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COMADMIN_E_CAN_NOT_START_APP
Starting and controlling a COM+ application: exact meaning of COMADMIN_E_CAN_NOT_START_APP
The selected application type cannot be started as a COM+ server process. StartApplication detects a library application or application proxy, neither of which owns a standalone server process.
Windows describes this condition as “Failed to start application because it is either a library application or an application proxy”.
Where the result occurs
Administrative start/stop operations apply only to appropriate server applications with valid enabled components; they do not create executable contents or change application type. In the specific case of this result, record Activation property/application type and verify the script resolved the intended server application.
Evidence to collect before repair
- Collect AppID, application type, Enabled property, and component count when diagnosing this result; without it the symbolic HRESULT is underdetermined.
- Record StartApplication caller and exact target selector.
- Preserve recent deployment and disablement events; it anchors the failure to the real administration object.
- Evidence should include COM+ application process and System Application logs, captured before a repair changes state.
Diagnostic sequence
- The next diagnostic action is to resolve the application by AppID.
- To isolate it, verify it is an enabled server application.
- Confirm at least one valid component is installed.
- correct deployment/configuration before starting.
- The next diagnostic action is to start once and validate activation rather than looping retries.
Practical administration scenario
Automation selects a library application by name and calls StartApplication, producing this type-specific rejection.
Retry and recovery
Start only server applications; activate library components through their client and use proxies to reach the remote server.
Difference from nearby COMADMIN results
COMADMIN_E_START_APP_NEEDS_COMPONENTS applies to an otherwise startable application that is empty.
Official Microsoft references
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