Solved: Troubleshooting Guide for Error Code 0x8000203B in Windows Applications

Error Code 0x8000203B Summary

The error code 0x8000203B is commonly associated with issues related to COM (Component Object Model) and can occur in various software applications that utilize COM components, particularly those running on Microsoft Windows operating systems. This error typically signifies a failure during the initialization or execution of an object’s method due to insufficient permissions, incorrect configurations, or corrupt data. It often indicates problems such as access violations when attempting to execute code from a non-executable memory address or issues with security settings that prevent certain operations from being carried out.

Description of Error 0x8000203B and Where It Can Occur

This error can manifest in different contexts within Microsoft Windows environments:
The Windows Installer: During the installation or repair of software packages, 0x8000203B may appear if there are conflicts between existing system files and new components being installed. This often results from incomplete uninstallations leaving behind corrupted registry entries or shared DLLs that interfere with fresh installations.
Active Directory Services: In scenarios involving Group Policy management or user account provisioning through scripts, the error might surface when attempting to create or modify objects using LDAP queries. Insufficient privileges assigned to the executing account or incorrect syntax in the script could lead to this issue.
Microsoft Office Applications: While running macros or automation tasks via VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), developers may encounter 0x8000203B when trying to instantiate COM objects that are either misconfigured or blocked by security policies enforced on the system. This is especially true in environments where macro security settings are set to high, requiring explicit user approval before executing potentially unsafe scripts.
Custom Applications: Software developers who employ COM components for inter-process communication might run into this error during debugging sessions if they neglect to properly register their custom classes with the Windows registry. Incorrect GUID assignments or missing dependency files can also trigger such errors.

Howto solve error code 0x8000203B

To resolve the 0x8000203B error, follow these detailed steps:

1. Check Event Viewer Logs: Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc), navigate to the Windows Logs → Application and search for recent errors related to COM+ or DCOM. This will provide clues about the specific component causing issues.
2. Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and execute:

   sfc /scannow

   This command scans all protected system files, replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft counterparts, addressing potential file corruption.
3. Analyze Windows Update History: Sometimes installing specific updates can lead to conflicts. Review the update history of your operating system and roll back problematic drivers or software through Control Panel → Programs & Features → View installed updates.
4. Reset COM+ Services: Open DCOM Configuration Editor (dcomcnfg.exe) as Administrator, expand ‘Component Services’ and right-click on ‘My Computer’, then choose ‘Properties’. Under the COM Security tab, reset both ‘Launch Permissions’ and ‘Access Permissions’ to their defaults.
5. Increase Macro Security Levels Temporarily (for Office Users): If using Microsoft Office, adjust macro security settings temporarily under File → Options → Trust Center → Trust Center Settings → Macro Settings. Set it to “Disable all macros without notification”, then attempt to re-run the problematic VBA script.
6. Review and Modify User Permissions (for System Administrators): Ensure that users or system accounts attempting to create or modify AD objects have adequate permissions. Use dsa.msc to manage user rights, checking under Local Users and Groups → Users → <username>, ensuring the account has ‘Write All Properties’ permission.
7. Contact Software Developers (for Custom Applications): If none of these solutions resolve the issue, reach out to software developers or support teams for guidance specific to their application. They may have additional troubleshooting steps unique to their setup.

Similar questions

What does error 0x8000203B mean when I try to install Windows updates?
Is there a guide for fixing the 0x8000203B error message on my computer?
How can I stop getting the 0x8000203B error while trying to use Office applications?
Can you tell me how to troubleshoot and resolve the 0x8000203B error when accessing network resources?
What steps should I take if my computer displays an error 0x8000203B when attempting to run certain programs or services?
I keep seeing this 0x8000203B error in the event viewer logs, what could be causing it and how can I fix it?
Could you explain why my computer shows an error 0x8000203B when trying to synchronize files with OneDrive?
Is there a specific software or system update that causes the 0x8000203B error message to appear on Windows machines?
How do I clear this 0x8000203B error if it appears while setting up an internet connection for my network printer?
What are some common mistakes users make when trying to resolve the 0x8000203B error code manually?