16 Software Breevy Main Errors – Solution

16 Software Breevy (recently updated as aBreevy8) is a powerful text expander and AutoText tool for Windows designed to speed up typing by replacing abbreviations with longer phrases. While generally reliable, users often encounter errors related to the recent version migration, Dropbox synchronization, and permission conflicts with Windows 10/11 security features. This guide covers the most effective troubleshooting steps for the current version of Breevy to get your productivity back on track.

Common Errors

• License Activation Failed: Valid keys from older versions (Breevy 3) failing on the new aBreevy8 update.
• Dropbox Selective Sync Conflict: Duplicate dictionary files appearing with "(Selective Sync Conflict)" appended to filenames.
• Expansion Failure (UAC Conflict): Abbreviations fail to trigger in specific applications like Chrome or Admin terminals.
• Screen Reader Interference: NVDA or JAWS reading out abbreviation characters instead of expanding them.
• Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation): Application crash or startup failure due to memory conflicts.

Fix 1: License Activation Failed (Version Mismatch)

The most common error in 2025 arises from users attempting to apply a Breevy 3.x license key to the newer aBreevy8 (version 4.x) software, which uses a different licensing system.

1. Check your installed version by clicking Help > About in the menu bar.
2. If you have a "Breevy 3" license and installed aBreevy8, you must either purchase an upgrade or uninstall the new version.
3. To revert, uninstall the current application via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
4. Download the legacy Breevy 3 installer from the 16 Software archives (often linked at the bottom of their download page).
5. Re-enter your original license key strictly into the legacy version.

Fix 2: Dropbox Selective Sync Conflict

This error occurs when multiple computers attempt to sync the Breevy database simultaneously, causing Dropbox to create duplicate files to prevent data loss.

1. Close Breevy completely on all computers linked to the account.
2. Navigate to your Dropbox folder: C:Users[YourName]DropboxBreevy.
3. Locate files ending in "(Selective Sync Conflict)" or "(Conflicted Copy)".
4. Compare the file sizes and modification dates; the larger or newer file usually contains your most recent snippets.
5. Rename the correct file to the standard database name (e.g., main.breevy) and delete the conflicted duplicates.
6. Restart Breevy on your primary computer first, then open it on secondary devices.

Fix 3: Abbreviations Not Expanding (UAC Issue)

If Breevy works in Notepad but fails in web browsers or system settings, it likely lacks the necessary "Administrator" privileges to interact with those higher-security windows.

1. Close Breevy from the system tray (Right-click icon > Exit).
2. Right-click the Breevy shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
3. Select Properties and switch to the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply and restart the application.

Fix 4: Screen Reader Interference (NVDA/JAWS)

Visually impaired users often report that screen readers intercept the keystrokes before Breevy can process them, preventing expansion or causing the reader to spell out the abbreviation.

1. Open your NVDA or JAWS settings menu.
2. Look for keyboard handling settings; in NVDA, uncheck "Handle keys from other applications" if available.
3. In Breevy, go to Options > Preferences > Advanced.
4. Increase the "Key paste delay" to 50ms or 100ms.
5. Change the expansion method from "Clipboard" to "SendKeys" (or vice versa) to bypass the screen reader hook.

Fix 5: Startup Crash (Error 0xc0000005)

This generic memory access error often indicates corrupt configuration files or interference from aggressive antivirus software.

1. Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
2. Locate the folder named 16 Software or Breevy.
3. Rename this folder to Breevy_Backup to force the software to generate fresh configuration files.
4. Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time scanning.
5. Launch Breevy; if it opens successfully, import your snippets from the backup folder manually.

Prevention Tips

• Export Regular Backups: Manually export your snippet library once a month via File > Export to a local drive, not just the cloud.
• Pause Sync Before Editing: If you plan to make massive changes to your abbreviations, pause Dropbox sync temporarily to avoid write conflicts.
• Standardize Versions: Ensure all computers sharing a database are running the exact same version (e.g., all on v3.39 or all on v4.11) to prevent database corruption.
• Exclude from Antivirus: Add the Breevy installation folder to your antivirus exclusion list to prevent it from blocking keyboard hooks.

When to Contact Support

You should contact 16 Software support if you encounter persistent license rejection despite having a valid receipt, or if you experience data loss where backup files are empty or unreadable. Before contacting them, prepare your Order ID, your current Windows Build number (found by typing "winver" in the start menu), and a screenshot of the specific error message.