Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDTAG - 14052 (0x36E4)

Manifest Parse Error : The following tags were not closed: %1.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDTAG error code is a specific error indicating that an XML manifest file contains unclosed tags during parsing. This error typically occurs in the context of Windows Side-by-Side (SxS) assembly management, where manifests are used to describe dependencies and other metadata for assemblies.

Error Details

  • Error Name: ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDTAG
  • Numeric Code: 14052
  • Hex Code: 0x36E4
  • Short Description: Manifest parse error due to unclosed tags in XML content.

This error is indicative of a failure during the parsing process of an XML manifest file. The manifest may be part of a SxS assembly or other component that requires proper XML structure for correct operation.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: An incorrect parameter value, such as an improperly formatted XML string, can lead to this error.
  • Incorrect Object Type: If the object being parsed is not an XML manifest, the parser may fail and return this error.
  • Exceeding Limits: There are no specific limits that would directly cause this error; however, extremely large or malformed manifests could potentially trigger other errors before reaching this point.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in various scenarios where XML manifest files are involved. For example, it might be encountered during the loading of a SxS assembly, where the manifest is used to determine dependencies and other attributes of the assembly.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the operation that relies on the XML manifest fails due to this error, it could prevent the successful loading or execution of an SxS assembly. However, the system may still function normally if other components are not dependent on the problematic manifest.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation being performed is correctly identifying and using XML manifests where appropriate.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the parameters passed to functions or APIs that handle XML parsing, ensuring they contain valid XML content.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the objects being parsed are indeed XML manifest files and not other types of data.
  4. Verify Input Data: Inspect the XML content for any unclosed tags or syntax errors that could cause this error.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Although unlikely, ensure that there are no constraints on the size or complexity of manifests that might be causing issues.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters passed to XML parsing functions are correctly formatted and contain valid XML content.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to ensure proper handling of XML manifest files.
  3. Restore Data: If the issue is due to corrupted data, restore or correct the XML manifest file.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to perform the operation again using valid inputs that do not contain unclosed tags.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware of the importance of proper XML structure in manifests and ensure that all XML content is well-formed before passing it to parsing functions. This can prevent errors like ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDTAG from occurring.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_XML_E_UNCLOSEDSTARTTAG: Similar error indicating an unclosed start tag in XML content.
  • ERROR_XML_E_UNCLOSEDENDTAG: Error related to an unclosed end tag in XML content.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDTAG error mean?

A: This error indicates that there is a problem with an XML manifest file, specifically unclosed tags during parsing.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all XML content passed to parsing functions is well-formed and contains no unclosed tags. Validate the input data before processing.

Q: Is this error critical for system operation?

A: The criticality depends on the context. If it affects a crucial SxS assembly, it could be critical; otherwise, it may not impact overall system functionality.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNCLOSEDTAG error is a specific manifestation of an XML parsing failure due to unclosed tags in manifest files used by Windows Side-by-Side assemblies. Proper validation and correction of input data can prevent this issue from occurring.