ERROR_SXS_SECTION_NOT_FOUND - 14000 (0x36B0)

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_SXS_SECTION_NOT_FOUND error code indicates that a requested section, such as an assembly or manifest, was not found within the activation context. This typically occurs during the execution of managed code where the Common Language Runtime (CLR) attempts to resolve references to assemblies.

Error Details

This error is specific to the Side-by-Side (SXS) runtime environment in Windows. The SXS mechanism allows multiple versions of an assembly to coexist and be loaded into a process, each with its own activation context. When the CLR or another component attempts to resolve a reference within this context, it may encounter a situation where the specified section does not exist.

Common Causes

• Invalid Section Reference: The requested section name is incorrect or does not match any sections in the manifest.
• Corrupted Manifest: The assembly's manifest file might be corrupted, leading to missing sections.
• Incorrect Activation Context: The activation context being used may not include all necessary sections for the operation.

Real-World Context

This error can occur when deploying applications that rely on specific versions of assemblies or when dealing with complex deployment scenarios involving multiple application domains and activation contexts. It is particularly relevant in environments where managed code execution is involved, such as .NET Framework applications.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the operation that requires a specific section fails due to this error, the application or service may not function correctly until the issue is resolved.

How to Diagnose

1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the correct activation context is being used for the operation.
2. Validate Parameters: Check if the provided parameters, such as section names, are correct and match those in the manifest.
3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the object types involved (e.g., assemblies) are correctly identified and not corrupted.

How to Resolve

1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters used in the operation are accurate and up-to-date.
2. Adjust Operation Context: If multiple activation contexts exist, ensure the correct one is selected for the operation.
3. Restore Data: If a manifest file is corrupted, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Developer Notes

• Ensure that all assemblies and their manifests are correctly configured and up-to-date.
• Use tools like fuslogvw.exe (Assembly Binding Log Viewer) to diagnose issues related to assembly loading and binding.

Related Errors

• ERROR_SXS_MISMATCHED_VERSIONS: Occurs when the version of an assembly does not match expectations within the activation context.
• ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH: Indicates a hash mismatch between the expected and actual file content, often due to corruption or tampering.

FAQ

Q: What causes ERROR_SXS_SECTION_NOT_FOUND?

A: Common causes include invalid section references, corrupted manifests, or incorrect activation contexts.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all assemblies and their manifests are correctly configured and up-to-date. Use tools like fuslogvw.exe to diagnose issues related to assembly loading and binding.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_SECTION_NOT_FOUND error code indicates a failure in resolving sections within the activation context during managed code execution. This error is specific to the SXS runtime environment and can be caused by various factors, including invalid references or corrupted manifests. Proper configuration and validation of assemblies and their manifests are crucial for preventing this issue.