Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALIDENCODING - 14067 (0x36F3)

Manifest Parse Error : System does not support the specified encoding.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The error code ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALIDENCODING with the numeric value 14067 and hexadecimal representation 0x36F3 is encountered during the parsing of XML manifests in the Windows Side-by-Side assembly (SxS) system. This error specifically indicates that the system does not support the encoding specified within an XML manifest file.

Error Details

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALIDENCODING error arises when a component or application attempts to parse an XML manifest but encounters an unsupported encoding declaration. The SxS assembly loader is responsible for validating and parsing these manifests, which are used to describe the dependencies of assemblies and their relationships with other components.

Common Causes

  • Unsupported Encoding Declaration: The XML manifest contains an encoding declaration that is not supported by the system or the component attempting to parse it. For example, a manifest might specify an encoding such as UTF-16BE, which may not be recognized or supported.
  • Incorrect Manifest Usage Context: The manifest file might be used in a context where its specified encoding is not applicable or valid, leading to this error.

Real-World Context

This error can occur when deploying or running applications that rely on SxS assemblies. For instance, if an application attempts to load a component from the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) and encounters a manifest with an unsupported encoding, it will fail to initialize correctly.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the application or service fails due to this error, it may result in partial functionality or complete failure of the component relying on the SxS assembly. However, the system itself is unlikely to be impacted unless multiple components are affected.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose and resolve ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALIDENCODING, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the manifest file is being used in an appropriate context where its specified encoding is valid.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the XML manifest for any incorrect or unsupported encoding declarations. Correcting these can resolve the issue.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the object types and their associated encodings are correctly identified and supported by the system.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that all input data, including the manifest file, is correct and does not contain any unsupported encoding declarations.

How to Resolve

To resolve ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALIDENCODING, take the following actions:

  • Correct any invalid or unsupported encoding declarations in the XML manifest. Ensure that the encoding specified is supported by both the system and the component attempting to parse it.
  • Adjust the operation context if necessary, ensuring that the manifest file is used appropriately.
  • If restoring data is required, back up existing manifests before making changes to avoid potential issues with other components or services.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that XML manifests used in their applications and services are compatible with the system's encoding capabilities. This includes validating encoding declarations during development and testing phases to prevent runtime errors.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH (14068): Indicates a file hash mismatch, which can occur if the manifest is corrupted or tampered with.
  • ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_IDENTITY_MISMATCH (14072): Occurs when there is a mismatch in the identity of an assembly as described by its manifest and the expected identity.

FAQ

Q: Can this error be ignored?

A: No, this error should not be ignored as it can prevent components from initializing correctly. It may lead to partial or complete failure of dependent applications or services.

Q: What are common encoding values that might cause this error?

A: Common unsupported encodings include UTF-16BE, UTF-32LE, and others that are not natively supported by the system or component attempting to parse them.

Summary

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALIDENCODING is a specific error indicating an issue with XML manifest parsing due to unsupported encoding declarations. Developers should ensure their manifests use supported encodings and validate input data to prevent this error from occurring.