Knowledge

ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTEDENDTAG - 14051 (0x36E3)

Manifest Parse Error : End tag was not expected at this location.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTEDENDTAG error code is a specific error that occurs during the parsing of XML manifests in the Windows Side-by-Side (SXS) assembly cache. This error indicates that an unexpected end tag was encountered, which disrupts the expected structure of the XML document.

Error Details

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTEDENDTAG is a manifest parse error. It signifies that during the parsing process, the parser encountered an end tag where it was not expecting one. This can happen due to various reasons such as malformed XML or incorrect usage of tags in the manifest file.

Common Causes

  • Invalid parameter values: The XML manifest being parsed contains invalid syntax, leading to unexpected end tags.
  • Incorrect object type: The operation is being performed on an object that does not support the expected XML structure.
  • Exceeding limits: There might be a limit on the number of tags or nesting levels in the XML document.

Real-World Context

This error typically occurs when attempting to load or validate an XML manifest file, which is used for describing dependencies and other metadata related to assemblies. The SXS assembly cache uses these manifests to manage side-by-side assemblies efficiently.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the operation is part of a critical system process, such as loading an essential assembly, then the error could be significant. However, if the operation is non-critical, like a background task, the impact might be minimal.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Review the XML Manifest: Carefully examine the manifest file for any syntax errors or incorrect usage of tags.
  2. Validate Parameters: Ensure that all parameters passed to the operation are valid and correctly formatted.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the object being operated on supports the expected XML structure.

How to Resolve

To resolve this issue, consider these practical steps:

  • Correct any syntax errors in the manifest file.
  • Adjust parameter usage if necessary.
  • Ensure all operations are performed within the valid limits of the system.

Developer Notes

When working with SXS manifests, it is crucial to ensure that XML files adhere strictly to the expected structure. Developers should validate their XML documents before use and handle errors gracefully to maintain robust application behavior.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTEDSTARTTAG
  • ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISMATCHEDTAGS

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTEDENDTAG error mean?

A: This error indicates that an unexpected end tag was encountered during XML manifest parsing, disrupting the expected structure of the document.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that your XML manifests are well-formed and adhere to the correct syntax. Validate them before use to catch any potential issues early.

Summary

The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_UNEXPECTEDENDTAG is a specific manifest parse error indicating an unexpected end tag in XML documents used by the Windows Side-by-Side assembly cache. By understanding its context, causes, and resolution steps, developers can effectively manage this error and ensure robust application behavior.