Fix Error 0xc0000135: 5 Working Solutions

Error 0xc0000135 is a Windows startup error that appears when a required DLL file is missing or the .NET Framework is not installed. You can usually fix it by reinstalling the .NET Framework, running System File Checker, or performing a startup repair. Below are five proven solutions, ordered from simplest to most advanced.

What Causes Error 0xc0000135?

This error typically occurs when you try to launch a program or Windows itself, and the system cannot find a necessary component. The most common triggers are:

• Missing or corrupted .NET Framework – Many applications rely on this framework, and if it’s damaged or not installed, you’ll see this error.
• Corrupted system files – A virus, improper shutdown, or failed update can damage critical Windows files.
• Broken registry entries – Incorrect paths to DLL files in the registry can cause this error.
• Incomplete software installation – If a program was not fully installed or uninstalled, it may leave behind broken references.

Solution 1: Reinstall .NET Framework

The .NET Framework is a software framework from Microsoft that provides a large library of pre-coded solutions. Many Windows programs depend on it. To reinstall it:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Click Turn Windows features on or off in the left sidebar.
3. Find .NET Framework 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0) and .NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Services.
4. Uncheck both, click OK, and restart your computer.
5. Go back to the same window, recheck both, and click OK. Windows will reinstall them.

If the error occurs with a specific program, also try downloading the latest .NET Framework from Microsoft’s official website and installing it.

Solution 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker scans for corrupted system files and repairs them. To run it:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete (this can take 15-20 minutes).
4. If it finds issues, restart your computer and try launching the program again.

If SFC fails to fix the problem, also run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool with this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This repairs the Windows image itself.

Solution 3: Use Startup Repair

If the error occurs during Windows startup, you can use Startup Repair to automatically diagnose and fix common problems.

1. Restart your PC and press F8 (or Shift + Restart) to enter the Advanced Boot Options.
2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will attempt to fix the issue.

If Startup Repair cannot fix it, you may need to use System Restore to revert to a previous point when the error wasn’t present.

Solution 4: Check for Malware

Malware can corrupt DLL files or modify registry entries, causing error 0xc0000135. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software. Make sure your antivirus definitions are up to date before scanning.

If you suspect a specific file, you can also check the Windows Event Viewer for more details about the error. Go to Event Viewer → Windows Logs → Application and look for errors with source “.NET Runtime” or “Application Error”. This can give you the exact DLL file that’s missing.

Solution 5: Manually Register the Missing DLL

If you know which DLL file is missing (e.g., mscoree.dll), you can try registering it manually. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:

regsvr32 [path]\filename.dll

For example, if the DLL is in the system32 folder, type regsvr32 C:\Windows\System32\mscoree.dll. If you get a “module not found” error, the DLL may be corrupted and you’ll need to replace it from a trusted source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ignore error 0xc0000135?

No. The error means the program cannot start because a required component is missing. Ignoring it will prevent the application from running, and in some cases, it can affect system stability if the missing DLL is critical.

Will reinstalling Windows fix error 0xc0000135?

Yes, a clean installation of Windows will definitely fix it, but it’s a last resort. Try the solutions above first, as they are less disruptive and preserve your files.

Is error 0xc0000135 caused by a virus?

It can be. Malware often corrupts system files or deletes DLLs. If the error appeared suddenly, running a full antivirus scan is a good first step.

Does this error occur on Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, error 0xc0000135 can appear on any modern Windows version, including Windows 10 and 11. The fixes are the same across these versions.

What if none of these solutions work?

If the error persists, try using the Windows Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade (repair install) without losing your files. If that fails, consider a clean install after backing up your data.

Preventing Future Occurrences

To reduce the chance of seeing this error again, keep Windows and your drivers updated, avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, and regularly run disk cleanup and defragmentation. Also, ensure that you have the latest .NET Framework updates installed via Windows Update.

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