Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSINGWHITESPACE - 14037 (0x36D5)

Manifest Parse Error : Required white space was missing.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The error code ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSINGWHITESPACE (14037, 0x36D5) is a specific error related to the Windows Side-by-Side (SxS) manifest parsing process. This error indicates that during the validation of an XML-based manifest file, required whitespace was missing in a location where it was expected.

Error Details

This error typically occurs when the SxS runtime environment encounters an XML document that does not conform to the expected structure and syntax rules. Specifically, the parser expects certain white space characters (such as spaces or tabs) at particular points within the XML content but finds none. This can lead to a failure in parsing the manifest correctly.

Common Causes

  • Invalid parameter values: The XML manifest provided contains elements that do not adhere to the expected whitespace rules.
  • Incorrect object type: The manifest file is being treated as an SxS manifest when it should be of another type, leading to incorrect parsing behavior.
  • Exceeding limits: While this error does not directly relate to resource limits, it can occur if the XML content exceeds a certain complexity or size that the parser cannot handle.

Real-World Context

This error is commonly encountered in scenarios where custom manifests are used for application deployment or runtime configuration. It may also appear during development and testing phases when developers are working with SxS assemblies and their associated manifest files.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If an application relies heavily on SxS manifests, such as for loading dependencies or configuring runtime behavior, then encountering this error can prevent the application from starting correctly. However, if the application is designed to handle such errors gracefully, the impact might be minimal.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review operation context: Ensure that the manifest file being parsed is indeed an SxS manifest and not a different type of XML document.
  2. Validate parameters: Check the content of the manifest file for any missing whitespace characters in places where they are expected, such as between tags or after certain elements.
  3. Confirm object types: Verify that the manifest files are correctly identified by the application and SxS runtime environment.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct parameter usage: Ensure that all parameters passed to functions handling XML manifests are valid and conform to the expected format, including proper use of whitespace.
  2. Adjust operation context: If the manifest file is part of a larger deployment or configuration process, ensure that the environment in which it is being used supports SxS manifests correctly.
  3. Restore data: If the error occurs due to corrupted manifest files, consider restoring from backups or re-creating the manifest with correct syntax.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware of the specific rules governing whitespace usage in XML documents, especially when working with SxS manifests. Ensuring that all generated and manually edited manifest files adhere to these rules can prevent such errors from occurring.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MALFORMED: Indicates a more general issue with malformed XML content.
  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTED_TOKEN: Occurs when an unexpected token is encountered during parsing, which might also be related to whitespace issues in certain contexts.

FAQ

Q: What does the error code 14037 (0x36D5) mean?

A: The error ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSINGWHITESPACE indicates that a required whitespace character was missing during XML manifest parsing.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all XML content, particularly in SxS manifests, adheres to the expected syntax rules, including proper use of whitespace characters.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSINGWHITESPACE (14037, 0x36D5) error is a specific manifestation of issues related to XML manifest parsing in Windows. By understanding its context and causes, developers can take steps to prevent or resolve this issue effectively.