ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS - 160 (0xA0)

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS error code indicates that one or more arguments provided to a function, procedure, or command are incorrect. This can manifest in various contexts within the Windows operating system.

Error Details

• Error Name: ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS
• Numeric Code: 160 (0xA0)
• Short Description: One or more arguments are not correct.

This error is a generic indication that the input parameters do not meet the expected criteria for the operation being performed. It can occur in any API, function, or command where incorrect or invalid arguments are passed.

Usage Context

The ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS error code can be encountered in various scenarios within the Windows environment. Common contexts include:

• API Calls: When a user-mode application calls an API with incorrect parameters.
• Command Line Tools: When executing command line tools or utilities that require specific arguments.
• Registry Operations: When attempting to modify registry keys using commands like reg.exe with invalid arguments.

Developer Interpretation

Developers should interpret this error as a signal that the input provided does not conform to the expected format, type, or value. The exact nature of the bad argument can vary widely depending on the context in which it is encountered. Developers are advised to consult the documentation for the specific API or command to understand the valid arguments and their formats.

Related Errors

• ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (0x57): Similar to ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS, but specifically indicates that a parameter passed to an API is invalid in some way, such as being out of range or not supported by the function.
• ERROR_INVALID_DATA (0x80070001): Indicates that data supplied to a function is invalid. This can be related to ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS but often pertains more to the content of the data rather than its form.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS mean?

A: It indicates that one or more arguments provided to an operation are incorrect, and do not meet the expected criteria for the function being called.

Q: How can I resolve this error?

A: Review the documentation for the specific API or command to ensure that all parameters are correctly formatted and within valid ranges. Correct any invalid arguments before retrying the operation.

Summary

ERROR_BAD_ARGUMENTS is a generic error code indicating incorrect arguments in an operation. Developers should consult relevant documentation to understand the correct usage of APIs, commands, or functions to avoid this error.