-30 days before the current date).
6. A confirmation dialogue box will emerge. Click “Finish” to complete the process.

7. That’s it. It will take some time, but your system will be restored earlier.
Now, verify if the above solution resolved the application error 0xc0000005. If not, proceed to the next method.
Method 3: Execute System File Checker.
- Launch the Command Prompt with Administrative privileges.
2. In the Command Prompt window, input the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

3. Allow the System File Checker process to complete.
Afterward, attempt to run the application that was previously showing error 0xc0000005. If the issue persists, proceed to the next method.
Method 4: Inspect Your BCD (Boot Configuration Data)
If your computer is experiencing hacked or infected files, potentially influenced by a virus or malware, carefully examining your BCD (Boot Configuration Data) is necessary. Specifically, watch out for files like xOsload.exe, xNtKrnl.exe, or/and OEM-drv64.sys, which may indicate tampering aimed at bypassing Windows activation.

Method 5: Disable DEP
The application error 0xC0000005 is frequently attributed to Data Execution Prevention (DEP), a security feature introduced by Microsoft in Windows SP2 and continued in later versions. DEP aims to prevent code execution from non-executable memory segments. To address this issue, you can disable DEP by following this guide.

Method 6: Faulty RAM Memory
The application error 0xC0000005 commonly arises from defective RAM memory. If you’ve recently encountered this error after installing new RAM, it’s likely the culprit. To investigate, try removing the new memory to see if the error subsides.
Before proceeding with memory removal, remember to:
1)Power off your computer and disconnect all cables (power, network, etc.).
2)Remove the battery (if applicable for laptops).
3)Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity before handling the memory.
If removing the new memory doesn’t resolve the issue, consider testing your computer’s RAM for potential faults.

Method 7: Utilize Rkill
Rkill, a tool developed by BleepingComputer.com, terminates known malware processes, enabling standard security software to clean your computer effectively of infections. Upon execution, Rkill terminates malware processes, rectifies incorrect executable associations, and resolves policies hindering the use of certain tools. After completion, it generates a log file displaying terminated processes during its operation.
Additionally, if you suspect a virus or malware to be the cause of the Application Error 0xc0000005, it’s advisable to scan your system using updated Anti-Malware or Antivirus software. Microsoft Security Essentials, an official and free Antivirus program by Microsoft, is recommended. Alternatively, utilize third-party Antivirus or Malware scanners to remove malicious programs from your system.

In light of this, scanning your system using antivirus software is crucial to promptly remove any unwanted malware or viruses. If you lack third-party antivirus software, rest assured that you can utilize the built-in malware scanning tool provided by Windows 10, known as Windows Defender.
Method 8: Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Antivirus programs have the potential to impact the executable files of various programs. To troubleshoot this issue, consider temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus program to determine if it’s the source of the problem. However, please be aware that disabling antivirus programs can expose your computer to potential threats when connected to the internet.

Frequently Asked Question
What causes Application Error 0xc0000005?
Application Error 0xc0000005 can occur for various reasons, including corrupted system files, faulty RAM memory, malware infections, incompatible software, or issues with system drivers.
How can I troubleshoot Application Error 0xc0000005?
You can troubleshoot Application Error 0xc0000005 by trying several methods such as running System Restore, executing System File Checker, checking your BCD (Boot Configuration Data), disabling DEP (Data Execution Prevention), testing for faulty RAM memory, utilizing tools like Rkill to terminate malware processes, and scanning your system with antivirus software.
What should I do if I encounter Application Error 0xc0000005 after installing new software or hardware?
If you encounter Application Error 0xc0000005 after installing new software or hardware, consider uninstalling or removing the recently added software or hardware to see if the error persists. If the error continues, try other troubleshooting methods mentioned earlier.
Can I fix Application Error 0xc0000005 without third-party tools?
You can attempt to fix Application Error 0xc0000005 using built-in Windows tools and features such as System Restore, System File Checker, BCD editing, and Windows Defender for malware scanning.
Is it safe to disable antivirus programs to troubleshoot Application Error 0xc0000005?
Temporarily disabling antivirus programs can be done for troubleshooting purposes, but it’s essential to be cautious as it may expose your computer to potential security risks, especially when connected to the internet.
What if none of the troubleshooting methods resolve Application Error 0xc0000005?
If none of the troubleshooting methods resolve Application Error 0xc0000005, you may need to seek further assistance from technical support forums, professional IT services, or Microsoft support for advanced troubleshooting steps.
Can I prevent Application Error 0xc0000005 from recurring in the future?
While there’s no foolproof method to prevent Application Error 0xc0000005, you can minimize its occurrence by keeping your system updated, using reputable antivirus software, avoiding suspicious downloads or websites, and being cautious when installing new software or hardware
Conclusion
Resolving Application Error 0xc0000005 requires a systematic approach to identify potential causes and apply appropriate troubleshooting methods. Several avenues exist, from running System Restore to disabling antivirus programs. Remember to exercise caution when making changes to your system, especially when dealing with security-related matters. By following the outlined steps and seeking further assistance if needed, you can effectively address Application Error 0xc0000005 and ensure the smooth operation of your computer system.