ERROR_INVALID_EA_NAME - 254 (0xFE)
The specified extended attribute name was invalid.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_INVALID_EA_NAME error code indicates that a specified extended attribute name is invalid. Extended attributes are additional metadata associated with files and directories in the Windows file system.
Error Details
This error typically occurs when an application or API attempts to manipulate extended attributes on a file or directory, but the provided attribute name does not conform to the expected format or syntax. The operating system cannot recognize or process such names, leading to this error being returned.
Usage Context
Extended attributes are used for storing non-standard metadata alongside files and directories. They can be useful for various applications that require additional information about file contents beyond what is provided by standard attributes like size or modification time. Common scenarios where this error might occur include:
- Using the
SetFileInformationByHandlefunction with theFileExtendedAttributeInfoclass. - Calling the
GetFileInformationByHandleExfunction with theFileExtendedAttributeSizeinformation class.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering ERROR_INVALID_EA_NAME, developers should ensure that any extended attribute names used in their code are valid and correctly formatted. The exact format of these names can vary depending on the specific application or API being used, but generally, they must adhere to certain naming conventions to be recognized by the operating system.
Related Errors
ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(0x57)ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND(0x3)ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND(0x3B)
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_INVALID_EA_NAME mean?
A: It indicates that the extended attribute name provided is invalid.
Q: How can I resolve this error?
A: Ensure that the extended attribute names used in your code are valid and correctly formatted according to the specific API or application requirements.
Summary
The ERROR_INVALID_EA_NAME error code signifies an issue with a specified extended attribute name. Developers should verify the correctness of their input parameters when working with extended attributes to avoid this error.