ERROR_SXS_IDENTITY_DUPLICATE_ATTRIBUTE - 14092 (0x370C)

Introduction

The ERROR_SXS_IDENTITY_DUPLICATE_ATTRIBUTE error code is encountered when a software component in the Windows Side-by-Side (SXS) assembly framework contains an identity with duplicate attribute definitions. This error typically arises during the validation or processing of identities within SXS assemblies.

Technical Background

The SXS framework manages side-by-side execution of multiple versions of the same application and its components on a single system. Each component is identified by a unique identity, which includes attributes such as version, publisher, public key token, and other metadata. The presence of duplicate attribute definitions within an identity can lead to conflicts during assembly loading or resolution.

Error Details

The error ERROR_SXS_IDENTITY_DUPLICATE_ATTRIBUTE (14092, 0x370C) indicates that the system has detected a situation where an identity contains two definitions for the same attribute. This could manifest in various scenarios, such as conflicting version numbers or publisher information within the same assembly.

Common Causes

• Invalid parameter values: Incorrectly specified attributes during the creation of SXS identities.
• Incorrect object type: Mixing different types of objects (e.g., assemblies and manifests) that should not be combined.
• Exceeding limits: Attempting to define more than one attribute for a single identity, which is not allowed by design.

Real-World Context

This error can occur during the deployment or execution of applications that rely on SXS assemblies. For instance, it might appear when attempting to load an assembly with conflicting metadata definitions or when there are issues in the manifest files associated with these assemblies.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. In most cases, it is not a catastrophic failure but rather an indication that the SXS framework has detected a potential issue that needs to be addressed before proceeding with assembly loading or execution.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose the cause of ERROR_SXS_IDENTITY_DUPLICATE_ATTRIBUTE, follow these steps:

• Review operation context: Ensure that all operations involving SXS assemblies are performed in an appropriate environment.
• Validate parameters: Check the attributes and metadata associated with each assembly to ensure they are correctly specified.
• Confirm object types: Verify that only compatible objects (e.g., assemblies, manifests) are being processed.

How to Resolve

To resolve this error, take the following actions:

• Correct parameter usage: Ensure all parameters used in defining SXS identities are correct and do not contain duplicate attribute definitions.
• Adjust operation context: If the issue is related to an incorrect environment or setup, adjust the context accordingly.
• Restore data: In cases where corrupted metadata might be causing the error, restore the original files or re-deploy the assemblies.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that all SXS identities are correctly defined and do not contain duplicate attribute definitions. This can be achieved by carefully managing assembly versions, publishers, and other metadata during development and deployment processes.

Related Errors

• ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH: Indicates a mismatch in file hashes.
• ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_NOT_SCOPED: Occurs when an identity is not properly scoped.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_SXS_IDENTITY_DUPLICATE_ATTRIBUTE error mean?

A: It means that an SXS assembly contains duplicate attribute definitions within its identity, which can cause conflicts during execution.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure all attributes in your SXS identities are unique and correctly specified. Validate metadata and parameters before deploying assemblies.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_IDENTITY_DUPLICATE_ATTRIBUTE error is a specific technical issue related to the Windows Side-by-Side assembly framework. It indicates that an identity contains duplicate attribute definitions, which can lead to conflicts during execution. By carefully managing SXS identities and ensuring correct metadata, developers can prevent this error from occurring.