ERROR_EVT_INVALID_CHANNEL_PATH - 15000 (0x3A98)

Technical Background

The ERROR_EVT_INVALID_CHANNEL_PATH error code is encountered in the context of Event Tracing for Windows (ETW), a performance monitoring and diagnostic tool provided by Microsoft. ETW allows developers to trace events generated by various components of the operating system or custom applications.

Error Details

Numeric Code: 15000 (0x3A98)

This error code is specific to the Event Tracing for Windows framework and indicates that a specified channel path used in ETW operations is invalid. A channel path refers to the logical name of an event trace log file or a named pipe used by ETW providers.

Common Causes

• Invalid Channel Path: The provided channel path does not exist, is misspelled, or contains incorrect characters that violate naming conventions.
• Incorrect Object Type: The operation was intended for a different type of object (e.g., file vs. directory) than the one specified by the channel path.

Real-World Context

ETW operations often involve specifying a channel path to define where event data should be logged or how it should be consumed. If an invalid channel path is used, ETW will not be able to perform the intended operation correctly.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the specific context in which it occurs. While it does not directly impact system stability, it can prevent certain operations from completing successfully, leading to incomplete logging or diagnostic data collection.

How to Diagnose

1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation is being performed within a valid context where ETW is supported and enabled.
2. Validate Parameters: Double-check the channel path specified in the operation. Verify its spelling, length, and format against naming conventions.
3. Confirm Object Types: Confirm that the object type (file or directory) matches the expected usage of the channel path.

How to Resolve

1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that the correct channel path is specified for the operation. Refer to the documentation for valid channel paths and naming conventions.
2. Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to ensure compatibility with ETW operations.
3. Restore Data: If data corruption or loss is suspected, restore from a backup if available.

Developer Notes

When working with ETW, always validate input parameters and ensure that channel paths are correctly specified. This can prevent issues such as ERROR_EVT_INVALID_CHANNEL_PATH and ensure consistent logging behavior across different environments.

Related Errors

• ERROR_EVT_LOGFILE_FULL: Occurs when the log file is full.
• ERROR_EVT_NO_EVENT_PROVIDERS: Indicates no event providers are available for tracing.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_EVT_INVALID_CHANNEL_PATH mean?

A: It indicates that a specified channel path used in ETW operations is invalid.

Q: How can I prevent this error?

A: Ensure that the channel path is correctly specified and matches the expected format and naming conventions.

Summary

The ERROR_EVT_INVALID_CHANNEL_PATH error code signifies an issue with the specified channel path in Event Tracing for Windows operations. By validating parameters, confirming object types, and ensuring correct operation context, developers can resolve this error and maintain consistent logging behavior.