ERROR_INVALID_COMPUTERNAME - 1210 (0x4BA)
The format of the specified computer name is invalid.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_INVALID_COMPUTERNAME error code indicates that the format of a specified computer name is not valid according to Windows naming conventions. This error typically occurs when an application or service attempts to use a computer name that does not meet the required criteria.
Error Details
This error is returned by various Windows APIs and functions, such as NetApiBufferAllocate, NetServerEnum, and others, which are used for network-related operations. The specific format requirements for a valid computer name include:
- Must be between 1 and 15 characters in length.
- Can contain letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), hyphens (-), periods (.), and underscores (_).
- Cannot start or end with a period (.).
Usage Context
This error can occur in various scenarios, such as when setting up network configurations, joining workgroups, or performing administrative tasks that require valid computer names.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should ensure that the computer name being used adheres to the specified naming conventions. This includes checking for the correct length and character set of the name. Additionally, it is important to validate the input before passing it to any Windows API functions that require a valid computer name.
Related Errors
ERROR_INVALID_NAME(123): Indicates an invalid file or directory name.ERROR_BAD_NETPATH(67): Indicates an incorrect network path.ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(87): Indicates one or more parameters passed to a function are not valid.
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_INVALID_COMPUTERNAME error mean?
A: It indicates that the format of the specified computer name is invalid according to Windows naming conventions. Ensure the name meets the required criteria, such as length and character set.
Q: How can I resolve this error?
A: Verify that the computer name being used adheres to the valid naming conventions before passing it to any relevant functions or APIs.
Summary
The ERROR_INVALID_COMPUTERNAME error code is a specific technical indicator of an invalid format for a specified computer name. Developers should ensure that all input names meet the required criteria to avoid this error and maintain system integrity during network-related operations.