0xc0000022 – Fix for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10

Get the fix to the 0xc0000022 boot error message affecting Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

Contents

About the “0xc0000022” error

The following information on this error has been compiled by NeoSmart Technologies, based on the information gathered and reported by our global network of engineers, developers, and technicians or partner organizations.

Description and Symptoms

The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.

Symptom 1: 0xc0000022 error screen

This error is mostly caused by an access problem triggered either by specific application or by Windows itself.

The error can be triggered by the following:

  • files that are corrupted or have accessibility issues
  • interference with security software
  • missing DLL file

Causes of this Error

This error has been known to occur as a result of one or more of the following:

Cause 1: Access rights are set incorrectly

The most common cause of this error is a Windows application that is unable to access the other files that are necessary for it to work.

Cause 2: System files are damaged or corrupt

The other common cause is a Windows system file that became corrupt because of a disk write error.

Fixing “0xc0000022” on Windows

Fix #1: Check for permission issues

If the 0xc0000022 is trigged by a specific application and you’re able to identify which application was it, check for its permission configuration to make sure they are set correctly.

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the application that triggered the error. This can either be the shortcut on your Desktop or the .exe file of the application installed, available in My Computer.
  2. Choose Properties
  3. Go to the Security tab
  4. Change permissions for all the Administrators, Power Users and System to Allow Full Control
  5. Click Apply
Application security settings tab

Application security settings tab

Fix #2: Check for DLLs with accessibility issues

If the error is caused by a DLL file, you can identify which file triggered this error by installing and running the Process Monitor tool from Microsoft:

  1. Download and run the Process Monitor tool
  2. Run the application that triggered the 0xc0000022 error
  3. Wait for the error to appear
  4. Click File
  5. Select Capture Events
  6. Select Filter (or you can press the CTRL and L keys) to open Processs Monitor Filter
  7. Filter out all the lines that don’t belong to the application that caused this error
  8. Search for events with the result column as ACCESS DENIED

Once you’ve identified the DLL file with ACCESS DENIED, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the folder where the application that caused this error is installed
  2. Right-click on the DLL file
  3. Select Properties
  4. Go to the Security tab
  5. Click Continue
  6. Click Add
  7. At Enter the object names to select, type users
  8. Click Check Names and then OK
  9. Set the access levels for the new added user to Read & Execute and Read access

Fix #3: Scan for corrupt files

The sfc utility allows you to scan your hard disk for potential corrupt files that might trigger the 0xc0000022 error.

Follow these steps to run this tool:

  1. Click Start
  2. Type cmd in the search box
  3. Right-click on the Command Prompt result and select Run as AdministratorWindows Vista - Run Command Prompt as Administrator
  4. Type: 
    sfc /scannow
  5. Press Enter
sfc utility results screen

sfc utility results screen

If you’re unable to boot into Windows, you can try to run sfc from Safe Mode or through Easy Recovery Essentials.

To boot your computer into Safe Mode, follow these steps:

  1. Remove any peripherals from your computer and restart your computer
  2. Press F8 before the Windows logo appears
  3. Select Safe Mode using the arrows keys and press Enter
    Advanced Boot Options Screen on Dell Computer

    Advanced Boot Options Screen on Dell Computer

Using Easy Recovery Essentials to run sfc is easy. Follow these steps:

  1. Download Easy Recovery Essentials
  2. Burn the ISO Image. Follow our instructions on how to burn a bootable ISO image. If you’d like to have a recovery USB instead, follow our instructions on how to make a recovery USB.
  3. Boot Easy Recovery Essentials from the CD, DVD or USB
  4. Select Launch Command Line

    Easy Recovery Essentials screenshot

To download Easy Recovery Essentials, click here.

Fix #4: Disable firewall or antivirus

If none of these solutions fixed the error, try to disable your antivirus software and your firewall software to determine if the error is caused by either a firewall or by an antivirus program.

More Information

Linked Entries

Support Links

Applicable Systems

This Windows-related knowledgebase article applies to the following operating systems:

  • Windows XP (all editions)
  • Windows Vista (all editions)
  • Windows 7 (all editions)
  • Windows 8 (all editions)
  • Windows 8.1 (all editions)
  • Windows 10 (all editions)

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