(oxc0000142) error when trying to run steam

"The Application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000142). click on OK to terminate application."

This is the message i am getting when i attempt to run a program i've been running quite easily the last month with no problems. I'm running windows XP SE i have SP2 running on a pentium 2.85 with 1024 megabytes of ram, and this particular application error is driving me nuts and i dont know how to fix it.

I am using monitor samtron 76E on radeon 9200 series, vid card, if that makes any difference. I am not sure the latest program installed, it might have been spybot search and destroy, but could have been something else. would just love to know why the f%$%^ steam isn't working.

 

I have same problem. Did you fix it? And how?

 

I am curious if anyone has ever nailed down what this error is. I had the same problem for a while and I finally fixed it. I have my guesses as to what it was but not for sure. I added a video card and a ram card to my machine but was still using the same power suppy. After doing some research I found I had a 160 watt supply but my system demand was around 265 watts with the added hardware. I reformatted a new hard drive due to an error saying "Due to a recent change in hardware windows failed to start" something like that. So I have a new hard drive and a new 300 watt power supply and no more problems. Not sure which it was but the power supply is worth a look if this has started since adding some hardware.

Later
Dan