ERROR_SXS_XML_E_BADXMLDECL - 14056 (0x36E8)
Manifest Parse Error : Invalid xml declaration.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_SXS_XML_E_BADXMLDECL with the numeric value 14056 and hexadecimal representation 0x36E8 indicates a manifest parse error specifically related to an invalid XML declaration. This error typically occurs during the parsing of XML files, particularly those used in Windows Side-by-Side (SxS) assemblies or manifests.
Error Details
The term 'manifest' refers to XML documents that describe dependencies and other metadata for components such as assemblies. An XML declaration is the first line of an XML document and must follow a specific format. If this format is not adhered to, the parser encounters an error, leading to ERROR_SXS_XML_E_BADXMLDECL.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various contexts where XML manifests are processed by Windows components or applications. Common scenarios include:
- Loading SxS assemblies during application startup.
- Executing deployment scripts that rely on manifest files.
- Running applications that depend on specific versions of libraries or components.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as a signal that the XML document being processed is not correctly formatted. Specifically, the first line of the XML file does not conform to the expected syntax for an XML declaration. This could be due to:
- Incorrect characters used in the declaration.
- Missing or incorrect version information.
- Improper use of encoding attributes.
Related Errors
ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MALFORMED(14057, 0x36E9): Manifest parse error due to malformed XML content.ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTED_TOKEN(14058, 0x36EA): Unexpected token encountered during manifest parsing.
FAQ
Q: What does the term 'manifest' mean in this context?
A: A manifest is an XML document that describes dependencies and other metadata for components such as assemblies. It is used by Windows to manage side-by-side assemblies and ensure correct loading of resources.
Q: Can this error occur outside of SxS assembly management?
A: While the term 'manifest' in ERROR_SXS_XML_E_BADXMLDECL specifically refers to SxS manifests, similar errors can occur with any XML document processed by Windows components that expect a valid manifest format.
Summary
The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_BADXMLDECL error indicates an invalid XML declaration within a manifest file. This error is specific to the parsing of XML documents and typically occurs during the loading or execution of applications that depend on SxS assemblies. Developers should ensure that their XML manifests adhere to the correct syntax, particularly in the first line of the document.