The CO_E_SERVER_EXEC_FAILURE BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error may appear during the initialization process for Windows Vista, XP, and 2000, and Windows 7 and 8. This error usually appears when the COM server process failed to start on time, particularly when an out-of-process COM server is being used. It means that the server failed to register with DCOM within the required timeout. This results in the automatic shutdown of the computer to prevent damage and possible loss of unsaved data.

This BSOD error usually occurs when the CPU is stressed or has a heavy load, which results in the failure of COM servers to initialize properly. The error is also caused by a bad configuration or by a bug in the server code.

This BSOD error is also known as CO_E_SERVER_EXEC_FAILURE and “STOP 0x80080005“. Some users of Windows have reported this error, which normally appears on the screen during the initialization of the system as:

To resolve the CO_E_SERVER_EXEC_FAILURE BSOD error, you can try replacing the out-of process COM server with a unit that starts fast and has the capability to initialize within the required timeout, or use an in-process COM server.

Rechecking the server codes and passwords from the system configuration also helps in resolving this error, since the failure of the COM server to initialize properly may be due to its inability to register for the right class identification.

This error can also be resolved by installing the latest software updates and service packs for Windows. To install software updates manually, open the Internet Explorer (IE), click on Safety and Windows Update, and then follow the prompts and instructions that appear on the screen. When using IE 7 or its older versions, open the browser, click Tools, and then Windows Update. You should install both critical and non-critical software updates.