How do you fix App-V launch failures caused by missing dependencies?

App-V is a Microsoft technology that allows you to run applications without installing them on your local system. It works by creating virtual packages that contain the application files, registry settings, and dependencies. However, sometimes App-V applications may fail to launch due to missing or incompatible dependencies. This can cause errors such as "The application failed to launch. This could be due to a network problem or the application vendor" or "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect". In this article, you will learn how to fix App-V launch failures caused by missing dependencies by following these steps:

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1 Check the App-V package manifest

The App-V package manifest is an XML file that describes the contents and requirements of the package. It includes information such as the package name, version, publisher, files, registry entries, and dependencies. You can view the manifest by opening the package file (.appv) with a zip utility or by using the App-V Sequencer tool. To fix launch failures, you need to check the manifest for any missing or incorrect dependencies. For example, if the manifest specifies a certain version of a DLL or a .NET Framework component, you need to make sure that it is present and compatible on the target system. You can also use the App-V Client Diagnostic and Configuration tool (ACDC) to validate the package manifest and identify any potential issues.

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AURELE TIOGOUONG

Multiplatform Systems engineer /database administrator and IT support specialists.
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To address App-V launch failures due to missing dependencies, first identify the specific dependencies required by the virtualized application using tools like Dependency Walker or Procmon. Once identified, manually install the missing dependencies on the client machine or include them in the virtual application package during sequencing. Alternatively, adjust the virtual environment settings or use compatibility shims to redirect requests for missing dependencies to appropriate resources. Regularly update and maintain the virtual application package to ensure all necessary dependencies are included, minimizing the risk of launch failures in the future.

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2 Update the App-V client

The App-V client is the software component that enables you to run App-V packages on your system. It handles the communication with the App-V server, the streaming of the package content, and the virtualization of the application environment. Sometimes, App-V launch failures may occur due to outdated or corrupted client components. To fix this, you need to update the App-V client to the latest version and apply any patches or hotfixes that are available. You can use the Windows Update service or download the updates from the Microsoft website. You can also use the ACDC tool to repair or reinstall the App-V client if necessary.

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3 Enable the App-V logging feature

The App-V logging feature is a useful tool for troubleshooting App-V launch failures. It allows you to generate detailed log files that record the events and errors that occur during the App-V package deployment and execution. You can enable the logging feature by using the ACDC tool or by editing the registry settings on the target system. The log files are stored in the %TEMP%\AppV folder by default. You can use a text editor or a log viewer tool to analyze the log files and look for any clues or error codes that indicate the cause of the launch failure. You can also use the App-V Event Viewer to view the App-V events and errors in a graphical interface.

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4 Install the missing dependencies manually

If none of the above steps resolve the launch failure, you may need to install the missing dependencies manually on the target system. These dependencies may include DLLs, COM components, .NET Framework components, Visual C++ redistributables, or other third-party libraries that are required by the App-V package. You can use the ACDC tool or the manifest file to identify the dependencies and their versions. You can then download and install them from the appropriate sources or copy them from another system that has them. You may need to restart the system or refresh the App-V client after installing the dependencies.

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5 Re-sequence the App-V package

As a last resort, you may need to re-sequence the App-V package using the App-V Sequencer tool. This means creating a new package from scratch by capturing the installation and configuration of the application on a clean system. This may help to fix any errors or inconsistencies that occurred during the original sequencing process or due to changes in the application or system environment. You can use the App-V Sequencer best practices and guidelines to ensure a successful re-sequencing process. You can also use the ACDC tool or the manifest file to compare the old and new packages and verify their contents and dependencies.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you fix App-V launch failures caused by missing dependencies?

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1 Check the App-V package manifest

2 Update the App-V client

3 Enable the App-V logging feature

4 Install the missing dependencies manually

5 Re-sequence the App-V package

6 Here’s what else to consider

Application Virtualization

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