ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE (14017)

Technical Meaning

This error indicates that a manifest file contains an attribute for the assembly identity which is not valid. The Windows operating system uses this error code to signal that there is a problem with the assembly identity in the manifest, preventing it from being properly recognized or loaded.

Error Details

The ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE error is typically encountered during the execution of operations involving side-by-side assemblies. The side-by-side hosting facility (SxS) manages multiple versions of assemblies and ensures their proper loading based on manifest information. When an invalid attribute in the assembly identity is detected, this error is generated.

Usage Context

This error can occur in various scenarios where a manifest file is being processed or when an assembly is being loaded by the SxS runtime environment. Common contexts include:

Application startup and initialization
Dynamic loading of assemblies at runtime
Deployment and installation processes involving side-by-side assemblies

Developer Interpretation

Developers should interpret this error as a sign that there is an issue with the manifest file or the assembly identity itself. The presence of an invalid attribute in the assembly identity can lead to failures in loading the assembly, which may result in application crashes or unexpected behavior.

Related Errors

ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_KEY_MISMATCH (14023)
ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH (14025)
ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_PARSE_ERROR (14019)

FAQ

Q: What does the `ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE` error mean?

A: This error indicates that an attribute in the assembly identity of a manifest file is not valid, preventing proper loading or execution.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Review and correct any invalid attributes in the assembly identity within the manifest file. Ensure all attributes are correctly specified according to the Windows API documentation for side-by-side assemblies.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_INVALID_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE error is a specific technical issue related to the validation of assembly identities in manifest files. Developers should ensure that their manifests and assemblies adhere strictly to the required specifications to avoid this error.