Knowledge

ERROR_EVT_INVALID_EVENT_DATA - 15005 (0x3A9D)

The event data raised by the publisher is not compatible with the event template definition in the publisher's manifest.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

ERROR_EVT_INVALID_EVENT_DATA is a specific error code returned by the Windows Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) subsystem when an event data provider fails to adhere to the template defined in its manifest. This error typically occurs during the registration or processing of ETW events, indicating that there is a mismatch between the expected and actual event data.

Error Details

The numeric code 15005 corresponds to the hexadecimal value 0x3A9D. The error message suggests that the event data generated by an event provider does not conform to the structure or format specified in its manifest. This can lead to issues such as incorrect logging, performance degradation, and potential system instability.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: Incorrect values provided during event registration or data generation.
  • Incorrect Object Type: The type of object being logged does not match the expected type defined in the manifest.
  • Exceeding Limits: Attempting to log an excessive amount of data that exceeds predefined limits.
  • Corrupted Data: Incomplete or corrupted event data being generated by the provider.

Real-World Context

In a typical scenario, this error might occur when an application or service attempts to register ETW events with incorrect parameters. For example, if an application tries to log an event that requires specific fields but fails to provide them correctly, it may trigger this error.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of ERROR_EVT_INVALID_EVENT_DATA depends on the context in which it occurs. While it does not necessarily indicate a severe system failure, it can lead to incomplete or incorrect logging, which might impact troubleshooting and monitoring capabilities.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that all parameters used during event registration are correct.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the values passed to the ETW APIs for correctness and completeness.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the types of objects being logged match those expected by the manifest.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters used in event registration are correct and complete.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: Modify the context or environment where events are generated if necessary.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a known good backup.

Developer Notes

When developing applications that use ETW for logging, ensure that all event templates are correctly defined and that the provider adheres to these definitions. This can be achieved by thoroughly testing the registration process and validating the generated events against the expected structure.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_EVT_INVALID_TEMPLATE (15004): Indicates an issue with the template itself.
  • ERROR_EVT_LOG_DISABLED (15006): Occurs when logging is disabled for a particular provider or event.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_EVT_INVALID_EVENT_DATA mean?

A: It indicates that the event data provided by an event provider does not match the template defined in its manifest.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure all parameters used during event registration are correct and complete, and verify that the types of objects being logged match those expected by the manifest.

Summary

ERROR_EVT_INVALID_EVENT_DATA is a specific error code in Windows API related to ETW events. It indicates a mismatch between the event data provided by an event provider and the template defined in its manifest. By understanding this error, developers can take steps to ensure correct logging and avoid potential issues.