What makes Access Violation Errors?

Usually the time you see the 0xc0000005 error message pop up is when you attempt to start a program in Windows. And after the error, the program won’t work. The most likely causes for the ‘0xc0000005: Access Violation’ error are a faulty RAM or device driver, malware applications, poorly written, incorrectly installed or updated software, or even some of Windows’ own security features.

But, if you are not a computer tech or a very savvy user, it is infinitely better to let a professional handle this one. This is one error you don’t want to mess around with, and you can truly do more harm than good if you try knuckle-wrenching it on your own.

0xc0000005 Error #1: System Registry

The 0xc0000005 error is sometimes caused by corrupt registry entries that build up due to poor maintenance on your part. As you install and delete programs, you often leave small bits and bytes in the registry. There are several good registry cleaners available, to buy and for free (like Advanced System Care 3, TweakNow RegCleaner, and CCleaner) that can find and delete the flotsam and jetsam adrift and causing havoc in your system registry.

0xc0000005 Error #2: Virus

If your computer has a virus, the 0xc0000005 error may actually tell you that the system prevented the execution of a malicious application. If you suspect this might be the case (or just in case), update and run your anti-virus program immediately. If you don’t have an anti-virus program that you use regularly–shame on you! There are plenty to be had, both free and for a fee; some of the better known ones are AVG and AVAST, (both free) and Norton and McAfee (both charge a fee).

0xc0000005 Error #3: Bad RAM Memory

Often the 0xc0000005 error is caused by faulty RAM (Random Access Memory). If you have just installed additional RAM, 99.9% of the time this is the cause. Remove the new memory and if the error goes away, you’ve found your culprit.

0xc0000005 Error #4: DEP

Sometimes the 0xC0000005 error occurs because of Data Execution Prevention (DEP), which was introduced by Microsoft in Windows Service Pack 2 (SP2) and used in later versions of Windows as well. DEP is a set of security features that prevents code execution from non-executable memory segments. You need research or a technician to finally solve this one.

0xc0000005 Error #5: Printer Drivers

Sometimes 0xc0000005 error show up when your current printer profile is incompatible with the updated settings of one of the programs you are trying to use. The easiest fix is to re-download the printer driver (hopefully the latest version) and start over.

0xc0000005 error case 6: Bad Video Driver

On occasion 0xc0000005 errors happen after video card driver updates. If that is the case for you, rollback to the drivers you’ve been using before the update.

These are just a few of the more common causes; hopefully you will never see them again!