Handling ‘The Application Has Failed to Start Because Its Side-by-side Configuration Is Incorrect’ in Windows
When trying to run an application in Windows, you may encounter an error message that reads, “‘The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect.’ This error is typically caused by a corrupted or missing Visual C++ Redistributable file. To resolve this issue, follow the steps below:
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Download the Visual C++ Redistributable Package: Visit the Microsoft website and download the latest version of the Visual C++ Redistributable package for your Windows version and architecture (x86 or x64).
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Install the Redistributable Package: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the package. Ensure that you select the option to repair any existing installations.
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Restart Your Computer: Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
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Re-register DLL Files (Optional): In some cases, the error may persist even after installing the redistributable package. To resolve this, you can re-register the missing or corrupted DLL files using the following steps:
- Open the Start menu and search for “Command Prompt”.
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
- In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the directory where the failing application is installed.
- Run the following command:
regsvr32 <dll_name>.dll, where<dll_name>is the name of the missing DLL file. Repeat this step for any additional missing DLL files.
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Verify File Integrity (Windows 10 and 11): Windows includes a built-in tool to verify and repair corrupted system files. To use it:
- Open the Start menu and search for “Command Prompt”.
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
- In the Command Prompt window, run the following command:
sfc /scannow. This will scan and repair any corrupted system files, including DLL files.
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Reinstall the Application: If the error persists after trying the above steps, you can try reinstalling the application. This may replace any corrupted files that are causing the issue.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact the application developer for further troubleshooting assistance.## Handling ‘the Application Has Failed to Start Because Its Side-by-side Configuration Is Incorrect’ in Windows
Executive Summary
This comprehensive guide addresses the common Windows error message “The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect.” By exploring the root causes, troubleshooting methods, and preventive measures, we empower users to resolve this error effectively and prevent its recurrence.
Introduction
The “side-by-side configuration” error occurs when an application requires specific versions of DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files to function properly. When these dependencies are not met, Windows fails to launch the application, resulting in this error message.
Subtopic 1: Missing DLL Files
- Cause: Application may not have installed required DLLs during its installation.
- Troubleshooting: Manually install the missing DLLs by downloading them from a trusted source.
- Prevention: Ensure applications are installed properly and run with the correct user permissions.
Subtopic 2: Incorrect Registry Entries
- Cause: Registry entries related to DLLs can become corrupted or missing.
- Troubleshooting: Repair registry errors using the System File Checker (SFC) or Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands.
- Prevention: Regularly back up the registry and use caution when making manual changes.
Subtopic 3: DLL Version Conflicts
- Cause: Multiple applications may depend on different versions of the same DLL.
- Troubleshooting: Use the Dependency Walker tool to analyze DLL dependencies and replace them with compatible versions.
- Prevention: Install applications with clear versioning and ensure compatibility with other software.
Subtopic 4: System File Corruption
- Cause: Windows system files, including DLLs, can get corrupted due to viruses, power outages, or hardware failures.
- Troubleshooting: Run the System File Checker (SFC) or DISM commands to scan and repair corrupted system files.
- Prevention: Regularly back up important system files and use antivirus software to protect against malicious threats.
Subtopic 5: Outdated Drivers
- Cause: Drivers for hardware devices may become outdated and no longer compatible with current applications.
- Troubleshooting: Update drivers through Device Manager or manufacturer websites.
- Prevention: Regularly check for and install driver updates to ensure compatibility with applications.
Conclusion
By understanding the causes and following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide, users can effectively resolve the “side-by-side configuration incorrect” error. Additionally, implementing preventive measures such as proper installation, regular backups, and system updates can minimize the risk of encountering this error in the future.
Keyword Phrase Tags
- Side-by-side configuration error
- Application failed to start
- Missing DLLs
- Incorrect registry entries
- DLL version conflicts
This is a really helpful article. I’ve been struggling with this error for weeks and I’ve finally found a solution. Thanks!
This article is useless. I’ve tried all the solutions and nothing has worked.
This article is missing some important information. It doesn’t mention that you can also fix this error by manually registering the DLLs.
This article is wrong. The error 'the application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect' is not caused by missing DLLs.
This article is ironic. It says that the error 'the application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect' can be fixed by reinstalling the application. But if the application is already installed, then how can you reinstall it?
This article is sarcastic. It says that the error 'the application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect' can be fixed by manually registering the DLLs. But if you don’t know how to manually register the DLLs, then how can you fix the error?
This article is comical. It says that the error 'the application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect' can be fixed by running the application as an administrator. But if the application is already running as an administrator, then how can you run it again as an administrator?