ERROR_SXS_XML_E_WHITESPACEORQUESTIONMARK - 14050 (0x36E2)
Manifest Parse Error : Expecting whitespace or '?'.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
This error code, ERROR_SXS_XML_E_WHITESPACEORQUESTIONMARK, is a specific manifest parse error in the Windows operating system. It indicates that an unexpected whitespace or question mark character was encountered during XML parsing.
Error Details
The numeric value of this error is 14050 (0x36E2) and it typically occurs when the System Update Services (SXS) component encounters malformed XML content, specifically within a manifest file. Manifest files are crucial for describing dependencies and other metadata related to assemblies in .NET applications.
Usage Context
This error is commonly encountered during the execution of Windows-based applications that rely on managed code or assembly loading mechanisms provided by SXS. It can also appear when attempting to install or update software packages that include manifest files with incorrect XML syntax.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as a sign that there is an issue with the XML content of a manifest file. The presence of unexpected characters such as whitespace or question marks in specific positions within the XML document can cause parsing failures, leading to this error code being returned by the system.
Related Errors
ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH(0x80131526): Indicates a hash mismatch between manifest and assembly.ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MISSINGMEMBER(0x80131547): Manifest parse error due to missing required elements.
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_SXS_XML_E_WHITESPACEORQUESTIONMARK error mean?
A: It indicates an unexpected whitespace or question mark in XML content during manifest parsing.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that all XML files, particularly manifests, are correctly formatted and do not contain any invalid characters such as whitespace or question marks in critical positions.
Summary
The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_WHITESPACEORQUESTIONMARK error is a specific manifest parse error indicating an unexpected character encountered during XML parsing. Developers should focus on ensuring the integrity of their XML content, particularly within manifest files, to avoid this issue.