Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ACTCTXDATA_FORMAT - 14002 (0x36B2)

The application binding data format is invalid.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ACTCTXDATA_FORMAT error is a specific Windows API error code that indicates an issue with the application binding data format. This error typically occurs within the context of the Side-by-Side (SXS) assembly loader, which manages the loading and execution of assemblies in a side-by-side manner.

Error Details

The ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ACTCTXDATA_FORMAT is returned when the SXS assembly loader encounters an invalid format for the application binding data. This can happen due to incorrect or malformed input parameters passed to the SXS APIs, such as those related to activation contexts (ACTCTX).

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: The ACTCTXDATA structure provided by the caller may contain fields that are not properly initialized or are set to invalid values.
  • Incorrect Object Type: The object type specified in the ACTCTX data is inconsistent with the expected format, leading to a mismatch during processing.

Real-World Context

This error can occur when attempting to load an assembly using the SXS APIs. For example, it might be encountered when calling functions like LoadLibraryExW or LoadLibrary2, where incorrect parameters are passed that do not conform to the expected format for activation contexts.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If an application is unable to load a required assembly due to this error, it may fail to start or function correctly. However, the system itself remains stable and does not suffer from any immediate hardware or software failures.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this issue, developers should:

  • Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation context is correct and consistent with the expected usage of SXS APIs.
  • Validate Parameters: Verify that all parameters passed to SXS functions are correctly initialized and do not contain invalid values.
  • Confirm Object Types: Check that the object types specified in ACTCTX data match the expected format for the operation being performed.

How to Resolve

To resolve this issue, developers should:

  • Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters passed to SXS functions are valid and correctly formatted according to the documentation.
  • Adjust Operation Context: If necessary, adjust the context in which the SXS APIs are called to ensure compatibility with the expected format of ACTCTXDATA structures.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware that the ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ACTCTXDATA_FORMAT error is specific to the SXS assembly loader and can occur when incorrect or malformed data is passed. Proper validation and initialization of parameters are crucial to avoid this error.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_MISSING_ASSEMBLY: Occurs when an assembly required by another assembly cannot be found.
  • ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH: Indicates a mismatch between the expected and actual hash values of an assembly file.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ACTCTXDATA_FORMAT mean?

A: This error indicates that the application binding data format is invalid, typically due to incorrect or malformed input parameters passed to SXS APIs.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all parameters passed to SXS functions are correctly initialized and match the expected format for activation contexts (ACTCTX).

Q: Is this error critical for system stability?

A: No, the system remains stable. However, applications may fail to load or function correctly if this error occurs.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ACTCTXDATA_FORMAT is a specific Windows API error that indicates an issue with the application binding data format. It typically arises from incorrect or malformed input parameters passed to SXS APIs. Proper validation and initialization of these parameters are essential to avoid this error.