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Error (MMC has detected an error in a snap-in and will unload it) when you try to launch VAMT 3.0 on a Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2-based computer

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This article helps fix an error (MMC has detected an error in a snap-in and will unload it) that occurs when you try to launch the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) 3.0 on a Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2-based computer.

Applies to:   Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   2817142

Symptoms

On a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, when you try to launch the VAMT 3.0, it may fail. Additionally you may receive the following error message:

MMC has detected an error in a snap-in and will unload it

You are then prompted with two options:

  • Report this error to Microsoft, and then shut down MMC.
  • Unload the snap-in and continue running.

If the second option is selected, you may get an error message that is similar to the following:

Unhandled Exception in Managed Code Snap-in
FX:{6FBE5D92-C65A-41DC-AEBF-09D8845F68A1}
Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation

Exception type:

System.Reflection.TargetInvocationException

Exception stack trace:

at System.RuntimeTypeHandle.CreateInstance(RuntimeType type, Boolean publicOnly, Boolean noCheck, Boolean& canBeCached, RuntimeMethodHandle& ctor, Boolean& bNeedSecurityCheck)
at System.RuntimeType.CreateInstanceSlow(Boolean publicOnly, Boolean fillCache)
at System.RuntimeType.CreateInstanceImpl(Boolean publicOnly, Boolean skipVisibilityChecks, Boolean fillCache)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type, Boolean nonPublic)
at System.RuntimeType.CreateInstanceImpl(BindingFlags bindingAttr, Binder binder, Object[] args, CultureInfo culture, Object[] activationAttributes)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type, BindingFlags bindingAttr, Binder binder, Object[] args, CultureInfo culture, Object[] activationAttributes)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(String assemblyName, String typeName, Boolean ignoreCase, BindingFlags bindingAttr, Binder binder, Object[] args, CultureInfo culture, Object[] activationAttributes, Evidence securityInfo, StackCrawlMark& stackMark)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(String assemblyName, String typeName)
at System.AppDomain.CreateInstance(String assemblyName, String typeName)
at System.AppDomain.CreateInstanceAndUnwrap(String assemblyName, String typeName)
at Microsoft.ManagementConsole.Internal.SnapInClient.CreateSnapIn(String assemblyName, String typeName)
at Microsoft.ManagementConsole.Internal.ClassLibraryServices.Microsoft.ManagementConsole.Internal.IClassLibraryServices.CreateSnapIn(String assemblyName, String typeName)
at Microsoft.ManagementConsole.Internal.IClassLibraryServices.CreateSnapIn(String assemblyName, String typeName)
at Microsoft.ManagementConsole.Executive.SnapInApplication.CreateSnapIn(String snapInAqn)
at Microsoft.ManagementConsole.Executive.SnapInInitializationOperation.CreateSnapIn()
at Microsoft.ManagementConsole.Executive.Operation.OnThreadTransfer(SimpleOperationCallback callback)

Cause

This problem may occur if you do not have the .NET Framework 3.5.1 feature installed in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.

Resolution

To resolve this problem, you need to install .NET Framework 3.5.1 using the following steps:

  • On a Windows 7-based computer

    1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
    2. Select Programs.
    3. Under Programs and Features, select Turn Windows features on or off.
    4. Select the check box next to the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1.
    5. Click on OK.

  • On a Windows Server 2008 R2-based computer

    1. Open Server Manager.
    2. Right-click Features and select Add Features.
    3. Expand .NET Framework 3.5.1 Features.
    4. Select the check box next to the .NET Framework 3.5.1
    5. Click on Install.

References