Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS - 14046 (0x36DE)

Manifest Parse Error : Multiple colons are not allowed in a name.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS error code is a specific error related to the Side-by-Side (SXS) manifest parsing mechanism in Windows. The SXS subsystem manages side-by-side assemblies, which are collections of files that can be shared and versioned independently within an application domain.

Error Details

The numeric value for this error is 14046 (0x36DE), and the short description provided by Microsoft is: Manifest Parse Error : Multiple colons are not allowed in a name. This indicates that during the parsing of an XML manifest, the parser encountered a syntax issue where multiple colons were used within a name element, which is not permitted.

Common Causes

The error typically occurs due to invalid or malformed XML content. Specifically, it can be caused by:

  • Invalid parameter values: If the manifest file contains incorrect or improperly formatted data.
  • Incorrect object type: If the object being referenced in the manifest does not match the expected format, particularly with respect to name elements containing colons.

Real-World Context

This error is commonly encountered when deploying applications that rely on SXS assemblies. The XML manifests used by these applications must adhere strictly to the schema and syntax rules defined for the SXS subsystem. Violations of these rules can lead to parsing failures, resulting in this specific error code being returned.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. While it does not pose a direct threat to system stability or security, it can prevent applications from starting correctly if their manifests are malformed. Therefore, addressing such errors is important for ensuring smooth application execution.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose and resolve ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS, follow these steps:

  1. Review the manifest file: Inspect the XML content of the manifest to identify any instances where colons are used in a name element. Ensure that names adhere to the correct syntax.
  2. Validate parameters: Check all parameters passed to SXS-related functions or APIs for correctness and compliance with expected formats.
  3. Confirm object types: Verify that the objects referenced in the manifest match their expected types, particularly focusing on name elements.
  4. Verify input data: Ensure that any external data used within the manifest is correctly formatted and does not contain syntax errors.
  5. Check limits or constraints: Although this error is related to parameter validation rather than resource limits, it can still be useful to review overall application configuration for potential issues.

How to Resolve

To resolve ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS, take the following actions:

  • Correct any instances of multiple colons in name elements within the manifest file.
  • Validate all parameters and ensure they are correctly formatted according to SXS requirements.
  • Adjust object types as necessary, ensuring that names do not contain invalid characters or structures.
  • If applicable, restore corrupted data or reconfigure application settings to avoid similar issues in the future.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware of the strict syntax rules governing XML manifests used by SXS. Adhering to these rules is crucial for ensuring that applications can successfully utilize side-by-side assemblies without encountering parsing errors.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSING_TOKEN: Indicates missing or invalid tokens in an XML manifest.
  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTED_TOKEN: Occurs when the parser encounters unexpected characters or structures within a manifest file.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS mean?

A: This error indicates that multiple colons are not allowed in a name element of an XML manifest being parsed by the SXS subsystem.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all XML manifests used by your application adhere to the correct syntax rules, particularly with respect to name elements containing colons. Validate parameters and input data thoroughly before deployment.

Q: Is this error related to file system issues?

A: No, this specific error is related to parameter validation during manifest parsing rather than file system operations.

Summary

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS is a specific error code indicating a syntax issue in XML manifests used by the SXS subsystem. Properly formatted manifests are crucial for ensuring smooth application execution and avoiding this error.