A specific variation, the “An unhandled win32 exception occurred in application_name” error, typically arises when launching applications built in Visual Studio, with frequent reports linked to Uplay, Internet Explorer, and older games designed for previous Windows versions. The most common cause of these errors is a corruption or misconfiguration of the .NET Framework, though outdated software, incorrect registry settings, and conflicts with other applications can also trigger this issue.
Solution 1: Install All Pending Windows Updates
A common cause for the following error is an app built for the x64 platform using MSVCR90.DLL, which calls the strncpy function. This can cause an access violation in the MSVCR90.DLL file, making the app unresponsive in the strncpy function. This issue is often due to an exceeding source buffer or an incorrect final byte. Luckily, Microsoft knows about this and has released a hotfix to fix it. You just need to update your OS to the latest version available. Note: This hotfix was included in a Visual Studio 2008 revision, which Windows auto-updates, so the steps below are universal and should work regardless of your OS version.
Solution 2: Replace Your Antivirus
Free antivirus tools can be useful and protect your computer, but sometimes they don’t get along with other software, leading to errors. These errors can be caused by conflicts between the antivirus and other programs or system processes. The antivirus may interfere with certain operations or block essential files, causing unexpected issues. Consider replacing your antivirus if it causes problems when active to ensure stable system performance.
Solution 3: Delete the Launcher Registry Value (if applicable)
If you’re encountering the “An unhandled win32 exception occurred” error when trying to launch Uplay.exe or another Ubisoft application, it’s likely due to a bug in their Ubisoft Game Launcher. This is a common issue on Windows 10, especially for users with both Steam and Uplay installed. Several users have successfully resolved this by using the Registry Editor to locate and delete the launcher’s string registry value. This action removes the conflict, allowing both apps to run smoothly on the same machine. The error generally occurs because of conflicts or corruption within the launcher’s registry entries, which affects the proper functioning of Uplay and other Ubisoft applications.
Solution 4: Reset Internet Explorer (if applicable)
Another potential cause of this issue is a series of corrupted Internet Explorer (IE) files. If you’re encountering the “An unhandled win32 exception occurred in iexplore.exe” error, chances are it appears after a failing script. Corrupted IE files can disrupt normal browser operations, leading to various errors. Note: Deleting this key forces the launcher to create a new string value with fresh data, which should fix the issue. To fix this, reset your Internet Explorer settings via the Internet Options menu. This solution has been confirmed to work by many users facing this error.
Solution 5: Disable Script Debugging and Associated Registry Keys (if applicable)
Script debugging is typically used by developers to identify and fix errors in scripts, but when enabled on a user’s system, it can sometimes trigger unnecessary interruptions, especially in older applications like Internet Explorer. Common causes of this issue include corrupted scripts, outdated software, or compatibility problems with newer operating systems. By disabling this feature and cleaning up associated registry keys, you reduce the chances of your application getting caught up in script-related issues that it’s not designed to handle, which can often resolve various error messages that disrupt normal function. These script-related errors are closely linked to debugging scripts that fail to execute properly, resulting in application performance issues.
Solution 6: Install the Latest Version of .NET Framework
Having .NET Framework installed on your computer is vital as many modern games and programs rely on it. Often, errors are caused due to missing or corrupted .NET Framework files. These errors can prevent applications from running smoothly or starting at all. A common related issue is the ‘Unhandled Exception’ error, which typically occurs when a software component encounters a problem it cannot resolve. (64-bit machine) Note: The location varies depending on your Windows version. Use the first location for 32-bit and the second for 64-bit Windows. (64-bit machine) Note: Access the registry key according to your Windows version. Navigate to this link and click the red download button to get the latest version of the Microsoft .NET Framework. Once the download is complete, locate the file you downloaded and run it.
Solution 7: Perform a Clean Boot
We recommend performing a clean boot, which disables all non-Microsoft programs and services from starting up. This can help identify which program is causing the error. Interference in .NET Framework operations may lead to application issues and errors, often rooted in conflicts with other installed software or services.
Solution 8: Use SFC to Repair Corrupted System Files
It has been reported that the Microsoft .NET Framework corruption is related to faulty system files. These problems are rooted deep inside the system files and the only way to try to resolve them is by running the System File Checker (SFC). It will scan your system files for errors and possibly repair or replace them.
Solution 9: Performing a Clean Install
If none of the methods presented below have managed to help you in resolving the issue, it’s very likely that you’re dealing with some kind of Windows inconsistency that cannot be resolved conventionally. If the methods below haven’t resolved the issue, you’re likely dealing with a Windows inconsistency that can’t be fixed with standard solutions.
Repair install (in-place repair) – This is the best approach if you need to refresh every OS component. Some find it a bit tedious, but it preserves all personal data (games, apps, media). You’ll need compatible installation media.Clean install – This is simpler and can be done through the Windows GUI without installation media. However, if you don’t back up your data first, you’ll lose everything.
