Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDCDATA - 14065 (0x36F1)

Manifest Parse Error : A CDATA section was not closed.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDCDATA error code is a specific error that occurs during the parsing of XML manifest files. This error indicates that an improperly formatted CDATA section was encountered, which means that the CDATA section was not properly closed.

Error Details

  • Error Name: ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDCDATA
  • Numeric Code: 14065 (0x36F1)
  • Short Description: A CDATA section was not closed in the manifest file.

This error is typically encountered when a Windows application or service attempts to parse an XML manifest and finds that a CDATA section has been improperly formatted. CDATA sections are used within XML documents to include text that should be treated as raw data, without being parsed by the XML parser. If the CDATA section is not properly closed, it can lead to parsing errors.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: The manifest file contains an improperly formatted CDATA section.
  • Incorrect Object Type: The object type in the manifest file is incorrectly specified as a CDATA section when it should be another type.
  • Exceeding Limits: There are no specific limits associated with this error, but improper use of CDATA sections can lead to issues if not handled correctly.

Real-World Context

This error typically occurs during the deployment or execution of Windows applications that rely on XML manifests. For example, it might be encountered when deploying a ClickOnce application or when running an application that uses manifest files for configuration purposes.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it is encountered. If the application relies heavily on the manifest file to function correctly, then this error could prevent the application from starting or operating as intended. However, if the application can continue functioning without the specific functionality that was defined in the CDATA section, the impact might be minimal.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the manifest file is being used correctly and that it matches the expected format.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the contents of the manifest file for any improperly formatted CDATA sections. Use a tool or editor that supports XML validation to identify issues.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that all object types in the manifest file are correctly specified, especially those related to CDATA sections.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that any CDATA sections in the manifest file are properly formatted and closed.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If the application is part of a larger system or deployment process, ensure that all components are correctly configured to handle XML manifests.
  3. Restore Data: If necessary, restore the manifest file from a backup or previous version.

Developer Notes

When working with XML manifests in Windows applications, it is crucial to ensure that all CDATA sections are properly formatted and closed. This can be achieved by using tools that support XML validation or by manually checking the manifest files for correctness.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSINGEQUAL: Occurs when an attribute value is missing an equal sign.
  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDENTITYREF: Occurs when an entity reference in a CDATA section is not properly closed.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDCDATA error mean?

A: This error indicates that a CDATA section was not properly closed in the manifest file, leading to a parsing failure.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all CDATA sections in your XML manifests are correctly formatted and closed. Use validation tools or editors to check for errors before deployment.

Q: Can this error affect system stability?

A: Generally, no. However, if the application relies on the functionality defined in the improperly formatted manifest file, it could impact the application's operation.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDCDATA error code is a specific parsing error that occurs when an XML manifest contains an improperly formatted CDATA section. This can be caused by invalid parameter values or incorrect object types in the manifest file. Proper validation and correction of the manifest files are necessary to resolve this issue.