ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_SAME_BUT_CONTENTS_DIFFERENT - 14101 (0x3715)

Introduction

This article provides a detailed explanation of the Windows error code ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_SAME_BUT_CONTENTS_DIFFERENT (14101, 0x3715). This error is specific to the Side-by-Side (SXS) assembly cache and indicates that two or more manifests have identical identities but different contents.

Technical Background

The Side-by-Side (SXS) assembly cache in Windows is a mechanism for managing multiple versions of assemblies. Each assembly in the SXS cache has an identity, which includes its name, version, public key token, and culture information. The manifest file associated with each assembly contains metadata about the assembly.

Error Details

The error ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_SAME_BUT_CONTENTS_DIFFERENT (14101) is generated when an operation involving assemblies in the SXS cache encounters a situation where two or more manifests have identical identities but different contents. This can occur during operations such as loading assemblies, resolving dependencies, or performing versioning checks.

Common Causes

• Invalid Parameter Values: Incorrect parameters passed to assembly-related functions may lead to this error.
• Incorrect Object Type: The operation being performed on the SXS cache might be applied incorrectly to an object that is not a manifest.
• Exceeding Limits: Operations involving the SXS cache might exceed certain limits, leading to this error.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in scenarios where multiple versions of assemblies are present in the SXS cache and there is a conflict between their manifests. For example, if an application attempts to load an assembly that has been updated but the new version's manifest differs from the existing one, this error might be generated.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. In most cases, it is not a critical error and can often be resolved by ensuring correct parameter usage or adjusting operation context.

How to Diagnose

• Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation being performed is appropriate for the SXS cache.
• Validate Parameters: Verify that all parameters passed to assembly-related functions are correct.
• Confirm Object Types: Confirm that the objects involved in the operation are manifests and not other types of files.

How to Resolve

• Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters used in operations involving the SXS cache are correctly specified.
• Adjust Operation Context: If the context is incorrect, adjust it to ensure compatibility with the SXS cache.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware of the potential for this error when working with multiple versions of assemblies and ensuring correct parameter usage. Proper validation of parameters can help prevent such errors from occurring.

Related Errors

• ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH
• ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_NOT_CACHED

FAQ

Q: What does the error ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_SAME_BUT_CONTENTS_DIFFERENT mean?

A: This error indicates that two or more manifests in the SXS cache have identical identities but different contents.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure correct parameter usage and validate all parameters passed to assembly-related functions. Confirm that objects involved are of the correct type (manifests).

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_SAME_BUT_CONTENTS_DIFFERENT (14101) error is a specific issue related to the Side-by-Side assembly cache in Windows, indicating conflicts between manifests with identical identities but different contents. Proper validation and correct parameter usage can help prevent this error.