Whether you are installing video games or any day-to-day usage software, running into errors can be one of the most frustrating things you can endure. You could be a very experienced user, yet still, end up having absolute headaches when it comes to rectifying certain errors in Windows.
Normally, if you have corrupted software or memory, the operating system (windows in this case) alerts you with a message like the one shown below.
When access is denied, you face the dreaded access violation error, which often reads “Exception_Access_Violation” with an error code or address attached. In certain cases, this error may show up with a specific module which could be the culprit behind the issue.
What is Access Violation and Why Does it Happen?
The access violation at address error occurs only in Windows OS, If you have been on the receiving end of this error, it means that the software you are attempting to launch or run is trying to access a protected memory address.
What Does the Numeric Error Code Mean?
Normally, errors are accompanied by certain numeric codes. The codes are anywhere between 7-10 digits in length. For example, 0xC0000005 is a broad access violation error that prevents users from playing audio or accessing the control panel.
When you see a numeric error code show up, you can debug it by reading the exception parameters (the letter and numbers).
The first exception parameter (0) will tell you the type of violation, the second exception parameter (1) will tell you the address. You can use this code to identify the cause of the problem and potentially the fix for it as well.
6 Ways to Fix Access Violation At Address Error
We have compiled 6 simple ways to guide you through the Access Violation at Address Error.
1. Inspect Your Computer for a Malware Infection.
One or more softwares in your system could be infected with malware. That is the case, the malware can corrupt your memory systems which can cause this error to pop up.
If you’ve noticed your computer showing weird signs before getting an access violation at address error like unprovoked alerts or fake browser windows, then a detailed and deep scan needs to be performed.
If you’re just using the built-in antivirus software and it doesn’t find anything, you may want to try another option to see if a malware infection was missed. Getting rid of the malware should solve the issue, provided it did exist in the first place.
2. Add Your Program to an Exception Access List.
If you have passed the first step and your computer is safe from malware, you can add the relevant software that you want to run to a data execution prevention exception list.
Doing so will allow you to run the program despite the error code. Simply follow these steps.
- In your computer’s search bar, type in “control panel” and open it.
- Choose system and security.
- In the system menu, click on the advanced system settings.
- In the advanced tab, look for the performance section and hit settings.
- Across the top, click onto the data executive prevention tab.
- The section option will allow you to turn on data execution prevention for all programs and services except those that you choose.
- Click the add button and find your program’s .exe file.
- Add it to the list. Click apply, and then press okay to save changes.
Try running the software again and check to see if you still get the access violation at address error. If no, congratulations! If yes, read on.
3. Disable User Account Control.
If you are trying to install or run a Java-based program, the access violation at address is more likely to occur. To fix this issue, you can temporarily disable the user account control to fix the error from coming up.
This method does pose a little security risk to your computer. Hence, do so at your own risk. All you have to do is disable user account control when you run your desired application and then turn it back on. Follow these steps.
- In your computer’s search bar, type in “control panel” and open it.
- Find the “user accounts” and click into it – twice.
- Choose the last option, which is to change the settings of the user account controls.
- This window allows you to set when you get notified about changes to your computer. Move the slider down to “never notify” and hit okay.
- Try running your program now.
If your program runs, don’t forget to revert your user account settings.
4. Check if Your Program is in Read-Only Mode.
If your program is in a read-only mode, access is going to be denied and you will get the violation error. Follow these steps to check whether your software is in read-only mode or not.
- Find the shortcut on your desktop and right-click on the file.
- Choose the Properties option from the menu.
- Find the “general” tab located at the top of the window.
- Find the attributes section and make sure read-only is not checked.
- If it is checked, uncheck it.
- Hit apply/okay to save changes.
If your program does not have a desktop shortcut, you can either make one and follow the same steps or right-click on the .exe application file and follow the above steps.
5. You Could Have a Faulty RAM, Check it
I hate to break it to you, but if you have ever had a heavy malware infection on your PC and that malware managed to cause physical damage to portions of your random access memory (RAM), then that could be a contributing factor behind the access violation at address error. To check your RAM for corruption, do the following.
- In your computer’s search bar, type in “Windows memory diagnostic”.
- Run the program.
- Choose the first option which is to restart and check for issues.
- Let it run and wait for the results.
If your RAM is corrupted, you should replace it.
8. Reinstall the Problematic Software.
It is often the case that the software you are trying to run, either has certain faulty portions or it was never installed correctly in the first place.
This is one of the most common causes for a variety of errors in Windows programs. Try reinstalling the application to see if the problem persists. To uninstall, do the following.
- In your computer’s search bar, type in settings or hit the Windows key + I at the same time.
- Choose “apps” from the menu.
- Find the application that will not run or launch in the list.
- Click uninstall.
You can also uninstall by going to your computer’s control panel, choosing the programs and features option, and clicking on the uninstall button.
If you go for this method, look for the program in the list and simply click the uninstall button. Once fully uninstalled, restart your computer and then re-install the desired program.