gptAI
Home

Fix "Application Has Failed To Start Side By Side" Error

9 min read 11-15- 2024
Fix

Table of Contents :

Experiencing the “Application Has Failed to Start Side by Side” error can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a project or trying to access important applications. This error often arises due to issues with the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages or corrupted system files. In this article, we will explore several methods to fix this error and restore your applications to their functional state.

Understanding the Error

When you encounter the “Application Has Failed to Start Side by Side” error, it generally indicates that the application you’re trying to run cannot find the correct version of the runtime libraries it requires. This problem can occur for several reasons:

  • Missing or corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable
  • Conflicting versions of the libraries
  • Corrupted application files
  • Registry issues

Common Symptoms

Before diving into solutions, let’s identify some common symptoms associated with this error:

  • Error messages popping up when launching an application
  • Applications crashing or failing to open
  • Slow performance when running programs

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms along with the side-by-side error message, read on for effective solutions!

Solutions to Fix the Side by Side Error

Method 1: Repair or Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

The first step is to address potential issues with the Visual C++ Redistributable packages. You can either repair or reinstall these packages.

  1. Open Control Panel: Press the Windows key, type "Control Panel," and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to Programs: Click on "Programs" and then "Programs and Features."
  3. Locate Visual C++ Redistributable: Scroll through the list and find all instances of the Visual C++ Redistributable packages.
  4. Repair or Uninstall: Right-click on each entry and select "Repair." If that doesn't work, uninstall it and proceed to reinstall it from the official Microsoft website.

Method 2: Update Windows

Keeping your operating system up to date can fix various bugs and errors. Here’s how to check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings: Press Windows + I.
  2. Select Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security.”
  3. Check for Updates: Click on “Check for updates” and follow the prompts to install any pending updates.

Method 3: Use the System File Checker Tool (SFC)

The SFC tool scans for corrupted system files and attempts to repair them. To use the SFC tool:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Windows + X, then select "Command Prompt (Admin)."
  2. Run the SFC command: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete: The process may take some time. Once it finishes, follow any instructions provided to fix the errors.

Method 4: Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

If the SFC tool doesn't resolve the issue, you can use DISM to repair the Windows image.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the DISM command: Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the process to complete.

Method 5: Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, third-party software can cause conflicts leading to this error. To identify the problematic software:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your computer and press F8 (or Shift + F8) before Windows loads.
  2. Uninstall Recent Programs: In Safe Mode, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, and uninstall any recent programs that might be causing the conflict.

Method 6: Modify the Registry

Important Note: Editing the registry can cause serious problems if done incorrectly. It's advised to back up your registry before making changes.

  1. Open the Registry Editor: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SideBySide
  3. Check for entries with missing dependencies: Make sure all necessary files are listed. If you find missing ones, you may need to reinstall the associated applications or Visual C++ Redistributables.

Method 7: Reinstall the Affected Application

If none of the above methods works, try reinstalling the application causing the issue.

  1. Uninstall the application: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find the application, right-click, and select “Uninstall.”
  2. Reinstall: Download the latest version of the application and install it.

Method 8: Perform a Clean Installation of Windows

If you still cannot resolve the issue, you may consider performing a clean installation of Windows. This should only be done as a last resort because it will erase all data on the drive where Windows is installed.

  1. Backup your data: Ensure all your important files are backed up to an external drive or cloud storage.
  2. Create a bootable USB: Use a tool to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files.
  3. Install Windows: Boot from the USB drive and follow the installation instructions.

Conclusion

Encountering the “Application Has Failed to Start Side by Side” error can be distressing, but there are several methods available to resolve the issue. From repairing Visual C++ Redistributable packages to modifying the registry, the solutions provided in this article should guide you toward fixing the error. Remember to back up your data and system before making significant changes, especially when dealing with the registry or performing a clean installation of Windows. With patience and the right steps, you can get your applications up and running again!

Featured Posts