Error Status 0xc000012f is a common issue after updating to Windows 8. This error code also occurs in Windows 10. Moreover, the error is characterized by multiple windows appearing that are related to system32\uxtheme.dll. For instance: officeclicktorun.exe – Bad Image C:\Windows\system32\uxtheme.dll
The issue will occur for most programs in your system, and it will not be resolved even if you press OK. A recurrent stream of program windows will open up despite numerous attempts to click on OK to exit them.
The error 0xc000012f can also occur when the image file being used are not in the right format. Even though the issue might seem complicated at first, you can fix it through several methods.
Table of Contents
How to Fix Error Status0xc000012f Easily

Method 1: Uninstall updates and fix 0xc000012f error
The first method to solve the error code 0xc000012f involves uninstalling an update that can cause the issue. If you have Windows 8 64-bit system, then uninstall KB2879017 update. This is the Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer version 10. If the error started popping after recent update, Then go ahead and uninstall it no matter which update it is.
To uninstall, press Windows key + F. On the search menu type “installed updates”. Click on the program, and a new window will open showing you all the updates in your system. Scroll through the list to find update KB2879017 or latest one. Uninstall it.
If you are unable to uninstall the update, you can choose to restore our system. To do this:
- Open the search menu by pressing Windows key + and F. Type “restore”. Click on “restore your files from file history.”
- A new window will open up showing you the available restore points. Pick the one that occurred before the installation of the faulty update.
- Once you are through with the process, be sure to mark the update as Windows within the Windows update settings. This will prevent it from automatically downloading and installing.
Uninstalling recent update or by restoring your system to the point where it was not having any issue, might solve 0xc000012f error for you.
Method 2: Install DirectX
When the error is linked to STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_NOT_MZ, then an image file is not in the right format. In this case, you have to download and run the latest DirectX End-User Runtime program. You can get the program from the Windows site Here.
After downloading the required took, follow the on screen instructions to install Directx. Once done, Check if error status 0xc000012f is gone or not. If it is still there, follow method #3.
Method 3: Check for new updates
The issue can also be fixed by updating your copy of Windows. You can check for updates manually to ensure that your system has the latest system drivers and updates.
To update your Windows, press the Windows key and type “windows update” in the search bar. Click on the program and a new window will open. You can then select the option to check for updates. The program will download the latest updates. You can then install the updates, and the error status 0xc000012f will be fixed.
Not just windows update, but also open Device manager and update drivers for all the adapters if any update is available. Updated Drivers is key to have PC without any errors just like this code 0xc000012f.
Method 4: Clean Boot to fix error status 0xc000012f
You can try to do a clean boot as a means to detect any software that might be causing the issue. In Clean boot mode, no third party service or program will interfere.
Meaning, Only Microsoft Services will be started while booting your PC. Doing this will make sure there is nothing wrong with any third party software that is installed on your PC which is causing 0xc000012f error for you. To Clean boot your PC, do the following steps.
- Press the windows key and type “msconfig”.
- Click on the system configuration app. Go to the system configuration option once a new window opens up.
- Select the option to hide all Microsoft services, and the click on disable all.
- Next, choose the startup tab and select the option to open the task manager.
- On the startup window, disable all the software one by one. Click OK to accept the settings and restart your PC.
If the error is resolved, then you can enable one item at a time while checking if the error 0xc000012f will occur.
Method 5: Install Visual C++ to fix error 0xc000012f
If the methods above are not working, then you can try to download the latest version of Microsoft’s Visual Studio Redistributables. The 2015 version is the latest update. You can download the program from Microsoft’s website. You should install both the 32 bit and 64-bit versions.
Our Research has shown that this method works for lot of users who are being victim of error status 0xc000012f. We insist you to try installing Visual C++ Redistributable if you don’t already have it installed on your system.

If you come across error 0xc000012f, then the methods above can resolve the error. You should ensure that you follow all the steps outlined so that you can fix the issue.