ERROR_INVALID_CATEGORY - 117 (0x75)
The IOCTL call made by the application program is not correct.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Overview
The ERROR_INVALID_CATEGORY error (117, 0x75) is a specific return code indicating that an incorrect Input/Output Control (IOCTL) call was made by the application program. This article provides detailed technical documentation for this error.
Technical Meaning
This error signifies that the IOCTL operation attempted by the application does not match any valid category or type of operation supported by the system. The IOCTL mechanism is used to perform device-specific operations, and when an invalid category is specified, it results in this error being returned.
Error Details
The ERROR_INVALID_CATEGORY error code is typically encountered during kernel-mode driver interactions where an application attempts to issue a specific IOCTL request that does not exist or is incorrectly formatted. This can occur due to various reasons such as incorrect parameter values, invalid object types, exceeding limits, corrupted data, unsupported operations, or incorrect usage context.
Usage Context
This error code is relevant in scenarios involving device drivers and kernel-mode applications where direct hardware interaction through IOCTL calls is necessary. It indicates that the application has attempted an operation that does not align with the expected categories of operations supported by the system.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering ERROR_INVALID_CATEGORY, developers should review the context in which the IOCTL call was made, validate the parameters passed to the function, and ensure that the correct object types are being used. This error can also indicate issues related to data integrity or resource limits if the operation attempted is not supported due to limitations.
Related Errors
ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(1258)ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND(3)ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND(3)
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_INVALID_CATEGORY mean?
A: It indicates that an incorrect IOCTL call was made by the application program.
Q: How can I resolve this error?
A: Review the context of the IOCTL call, validate parameters, and ensure correct object types are used. If necessary, consult the documentation for supported operations.
Summary
ERROR_INVALID_CATEGORY is a generic return code indicating an incorrect IOCTL operation. Developers should focus on validating parameters, ensuring correct usage context, and aligning with supported operations to avoid this error.