You might be reading this post because you face the daunting 0x80000003 error. Many people wonder what has gone wrong with their machine when this error occurs.
This error can happen suddenly. And it can stop you from performing many important operations on your machine.
So, what is this error? Why does it occur? And how can you fix the issue? If these are questions in your mind, the following few lines will help you.
Here is a comprehensive guide on the 0x80000003 error.
What Is The 0x80000003 Error?
As mentioned previously, the 0x80000003 error happens suddenly. It will occur when you try to run a random file that conflicts with another file in the registry. The error is common when you try to execute .exe or executable files.
Also, it can occur when important drivers are missing from your machine. In some cases, the 0x80000003 error is caused due to incompatible hardware.
Hardware can also prevent you from executing certain files. This is why you should think of three ways to fix the 0x80000003 error.
In general, the 0x80000003 error comes with the following message:
The exception breakpoint, A breakpoint has been reached, (x0x80000003) occurred in the application.
The above message is always shown on the screen, confusing the user. Once the error occurs, you cannot do any more operations with the executable file.
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Development Versus Client-Side Environments
In some cases, you will receive a warning message with multiple options. When an executive windows message appears on the screen, you should consider it a warning.
The warning message will have several options which you should select. For instance, you can contact the vendor if you are working on a client-side environment and the application throws the 0x80000003 error.
On the other hand, in case you are in an environment of development, and if the 0x80000003 error occurs, you should stop the current execution and try debugging.
The first scenario is always the easiest. That is because the application’s supplier will debug and help you figure out the error situation.
Pre-requisites
First, you must be in a system restore point before executing the steps mentioned in this post. This is an important step because you will make many critical changes to your system settings in this step.
Without having a proper system restore point, you may face unforeseen complications.
Method 1 – Make Use Of The CHKDSK Utility Program
By default, this utility program is designed to help you with the 0x80000003 error. In some cases, running this utility program will resolve the issue completely. However, the utility works well only in certain conditions.
For instance, is your machine throwing the 0x80000003 error due to a hard drive integrity issue? When a hard drive faces integrity issues, it will not allow you to update or make any changes to its files. It will fail when you try to run an update on the hard drive.
After all, the system is unhealthy and cannot accept any new changes. New changes will only make the hard drive worse.
Fortunately, the CHKDSK utility can help you handle this situation. This utility program is designed to rectify hard drives that have serious integrity issues.
And it works by repairing the hard drive and its errors. All errors that prevent the hard drive from functioning normally and getting updated will be fixed.
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To use the CHKDSK utility, you should follow these steps:
- First of all, log in to your machine as an administrator. The next few steps will not work if you are with system admin privileges.
- Then, you should open the command prompt.
- Enter the following command: chkdsk /f /r, and hit the enter button.
- Now, your machine will run an internal program. Soon, the entire computer will restart.
Once the computer restarts, check if you can update the hard drive. If the CHKDSK utility program’s script was executed successfully, and the 0x80000003 error was resolved, you must be able to update the hard drive without any issues.
However, you must accept that this method will work only in certain scenarios. And it can be limited by many factors.
Method 2 – The System File Checker Scan
Next would be the system file checker scan. As suggested by its name, this program performs a system scan to look for files likely to cause the 0x80000003 error.
Doesn’t this sound simple? Nevertheless, the process is not as simple as it appears. There are chances that the System File Checker alias SFC Scan fails to spot all potential files.
If the SFC scan identifies files that can cause the 0x80000003 error, you must take the necessary actions to fix the corrupted files.
Running the SFC scan is quite simple. The steps to be followed are:
- You must launch “Run.” Just press “Windows” and “R” together to launch Run.
- Now, you should launch the command prompt. Typing “cmd” and hitting the enter button will launch the command prompt.
- In the command prompt, you must type the following commands: sfc /scannow. This command will initiate the system scan. This command will take a few minutes, just like most other scans. You must wait patiently for the scan to complete.
- On completion of the SFC scan, you will receive three different results. Scan through the results to identify corrupted files that were repaired and that were not fixed.
- You must restart the machine to ensure that the scan is complete and the results are saved.
The SFC scan report contains three crucial pieces of information:
- Whether windows resource protection was able to find integrity violations.
- Whether this protection was able to find corrupt files, if yes, whether the corrupt files were repaired successfully;
- The third thing, Whether this protection, was able to find corrupt files; And if the corrupt files were not fixed as expected.
Method 3 – Clean Booting the Entire System
Moving on, there will be instances when you should clean and boot your machine. A clean boot becomes inevitable when you have installed several conflicting applications.
Conflicting applications are a major reason behind the 0x80000003 error. Finding these programs is not an easy task.
You may not be able to find all conflicting programs in one go. You should change your machine to clean boot mode to find all the conflicting programs.
Starting a computer in clean boot mode is easy if you follow these steps:
- You must have admin privileges. Login to your machine as a system administrator.
- You should open the System Configuration Utility option. Typing msconfig will open the System configuration utility program.
- You should select “Selective Startup” in the “General” tab in the System Configuration Utility window.
- Then select “Load Startup Items,” “Load System Services,” and “Use original boot configuration,” as well.
- Next, you will need to go to the “Services Tab.” In the services tab, you must select “Hide All Microsoft Services.” Then, select “Disable All.”
- You should select “Apply” and “OK” to apply all the chosen settings in the main window.
- Next, restart the machine. By executing this step, your machine will be shifted to clean boot mode.
- In Clean Boot Mode, you can identify all conflicting programs. Consequently, you can identify the main cause or reason for the 0x80000003 error.
To exit the Clean Boot State, you must undo the previous changes and restart windows.
Method 4 – Check for Memory Leaks
Another reason behind the 0x80000003 errors would be memory leaks. Finding programs that cause memory leaks is simple. The following steps will help you look for memory leaks:
- Launch “Run” and type mdsched.exe. This will open the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
- The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool offers two options: You can check for issues or problems when the machine is restarted or choose to restart immediately. The latter would be the most recommended choice.
- Next, you should execute a simple scan.
- You must navigate the “Advanced” options Pass Count or Test Mix. Press F10 to initiate the test process.
Method 5 – Get In Touch With The Developers
Finding the 0x80000003 error becomes easy when dealing with a single application. The best way to rectify the 0x80000003 error caused by a single application is by contacting its developers.
Search the software’s official website for a discussion forum or contact form. Now, escalate the 0x80000003 error to its developers.
Method 6 – Advanced System Repair Operations
Apart from the solutions mentioned above, you can choose to fix the 0x80000003 error along with many other windows system issues.
Advanced System Repair is a complex tool that can repair corrupted registries and even optimize the overall performance of your machine. It removes corrupted files and many other junk files from your machine.
Advanced System Repair is the best and simplest way to remove unwanted system files. With just a few clicks of a button, you can tackle the 0x80000003 error!
Here are a few steps on how to use the Advanced System Repair option:
- The system should be restarted in “Safe Mode with Networking.”
- Now, you should press the “Windows and R” keys. You will see the run window if you have performed this step properly.
- Enter the URL for downloading advanced system repair.
- Once the program is downloaded, you must install it.
- Next, execute the Full System Scan.
- Once the scanning completes, select “Fix, Clean & Optimize Now.”
Completing the above steps will help you fix the 0x80000003 issue and all other problems in your Windows.
Method 7 – Fix 0x80000003 Error with CCleaner
Last but certainly not least, you can make use of CCleaner.
As suggested by its name, this program helps clean the windows operating system. It can be downloaded for free from the official website. Please install the application and launch it to run the cleaner.
Next, select “Registry” and select “Fix Selected Issues.” The application will prompt you to take a backup of the existing registry. You are highly advised to take a backup, so click “Yes.”
After successfully backing up the registry, you must select “Fix all selected issues.” Finally, restart your machine to witness CCleaner’s changes and verify if the 0x80000003 error is fixed.
FAQs about the 0x80000003 Error
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the 0x80000003 error.
1. What is the 0x80000003 error?
The 0x80000003 error, also known as the “breakpoint” error, is a system error often encountered in the Windows operating system when a breakpoint in a program is unexpectedly triggered.
2. What causes the 0x80000003 error?
The error can be caused by various factors, including corrupt system files, outdated or incompatible drivers, or outdated software.
3. How can I fix the 0x80000003 error?
The fix depends on the cause. It may involve repairing system files, updating drivers, updating software, or a combination of these.
4. Can the 0x80000003 error cause data loss?
While the error itself doesn’t cause data loss, it can lead to application crashes or system instability, which can potentially lead to data loss if work isn’t saved before the crash.
Conclusion
So the 0x80000003 error is fixable. You don’t need to throw your machine or hard drive when this error occurs. Instead, choose one of the solutions mentioned in this post to fix the issue.
