OUR COMPANY
Windows Error Codes
Let's take a look at the list of the most popular and commonly encountered error codes, categorized by context.
Windows Error Codes Meaning
Windows error codes occur because the operating system encounters a situation or condition that prevents it from completing a requested operation successfully. These codes are designed to communicate the type and cause of the problem so that users or developers can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Here are some common reasons why Windows error codes happen:
Types of Windows System Error Codes
General Windows System Error Codes:
0x0 (ERROR_SUCCESS)
- Meaning: The operation completed successfully.
- Solution: No action needed.
- Meaning: The system cannot find the file specified.
- Solution: Verify the file path and ensure the file exists.
- Meaning: The system cannot find the path specified.
- Solution: Check for typos in the directory path and ensure it exists.
- Meaning: Access is denied due to insufficient permissions.
- Solution: Run the operation as an administrator or check permissions.
- Meaning: The device is not ready (e.g., no disk in the drive).
- Solution: Ensure the device is properly connected or insert a disk.
Network and Connectivity Error Codes:
0x4C (ERROR_NETNAME_DELETED)
- Meaning: The network connection was lost.
- Solution: Reconnect to the network and check for stability.
- Meaning: The network path cannot be found.
- Solution: Verify the network path and ensure the resource is available.
- Meaning: The operation timed out.
- Solution: Check the internet connection and retry.
- Meaning: The network name cannot be found.
- Solution: Ensure the network resource name is correct and available.
File and Disk Error Codes:
0x70 (ERROR_DISK_FULL)
- Meaning: There is not enough space on the disk.
- Solution: Free up space on the disk.
- Meaning: One or more parameters are invalid.
- Solution: Ensure all inputs and settings are correct for the operation.
- Meaning: The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.
- Solution: Close other applications using the file.
- Meaning: The handle is invalid.
- Solution: Restart the application or process using the handle.
Memory and Resource Error Codes:
0xE (ERROR_OUTOFMEMORY)
- Meaning: The system is out of memory or resources.
- Solution: Close unnecessary applications and processes, or add more RAM.
- Meaning: The resource is in use or unavailable.
- Solution: Wait for the resource to become available or troubleshoot its usage.
Driver and Device Error Codes:
0x1F (ERROR_GEN_FAILURE)
- Meaning: A general failure occurred in the system.
- Solution: Restart the computer or check hardware components.
- Meaning: The device is not connected.
- Solution: Reconnect or reinstall the device.
- Meaning: No more files exist in the directory.
- Solution: Ensure there are files in the directory.
Security and Authentication Error Codes:
0x52E (ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE)
- Meaning: The user name or password is incorrect.
- Solution: Verify and re-enter login credentials.
- Meaning: No logon servers are available.
- Solution: Ensure the network connection to the authentication server is active.
Common Windows Update Error Codes:
0x80070002
- Meaning: The system cannot find the specified file during the update.
- Solution: Clear the Windows Update cache and retry.
- Meaning: Access is denied (permissions issue).
- Solution: Run Windows Update as an administrator.
- Meaning: Windows Update failed due to a download issue.
- Solution: Restart the computer and retry the update.
Why Windows Errors Happen
1. File and Directory Issues
- Missing Files or Paths: Files required by the system or application are missing, deleted, or inaccessible.
- Corrupted Files: Files or directories are damaged due to hardware issues, software bugs, or malware.
- Locked Resources: A file or resource is being used by another process, causing a conflict.
- Insufficient Permissions: The user or application does not have the required privileges to perform an operation.
- Blocked Resources: Security settings, such as antivirus or firewall rules, block access to certain files or services.
- Disconnected or Faulty Devices: Hardware components (e.g., printers, storage devices) are not connected or malfunctioning.
- Driver Problems: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers prevent hardware from functioning properly.
- Insufficient Memory (RAM): The system runs out of memory to execute a process.
- CPU/Storage Overload: Overloaded system resources prevent new operations from being completed.
- Resource Conflicts: Two or more processes try to access the same resource simultaneously.
- Incompatible Applications: Programs designed for different versions of Windows or with conflicting dependencies.
- Faulty Updates: Errors during Windows updates can result in incomplete installations or broken system components.
- Network Instability: Connection drops or timeouts during network-related tasks.
- Incorrect Configuration: Issues with DNS, IP addresses, or network settings can prevent communication with remote servers or devices.
- User Mistakes: Typographical errors in commands or input parameters.
- Invalid Operations: Applications attempt unsupported actions or pass invalid arguments.
- System Registry Errors: The registry contains invalid or corrupt entries that affect the operating system’s functionality.
- Damaged OS Files: Core operating system files are missing or corrupted, often requiring a system repair.
- Malicious Software: Viruses, worms, or ransomware can delete or lock system resources, causing errors.
- Unauthorized Changes: Malware or unauthorized users tamper with critical system files or settings.
- Unsupported Features: Third-party software using outdated or non-standard APIs.
- Dependency Issues: Missing or incompatible libraries (e.g., DLLs) cause crashes or errors.
- Incorrect Settings: Manual misconfiguration of system or application settings.
- Unintended Deletions: Accidental removal of essential files or software.