RepairWindows

How to Fix the Access Violation At Address Issue on Windows

Jack

By Jack Lin

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Access Violation At Address

Access violation at address” is an error code that can make you worried. This error can emerge when you open an application (word processing, media player, or even a game).

So, if you’re looking for a solution to fix the “exception access violation” error, here’s a guide.

In general, we all want our computers to perform smoother every time. However, due to some reason or another, you are likely to experience some issues once in a while.

For instance, you may find your applications not working as expected. That said, “exception access violation” is one of those common errors, and let’s learn how to fix it.

A Simple Example of “Access Violation At Address” 

When you experience a denied address, you will come across an access violation at the address error code. This specific error comes with the text “EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION” followed by a code or an address.

In some cases, however, the same error can appear with a specific module. That means the module that causes the respective error.

Access Violation At Address

PS: let’s figure out how to fix the system thread exception not handled issues with ease.


Introduction to Exception Access Violation Error

Exception access violation at address is an error related to Windows OS. This specific error can appear in all versions of Windows (even with the latest versions). If you have experienced this error, what does it mean?

In fact, this error means that a specific application is trying to access a memory address that is protected. As a result of this error, the respective application cannot access the memory address and thereby will be halted.

Besides, if you are experiencing the error 0x80070070 when you update Windows 10, here are the top solutions for you.


Reading the Numeric Error Code

In many cases, the error code you will receive will not exceed ten digits. For instance, if you see the error 0xC0000005, that represents an error that doesn’t let the system play audio. Also, the same error might prevent you from accessing your system’s control panel as well.

Whenever you see an error code with a number, it is possible to decode it. To do that, you should read the exception parameters. That means the letters and the numbers used to construct the code.

Below is the method you can use to decode the error code.

  • The first exception parameter – the “0” – represents the type of violation that has emerged.
  • The next exception parameter – the “1” – represents the address.

So, you can use the above method and find the cause of the ‘Access Violation At Address’ issue. Also, you can use the same knowledge to fix the error.


Solutions to Try if You Experience Access Violation at Address

There are several solutions you can try if you experience exception access violation errors. In the below sections, we will explain those solutions so you can try them.

01. Perform a Malware Scan

One of the most common reasons behind access violation at address error is malware infection. So, the best solution, in this case, is to perform a malware scan before everything else. If you can see some suspicious performance before the appearance of this error, that could be a malware infection.

For instance, do you see some unwanted popup ads, alerts, unexpected browser activities, fake error messages, etc.? If so, that could be a sign of a malware infection.

Also, it can end up causing exception access violation errors. The only way to get rid of such an issue is by performing a malware scan.

02. Add the Troublesome Program to the List of Exception Access

Once the malware scan is performed, and if there are no malware issues, you can proceed with this. As per this solution, you are supposed to use an exception list and add the faulty program to it.

Once the respective application is granted access, that will run without the restriction implied by the OS.

If you are not aware of this solution, you may go ahead and follow the steps below.

  • Enter the text “Control Panel” in the search bar. Then, open the control panel.
  • Go to the option called “System.”
  • Now, you should go to the system and security.
  • When you are in the system menu, you can click on the option called “Advanced System Settings.”
  • Then, go to the option called performance and choose settings.
  • Click on the tab labeled data executive prevention.
  • Now, this section will let you enable data execution prevention. The ones you choose will not have any access prevention.
  • Now, please click on the button labeled “Add.” That will let you add the .exe file of your program.
  • Once the program is added, click on “Apply.” After that, save the changes by pressing “OK.”
  • Now, try running the program once again and see if you experience an “exception access violation” error.
Add the Troublesome Program to the List of Exception Access

03. Disable the Controls of the User Account

Are you trying to launch a program based on Java? If so, you are more likely to experience exception access violation errors. In order to fix it, you may disable the user account control on a temporary basis. Then, the error will prevent it from coming up.

However, you should know that it may degrade your computer’s overall security at a marginal level. So, we suggest you reenable this option after running the troublesome application.

Mentioned below is how to use it to fix access violations at address error.

  • Go to the search bar and enter the text “Control Panel.” Launch the control panel.
  • Now, go to the option called “User Accounts” and double-click on it to proceed.
  • After that, click on the last option that lets you change the settings.
  • You will be directed to a new window. Move the provided slider and place it on the option that says “Never Notify.” Click on “OK” to continue.
  • Open the troublesome program and see if it works.
Disable the Controls of the User Account

04. See if the Respective Application is in Read-only Mode

Your application will not gain enough access privileges if it runs in read-only mode. Well, mentioned below is how to fix it.

  • Navigate to the shortcut of the troublesome application on the desktop and right-click on it.
  • Now, go to the option called “Properties.”
  • Go to the tab labeled “General.”
  • Now, go to the section labeled “Attributes” and see if the checkbox next to read-only is checked. If it is checked, be sure to uncheck it.
  • Click on the buttons “Apply” and click “OK” to complete the process.
  • If there’s no desktop shortcut available, create a shortcut first.
See if the Respective Application is in Read-only Mode

05. Check if the RAM is Performing Correctly

If your system was under a massive malware attack, that would probably have made a negative impact on RAM. If that is the case, you should check the RAM. You can do that by following the commands below.

  • First, go to the search bar and enter the text “Windows Memory Diagnostic.”
  • Then, run the program that appears run it.
  • Now, restart (which is the first option).
  • Then, you should let it keep running and wait until the results are generated.
  • If there is an issue with your RAM, be sure to replace it.
Check if the RAM is Performing Correctly

06. Check the Hardware

There are many individuals who have fixed this ‘Access Violation At Address’ issue by troubleshooting their hardware components. So, if none of the tricks have worked for you so far, you may try this one as well.

  • Go to the search bar and enter the text “Settings.” Then, you can open it. If your OS is Windows 10, you can press Windows and I keys simultaneously to achieve the same.
  • Now, click on the option called “Update and Security.”
  • After navigating toward the left, you may find troubleshooting. Click on it to proceed.
  • You will see some onscreen instructions. Just follow them.
  • After you have completed the troubleshooting process, launch the program. If everything has gone correctly, “your PC needs to be repaired” will be fixed.
Run Troubleshoot to fix Access Violation At Address

07. Try to Run the Program in Compatibility Mode to Fix the ‘Access Violation at Address’ Issue

Are you getting the “your PC needs to be repaired” error when loading an older program? If so, the error can emerge due to a compatibility issue as well. So, you should try running it in compatibility mode. Let’s see how to do it.

  • First, you should locate the shortcut of the faulty program and perform right-click on it.
  • Then, go to its “Properties.”
  • Click on “Compatibility.”
  • Then, click on the option called “Run this program in compatibility mode” to proceed. You can then select an earlier version of Windows to proceed.
  • Click on the buttons labeled “Apply” and “OK” so the changes will be saved.
  • You can run the program now and see if it works.
Run the Program in Compatibility Mode

08. Use the options.ini File to Fix the “Exception Access Violation” Error

If you are yet to find any success, you can use options.ini and give it a try. Mentioned below is how to do that.

  • Invoke run utility by pressing Windows and R keys simultaneously.
  • Enter the text “%appdata%” and hit enter.
Use the options.ini file to fix the "exception access violation" error
  • Now, in the opened folder, you should check if a folder labeled options.ini is available. If not, you should create one.
  • Perform a right-click on an empty space. Then, go to “New” and select “Text Document.”
  • After that, paste the following code into it.

AudioLOD = Low

HasSeenLogoMovies = yes

IdealStaticGameLOD = VeryLow

Resolution = 800 600

StaticGameLOD = VeryLow

TimesInGame = 1

  • Select the option called “File” and then go to “Save As.”
  • Now, you should find the option called “All Files.” Then, in the File name section, enter the text options.ini.
  • Now, you should choose the option “AppData.” Then, select the folder named by the respective app. Then, click on the option called “Save.”

Relaunch the application and see if it works now.

09. Uninstall the Application and Reinstall It to Fix the ‘Access Violation at Address’

As the last remedy, you can uninstall the faulty app if none of the above has worked so far. When you reinstall the application, all the problematic files will be gone, and a new copy will be installed.

  • Press both Windows and I keys simultaneously.
  • Go to apps and find the troublesome app.
  • Click on the option called “Uninstall.”
  • Then, reinstall the application and see if it works.
Uninstall the application and reinstall it

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What does the “Access Violation At Address” error mean?

The “Access Violation At Address” error indicates that a program attempted to access a memory address that it is not authorized to access. This error can occur due to various reasons such as faulty software, outdated drivers, corrupt system files, or incompatible hardware.

FAQ 2: Can updating Windows and drivers fix the access violation error?

Yes, updating Windows and drivers is an essential step in resolving the access violation error. Outdated software and drivers can often cause compatibility issues, leading to access violation errors. Updating them ensures that your system has the latest bug fixes and improvements.

FAQ 3: What should I do if the access violation error persists after updating Windows and drivers?

If the access violation error persists even after updating Windows and drivers, you can try running a System File Checker (SFC) scan to repair any corrupt system files. Additionally, checking for memory issues and disabling Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for specific applications can also help resolve the issue.

FAQ 4: How can I identify if a third-party software is causing the access violation error?

Performing a clean boot can help identify if any third-party software or services are causing the access violation error. By disabling non-Microsoft services and startup items, you can isolate the problematic software and take appropriate action.

FAQ 5: Is reinstalling the problematic software an effective solution?

Reinstalling the problematic software can often resolve the access violation error, especially if it is caused by a faulty installation or corrupt files. By uninstalling the program and reinstalling it from a reliable source, you can ensure a clean and error-free installation.

FAQ 6: Are there any other methods to fix the access violation at address issue?

While the methods mentioned in this article are effective in resolving the access violation error on Windows, there may be other specific solutions depending on the underlying cause. It is always recommended to research and consult official documentation or seek professional assistance for complex issues.

Conclusion

Encountering the access violation at address issue on Windows can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it effectively.

In this article, we discussed several methods to fix the access violation error, including updating Windows and drivers, running a System File Checker scan, checking for memory issues, disabling Data Execution Prevention, performing a clean boot,and reinstalling problematic software. It’s important to remember that the appropriate solution may vary depending on the specific cause of the error.

By following the outlined steps and implementing the suggested solutions, you can troubleshoot the access violation at address issue and restore the smooth functioning of your Windows system. Remember to always keep your system updated, maintain regular backups, and seek professional assistance if needed.

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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