Fix ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS — Windows Error Code 14046

🎮 Common Scenario: Are you experiencing Error 14046 while launching or installing AutoCAD? The solutions below directly address the system interactions specific to this application.

⚡ Quick Fix

Take Ownership of the Resource: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

👇 See all 3 solutions below

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Download our advanced, custom-built Smart Diagnostic Script (.bat). It safely creates a System Restore Point, applies targeted fixes based on advanced diagnostics for Error 14046, and generates a detailed HTML repair report.

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CRITICAL INSTRUCTION: Once downloaded, you MUST right-click the file and select "Run as Administrator". If opened normally, it will not function.

📑 Table of Contents

What is Error 14046? Common Causes Step-by-Step Solutions Prevention Tips Related Errors

💡 What is Error 14046?

Windows System Error Code 14046, known as ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS, is a Internet & WinHTTP error that occurs during WinHTTP, WinInet, and internet protocols. The error indicates that: Manifest Parse Error: Multiple colons are not allowed in a name. When this error is encountered, the Windows operating system was unable to complete the requested operation within the internet services subsystem. The error code 14046 is returned by the GetLastError() function and provides developers with a specific identifier to diagnose the root cause of the failure. The symbolic name ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS maps directly to this numeric code and is commonly referenced in Microsoft documentation, developer forums, and system logs. Understanding this error and its context within WinHTTP, WinInet, and internet protocols is essential for effective troubleshooting.

⚠️ Common Causes

Your user account lacks NTFS permissions on the target file or folder
User Account Control (UAC) is blocking the operation
The file is owned by SYSTEM or TrustedInstaller and requires ownership transfer
Group Policy or antivirus software is restricting access

✅ Step-by-Step Solutions

1 Take Ownership of the Resource

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Run: takeown /f "C:\path\to\file" /r /d y
Then run: icacls "C:\path\to\file" /grant %username%:F /t
Replace the path with the actual file or folder causing Error 14046 (ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS)
Retry the operation that triggered Error 14046 (ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS)

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Show Advanced Solutions (2 more)

2 Disable UAC Temporarily for Testing

Press Win+R, type msconfig, press Enter
Go to Tools tab → find 'Change UAC Settings' → click Launch
Move the slider down to 'Never Notify' (temporarily for diagnosis only)
Restart your computer and test if Error 14046 (ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS) persists
IMPORTANT: Re-enable UAC after testing for security

3 Check and Reset NTFS Permissions

Right-click the affected file/folder → Properties → Security tab
Click Advanced → Owner tab → Change owner to your account
Check 'Replace all child object permissions'
Click Apply, then re-grant Full Control to your user account

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💻 Diagnostic Command

Run this PowerShell command to find related events in your system log:

Get-EventLog -LogName System -Newest 20 | Where-Object {$_.Message -like "*14046*" -or $_.Message -like "*ERROR_SXS_XML_E_MULTIPLE_COLONS*"} | Format-List

💡 Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the command above, and press Enter.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

Avoid modifying files in C:\Windows\System32 unless absolutely necessary
Use 'Run as Administrator' when performing system-level operations
Keep a backup admin account in case your primary account gets locked

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Last updated: 2026-03-13

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Based on Official Microsoft Documentation

Solutions Tested on Windows 10 & 11

Error codes sourced from Microsoft Win32 SDK. Updated 2026-03-13.