How to Fix SFC Error 0xc0000017

When you run the System File Checker (Sfc.exe), the error code 0xc0000017 may appear. The following is the full error message:

sfc.exe - Application Error

The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000017). Click OK to close the application.

sfc.exe error 0xc0000017

The error code 0xc0000017 means the following:

  STATUS_NO_MEMORY                                              ntstatus.h
# {Not Enough Quota}
# Not enough virtual memory or paging file quota is available
# to complete the specified operation.
# 1 matches found for "0xc0000017"

Cause

This error happens if malware has added a Sfc.exe entry in the “Image File Execution Options” registry key. The entry might look like the following:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\sfc.exe]
"MinimumStackCommitInBytes"=dword:41888888

The above registry value is usually employed by malware. As per TrendMicro, the value of MinimumStackCommitInBytes associated with a specific process in the IFEO registry key will be used to define the minimum size of stack to commit in initialising the main thread. If the stack size is too large, it will trigger a stack overflow exception and terminate the current process.

Resolution

To resolve the SFC error 0xc0000017, delete the abovementioned registry key.



Launch Regedit.exe and go to the following branch:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\sfc.exe

Right-click on the Sfc.exe key and choose Delete.

Exit the Registry Editor.

You should be able to run Sfc.exe now.


One small request: If you liked this post, please share this?

One "tiny" share from you would seriously help a lot with the growth of this blog. Some great suggestions:
  • Pin it!
  • Share it to your favorite blog + Facebook, Reddit
  • Tweet it!
So thank you so much for your support. It won't take more than 10 seconds of your time. The share buttons are right below. :)

Ramesh Srinivasan is passionate about Microsoft technologies and he has been a consecutive ten-time recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award in the Windows Shell/Desktop Experience category, from 2003 to 2012. He loves to troubleshoot and write about Windows. Ramesh founded Winhelponline.com in 2005.

Leave a Reply