Method of blocking a void during contact formation

An electronic device can include conductive regions. A void can extend between different portions of an insulating layer. Different openings can intersect the void. A liner layer can substantially block the void, substantially preventing subsequently forming an electrical leakage path along the void. In one aspect, a stressor layer can be deposited over the conductive regions prior to forming the insulating layer. The liner layer can be formed over the stressor layer within the different openings through the insulating layer. In another aspect, an etch-stop layer can be formed over a silicide layer prior to forming the insulating layer. After removing a portion of the liner layer, a portion of the etch-stop layer can be removed to expose the silicide layer within the different openings. In yet another aspect, a nitride layer can lie between a substrate and the insulating layer and include a section of the openings.