ERROR_SXS_PROTECTION_CATALOG_FILE_MISSING - 14078 (0x36FE)
Assembly Protection Error : The catalog for an assembly is missing.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_SXS_PROTECTION_CATALOG_FILE_MISSING error, with the numeric code 14078 or hex code 0x36FE, is a specific assembly protection error. This error indicates that the catalog for an assembly is missing, which can disrupt the proper execution of the application.
Error Details
This error typically occurs when the Windows Side-by-Side (SXS) runtime environment cannot find the required manifest file or catalog for a particular assembly. The SXS system manages side-by-side assemblies and their manifests to ensure that applications run with the correct versions of components, even if multiple versions are installed.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various scenarios where an application attempts to load an assembly but fails due to missing manifest or catalog files. It is commonly encountered during the execution of managed code applications, such as those written using .NET Framework or .NET Core.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should ensure that all required manifests and catalogs are present in the correct locations. The SXS system relies on these files to validate and load assemblies correctly. Missing manifest or catalog files can lead to runtime errors and application failures.
Related Errors
ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH(14079, 0x36FF): Indicates a hash mismatch between the assembly and its manifest.ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_Mismatch(14082, 0x3702): Suggests an identity mismatch in the assembly manifest.
FAQ
Q: What causes this error?
A: The error is typically caused by missing or corrupted manifest files for assemblies. It can also occur if the application attempts to load a version of an assembly that does not match the expected version specified in its manifest.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure all required manifests and catalogs are present and correctly located. Verify the integrity of these files using tools like sfc /scannow or by manually checking file hashes against known good values.
Summary
The ERROR_SXS_PROTECTION_CATALOG_FILE_MISSING error is a specific assembly protection issue that occurs when the SXS runtime environment cannot find the required manifest or catalog for an assembly. Developers should ensure all necessary files are present and correctly located to avoid this error.