ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG - 15016 (0x3AA8)
Left hand side arguments to binary operators must be either attributes, nodes or variables and right hand side arguments must be constants.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Background
The error code ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG with the numeric value 15016 and hexadecimal representation 0x3AA8 is encountered when there is a misconfiguration or misuse of event filtering parameters in Windows. This error specifically pertains to the validation of arguments passed during event filtering operations.
Error Details
The error ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG indicates that the left-hand side (LHS) arguments provided to binary operators used for event filtering must be either attributes, nodes, or variables. Conversely, the right-hand side (RHS) arguments should be constants. This validation ensures that the operations performed during event filtering are logically consistent and meaningful.
Common Causes
- Invalid Parameter Values: The parameters passed do not conform to the expected types for LHS and RHS in binary operators used for event filtering.
- Incorrect Object Type: The object type being filtered is not compatible with the operation, leading to a misconfiguration.
- Exceeding Limits: There might be an attempt to apply too many filters or operations that exceed system-defined limits.
Real-World Context
Event filtering in Windows involves complex operations where attributes and nodes are manipulated. The error ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG is typically encountered when these operations are not performed correctly, leading to invalid configurations or misuse of the API functions involved in event filtering.
Is This Error Critical?
The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. While it does not necessarily indicate a severe system failure, it can disrupt the intended functionality of event logging and monitoring systems if left unaddressed.
How to Diagnose
To diagnose ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG, developers should:
- Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation context is correct and aligns with the expected usage of event filtering APIs.
- Validate Parameters: Verify that all parameters passed are correctly typed, especially distinguishing between attributes, nodes, and variables on the LHS, and constants on the RHS.
- Confirm Object Types: Confirm that the object types being filtered are compatible with the operations performed.
How to Resolve
To resolve ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG, developers should:
- Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters used in event filtering operations are correctly typed and logically consistent.
- Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to align with the intended usage of the API functions involved.
- Restore Data: In cases where data corruption might be a factor, restore or correct any corrupted data before retrying the operation.
Developer Notes
Developers should pay close attention to parameter validation and ensure that all operations performed during event filtering are logically consistent. This includes verifying the types of arguments passed and ensuring compatibility between LHS and RHS in binary operators used for event filtering.
Related Errors
ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVALID: Indicates an invalid filter condition or operation.ERROR_EVT_FILTER_NOT_FOUND: Occurs when a required filter is not found.
FAQ
Q: What does the error ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG indicate?
A: It indicates that the left-hand side arguments to binary operators used for event filtering must be attributes, nodes, or variables while right-hand side arguments must be constants.
Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?
A: Ensure all parameters passed during event filtering operations are correctly typed and logically consistent. Validate object types and ensure compatibility between LHS and RHS in binary operators used for event filtering.
Summary
The ERROR_EVT_FILTER_INVARG error code is a specific technical issue encountered when there is a misconfiguration or misuse of event filtering parameters in Windows. By understanding the context, diagnosing the cause, and taking appropriate corrective actions, developers can ensure that their event filtering operations are performed correctly and efficiently.