ERROR_SXS_MISSING_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE - 14079 (0x36FF)

Technical Background

The ERROR_SXS_MISSING_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE error code is a specific error related to the Side-by-Side (SxS) assembly management in Windows. SxS assemblies are used for managing multiple versions of shared components, such as .NET Framework assemblies or COM components.

Error Details

This error indicates that an operation involving an SxS assembly has failed because one or more required attributes were missing from the assembly identity. The assembly identity is a unique identifier for an assembly and includes information like the name, version, public key token, culture, and other metadata.

Common Causes

• Invalid parameter values: An incorrect or incomplete set of parameters was passed to an SxS-related function or method.
• Incorrect object type: The operation was performed on a non-SxS assembly or the wrong type of assembly identity attribute was provided.
• Unsupported operations: Attempting to perform an unsupported operation on an SxS assembly, such as modifying attributes that are not allowed.

Real-World Context

This error typically occurs during runtime execution when an application attempts to load a specific version of an assembly. It can also appear in scenarios where the system is managing multiple versions of assemblies and requires strict validation of their identities.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the operation that failed is part of a critical path, such as application startup or service initialization, then the issue should be addressed promptly to prevent further failures.

How to Diagnose

1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation being performed is appropriate for SxS assemblies and that all required attributes are present in the assembly identity.
2. Validate Parameters: Check the parameters passed to any SxS-related functions or methods to ensure they are correct and complete.
3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the object type being manipulated is an SxS assembly and not a different type of component.
4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that all metadata associated with the assembly identity, such as name, version, public key token, culture, etc., are correctly specified.

How to Resolve

1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all required attributes in the assembly identity are provided and correct.
2. Adjust Operation Context: If the operation is not supported or appropriate for SxS assemblies, adjust the context accordingly.
3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a known good backup if available.
4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to perform the operation again using valid and complete inputs.

Developer Notes

When working with SxS assemblies, it is crucial to ensure that all required attributes are correctly specified in the assembly identity. This includes verifying the name, version, public key token, culture, and any other relevant metadata.

Related Errors

• ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_KEY_NOT_FOUND (14078)
• ERROR_SXS_CANT_CREATE_DEFAULT_DOMAIN (14069)

FAQ

Q: What does the error code 14079 mean?

A: The error indicates that an SxS assembly identity is missing one or more required attributes.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure all required attributes in the assembly identity are correctly specified and passed to relevant functions or methods.

Q: Can this error be related to a specific version of Windows?

A: Yes, the behavior is consistent across supported versions of Windows where SxS assemblies are used.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_MISSING_ASSEMBLY_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE (14079) error occurs when an operation involving SxS assemblies fails due to missing required attributes in the assembly identity. Diagnosing and resolving this issue involves validating parameters, confirming object types, and ensuring all metadata is correctly specified.