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Exception Access Violation: What is it & How to Fix

Follow our solutions to troubleshoot memory errors like an expert

8 min. read

Updated onApril 11, 2024

updated onApril 11, 2024

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Key notes

For fixing DLL errors, we recommend Fortect:

Fortect will search for an intitial version of your missing, corrupted or damaged DLL files that cause problems to your Windows OS and will replace it. Here is how to find them in 3 easy steps:

You can get a software error almost in any application, and speaking of software errors, today we are going to cover theException Access Violationerror on Windows 10.

We will begin by answering some of your most asked questions and then jump into the list of solutions you need to go through.

What is Exception access violation?

Access Violation is a memory related error. It usually arises while installing or running an application if the memory allocation for the process has not been optimally done. For example, an error may appear when the program tries to access memory not allocated.

It could be outdated drivers, a problem with the RAM, or running an older version of DirectX, amongst others, behind the error.

Speaking of it, users reported the following error messages on their PC:

Without further ado, let’s see how you can fix all these errors in ten different yet effective ways. Follow along!

How do I fix an access violation error?

Before we start troubleshooting, here are a few quick things you may try to resolve the error:

If none of these quick fixes worked, let’s head to the comprehensive ones.

1. Check your PC for malware

According to users, sometimes, this error can appear due to malware infections. For example, many reported a fake Chromium browser on their PC that caused this error.

Therefore, performing a detailed scan with your antivirus software is advised. If your current antivirus can’t find and fix the problem, we strongly recommend that you try another solution.

In search of a suitable antivirus for your system, you should look for one that has a minimal impact on the system, has identity safety features, and has strong virus protection.

There are many goodantivirus software with free trials, so you can try a few before you decide which is the best for your specific needs.

If you want a complete and thorough scan for malware and other viruses, we strongly recommend you useESET HOME Security Essentialsince it has some of the most powerful technologies.

ESET works on any device and, in addition to malware protection, it guards your PC against new threats, encrypts your sensitive data, and even has extra layers of protection for privacy and banking.

ESET HOME Security Essential

2. Add Data Execution Prevention Exception

If a program gives you anException Access Violationerror in Windows 10, you might want to add that program to the Data Execution Prevention exceptions list.

3. Disable User Account Control

It has been reported that theException Access Violationerror occurs when users are trying to installJavaor when they try to run Java applets or applications.

To fix this issue, it’s advised to disable User Account Control temporarily. This solution also applies to other software, so even if Java is working without any problems on your computer, you can try disablingUser Account Controlto fix this issue.

We must mention that disablingUser Account Controlcomes with a slight security risk, so if you’re not comfortable with it, disableUser Account Controlwhen you run the desired application and turn it back on.

4. Create an options.ini file

5. Make sure that the file isn’t set as read-only

6. Check for hardware problems

As we already mentioned, Exception Access Violation errors in Windows 10 can sometimes be related to the RAM, so it won’t hurt to check if your RAM is working correctly.

You can useMemTest86for this purpose. Just download it, move it to a USB flash drive, restart your computer and let MemTest86 run for a while. Also, you could usereliable PC repair software.

7. Use the Compatibility mode

If you’re getting anException Access Violationerror message frequently, it can be due to compatibility issues.

Fortunately, Windows has a helpful Compatibility mode feature that allows you to run older applications. Unfortunately, you might have to try several different iterations before you find the one that works on your PC.

8. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

9. Reinstall the application

If you’re getting an Exception Access Violation while trying to run a specific application, you might be able to fix the problem simply byreinstalling that application.

After you haveuninstalled the application, download it from the official source. And make sure to get the latest version of it.

What is an access violation error in C++?

This Access Violation error points to an issue with a pointer in the C++ code in Visual Studio. While users had to manually identify the problematic pointer earlier, after the recent update, Visual Studio now lists it along with the error message.

Usually, it’s the memory allocation to blame. So, go through the code and verify that the pointers have been correctly assigned.

Some of the other programs that may throw the error are:

Exception Access Violationerrors can cause particular problems on your PC, but we hope you managed to solve this issue by using one of our solutions.

Drop a comment below if you have any other queries or managed to fix the error using another solution.

Exception Access Violation: What is it & How to Fix#

What is Exception access violation?#

How do I fix an access violation error?#

1. Check your PC for malware#

ESET HOME Security Essential#

2. Add Data Execution Prevention Exception#

3. Disable User Account Control#

4. Create an options.ini file#

5. Make sure that the file isn’t set as read-only#

6. Check for hardware problems#

7. Use the Compatibility mode#

8. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter#

9. Reinstall the application#

What is an access violation error in C++?#