Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_DUPLICATEATTRIBUTE - 14053 (0x36E5)

Manifest Parse Error : Duplicate attribute.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The error code ERROR_SXS_XML_E_DUPLICATEATTRIBUTE with the numeric value 14053 and hex code 0x36E5 is a specific error related to XML manifest parsing in Windows. This error indicates that an attribute has been defined more than once within an XML document, which violates the XML syntax rules.

Error Details

The error message 'Manifest Parse Error: Duplicate attribute' suggests that during the processing of an XML manifest file, the parser encountered a situation where an attribute was declared multiple times. This is not allowed in well-formed XML documents and can lead to parsing failures or incorrect behavior of applications relying on these manifests.

Common Causes

  • Invalid parameter values: The XML manifest being processed contains duplicate attributes.
  • Incorrect object type: The manifest file may be incorrectly formatted, leading to the parser misinterpreting certain elements as attributes when they should not be.

Real-World Context

XML manifests are used in various contexts within Windows, such as for side-by-side assemblies (SxS) and application deployment. When these manifests contain duplicate attributes, it can result in deployment failures or runtime errors in applications that depend on the correct structure of the manifest.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. In a development environment, it is generally non-critical as developers are expected to ensure their XML manifests adhere to the required syntax. However, in production environments or during automated deployment processes, such errors can be critical and may require immediate attention.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this error, follow these steps:

  1. Review the operation context: Ensure that the manifest file being processed is correct and intended for use.
  2. Validate parameters: Check the XML content to ensure there are no duplicate attributes. Use tools like an XML validator or a text editor with syntax highlighting to identify issues.
  3. Confirm object types: Verify that all elements in the manifest are correctly identified as either elements or attributes, depending on their context within the document.
  4. Verify input data: Ensure that any external data sources used in generating the manifest do not introduce duplicate attribute errors.

How to Resolve

To resolve this error, take the following actions:

  1. Correct parameter usage: Modify the XML manifest to remove or correct any duplicate attributes.
  2. Adjust operation context: If the manifest is part of a larger deployment process, ensure that all components are correctly configured and that there are no conflicting definitions.
  3. Restore data: If the error was introduced due to corrupted data, restore the original manifest file from a backup or source control system.
  4. Retry operation with valid inputs: Once the manifest is corrected, retry the operation that generated the error.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that their XML manifests are well-formed and adhere to the rules of XML syntax. This includes avoiding duplicate attributes within elements. Additionally, automated tools can be used to validate manifests before deployment to catch such errors early in the development process.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSINGATTRIBUTE: Indicates a required attribute is missing.
  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTEDTOKEN: Occurs when an unexpected token is encountered during parsing.

FAQ

Q: Can this error occur outside of XML manifests?

A: No, the specific nature of this error implies it is related to XML manifest parsing and not other types of files or contexts within Windows.

Q: Is there a way to automatically detect duplicate attributes in XML manifests?

A: Yes, various tools and libraries exist that can validate XML documents for syntax errors, including detecting duplicate attributes. These tools can be integrated into development workflows to ensure manifest integrity.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_DUPLICATEATTRIBUTE error is a specific issue related to XML manifest parsing in Windows. It indicates the presence of duplicate attributes within an XML document, which violates XML syntax rules and can lead to deployment or runtime errors. By understanding the causes and following diagnostic and resolution steps, developers can effectively manage this error and ensure smooth operation of their applications.