ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME - 161 (0xA1)
The specified path is invalid.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME error code indicates that a specified path is invalid. This can occur during file or directory operations when the system encounters an improperly formatted or non-existent path.
Error Details
- Error Name: ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME
- Numeric Code: 161 (0xA1)
- Short Description: The specified path is invalid.
Usage Context
This error code can be encountered in various file system operations, including but not limited to:
- File creation or deletion
- Directory enumeration
- Path validation checks
- File or directory access attempts
Developer Interpretation
When this error code is returned, it signifies that the path provided by the application does not conform to the expected format or does not exist on the system. Developers should ensure that paths are correctly formatted and validated before performing file or directory operations.
Related Errors
- ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND (3): The specified path was not found.
- ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (1208): One of the parameters passed to a function is invalid.
- ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND (2): The system cannot find the file specified.
FAQ
Q: Can this error occur on network drives?
A: Yes, it can. Network paths must be correctly formatted and accessible from the local machine.
Q: Is this error related to permissions?
A: No, this specific error is not related to permissions but rather path validation.
Summary
The ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME error code indicates that a specified path is invalid. Developers should ensure that paths are correctly formatted and validated before performing file or directory operations to avoid encountering this error.