ERROR_INVALID_CLEANER - 4310 (0x10D6)

The media identifier does not represent a valid cleaner.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

ERROR_INVALID_CLEANER is a specific error code in the Windows operating system that indicates an issue with media identifiers, specifically when they do not represent valid cleaner objects. This error typically arises during operations involving media or storage devices where cleaner identifiers are expected.

Error Details

The numeric value of this error is 4310 (0x10D6), and it signifies that the system encountered a situation where an operation required a cleaner identifier, but the provided identifier was not recognized as valid. Cleaners in this context refer to specific types of media or storage objects that are used for certain operations.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Cleaner Identifier: The cleaner identifier passed to the API call is not recognized by the system.
  • Incorrect Object Type: The object being referenced does not match the expected type for a cleaner operation.
  • Corrupted Data: The data associated with the cleaner identifier might be corrupted, leading to an invalid state.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in scenarios where operations involving media or storage devices require specific cleaner identifiers. For example, it could arise during file system maintenance operations, disk cleanup tasks, or other storage-related activities that rely on cleaner objects for their functionality.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context and the operation being performed. If the operation is not essential to the system's functionality, the impact might be minimal. However, if it involves critical data or operations, the issue should be addressed promptly.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation requiring a cleaner identifier is appropriate and correctly specified.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the parameters passed to the API call for correctness and validity.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the object being referenced matches the expected type for cleaner operations.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters, including cleaner identifiers, are correctly specified according to the API documentation.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to match the requirements of the cleaner identifier.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore or repair the affected media or storage device.

Developer Notes

  • Always validate input parameters before passing them to API calls that require cleaner identifiers.
  • Ensure that all operations involving cleaners are performed in a context where they are expected and supported by the system.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_MEDIA_WRITE_PROTECT (0x76): Occurs when media is write-protected, which might affect cleaner operations.
  • ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (0xC): Indicates that one or more parameters passed to a function were not valid.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_INVALID_CLEANER mean?

A: It indicates an invalid cleaner identifier was provided during an operation involving media or storage devices.

Q: How can I troubleshoot this error?

A: Review the context of the operation, validate parameters, and ensure object types are correct. If data corruption is suspected, restore or repair the affected media.

Summary

ERROR_INVALID_CLEANER (4310) is a specific error code indicating an invalid cleaner identifier in Windows operations involving media or storage devices. Understanding its context and causes can help in diagnosing and resolving issues effectively.