Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH - 14028 (0x36CC)

A component's file does not match the verification information present in the component manifest.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The error code ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH (14028, 0x36CC) is a specific error that occurs in the Windows Side-by-Side (SXS) component store. The SXS subsystem manages and loads side-by-side assemblies, which are shared libraries or executables used by multiple applications.

Error Details

When this error is encountered, it indicates that a file within the SXS component store does not match the expected hash value as defined in its manifest. This mismatch can occur due to various reasons such as corruption during installation, incorrect deployment of files, or issues with the manifest itself.

Common Causes

  • Corrupted File: The file may have been corrupted during transfer or storage.
  • Incorrect Deployment: Files were not deployed correctly, leading to a discrepancy between the actual and expected hash values.
  • Manifest Corruption: The component manifest might be damaged or contain incorrect information.

Real-World Context

This error typically occurs when an application attempts to load a side-by-side assembly from the SXS store. If the file hash does not match the expected value, the system will fail to load the assembly and return this error code.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the specific application and its dependencies. In most cases, it is a non-critical issue that can be resolved by correcting the deployment or re-installing the affected component.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation context is correct and that the application is attempting to load the correct assembly from the SXS store.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check if any parameters passed to the loading function are incorrect or missing.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the file being loaded is indeed a side-by-side assembly and not another type of file.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that all files in the SXS store are correctly deployed and have the expected hash values as defined in their manifests.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Confirm that there are no system limits or constraints preventing the correct loading of the assembly.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters passed to the loading function are valid and correctly specified.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to match the expected environment for the SXS component store.
  3. Restore Data: If files are corrupted or missing, restore them from a known good backup or re-deploy the affected components.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: After addressing any issues identified during diagnosis, retry the operation to see if the error persists.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that all side-by-side assemblies and their manifests are correctly deployed and verified before use. Regularly checking for file integrity and ensuring that deployment processes are robust can help prevent such errors from occurring.

Related Errors

FAQ

Q: What does the error code 14028 mean?

A: The error code 14028, or ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH, indicates that a file in the SXS component store does not match the expected hash value as defined in its manifest.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Regularly verify file integrity and ensure correct deployment of side-by-side assemblies. Use tools provided by Microsoft to validate manifests and check for corruption.

Q: Can this error affect system stability?

A: Generally, this error is not critical to system stability but can prevent applications from loading correctly. Addressing the issue typically resolves any potential impact on system functionality.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH (14028) error indicates a discrepancy between the actual and expected hash values of a file in the SXS component store. This error can be caused by various factors such as corrupted files, incorrect deployment, or manifest corruption. By following diagnostic steps and taking appropriate corrective actions, developers can resolve this issue and ensure smooth operation of applications that rely on side-by-side assemblies.