Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDDECL - 14064 (0x36F0)

Manifest Parse Error : A declaration was not closed.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The error code ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDDECL (14064, 0x36F0) is a specific error related to the Windows Side-by-Side (SXS) manifest parsing process. This error indicates that during the validation or processing of an XML-based manifest file, a declaration was not properly closed.

Error Details

The SXS subsystem in Windows uses manifests for various purposes such as dependency resolution and runtime configuration. Manifests are typically written in XML format and contain declarations about assemblies, dependencies, and other metadata required by applications. When these manifests are processed, the parser expects each opening declaration to be properly closed with a corresponding closing tag.

Common Causes

The error ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDDECL is commonly caused by:

  • Invalid XML Syntax: An XML manifest file may contain an unclosed declaration, such as an open angle bracket (<) without the corresponding closing angle bracket (>).
  • Corrupted Manifest File: The manifest file might have been corrupted during storage or transmission, leading to incomplete declarations.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in various scenarios where XML manifests are used, including but not limited to:

  • Application deployment and installation processes
  • Runtime environment setup for applications that rely on SXS assemblies
  • Configuration of Windows services and components

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context. If an application or service relies on a manifest file with unclosed declarations, it may fail to start or function correctly. However, in some cases, the system might be able to recover by ignoring the malformed section of the manifest.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose and resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that all operations involving XML manifests are performed within a valid context where such files can be processed without issues.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check for any parameters or inputs that might have led to the creation of an invalid manifest file.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the object types being manipulated (e.g., manifest files) are correctly identified and handled by the system.
  4. Verify Input Data: Inspect the XML content of the manifest file for any syntax errors, such as unclosed declarations.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Ensure that there are no limits or constraints imposed on the size or complexity of the manifest files being processed.

How to Resolve

To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:

  • Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters used in generating or modifying XML manifests are correctly formatted and do not contain unclosed declarations.
  • Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is suspect, adjust it to ensure that only valid operations are performed on manifest files.
  • Restore Data: In cases where a corrupted manifest file has caused this error, restore the manifest from a backup or re-create it with correct syntax.
  • Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to process the manifest again using valid inputs and parameters to see if the issue resolves itself.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that all XML-based manifests used in their applications are well-formed and free of unclosed declarations. This can be achieved through rigorous testing and validation processes, as well as by leveraging tools designed for XML parsing and validation.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MALFORMED: A more general error indicating that the manifest file is malformed in some way.
  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDDECLARATION: Another specific error related to unclosed declarations, though this might be a different manifestation of the same issue.

FAQ

Q: What does the error ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDDECL mean?

A: This error indicates that an XML manifest file contains an unclosed declaration during parsing.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all XML manifests are well-formed and validated before use. Use tools to check for syntax errors, such as unclosed declarations.

Q: Can this error affect the performance of my application?

A: Generally, no. However, if the manifest is critical for your application's operation, a failure due to an unclosed declaration could prevent it from starting or functioning correctly.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDDECL (14064) error indicates that an XML manifest file contains an unclosed declaration during parsing. This can occur due to invalid syntax or corrupted data and may affect the operation of applications relying on SXS assemblies. By ensuring well-formed manifests and validating inputs, developers can mitigate this issue.