ERROR_INVALID_LIBRARY - 4301 (0x10CD)
The library identifier does not represent a valid library.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_INVALID_LIBRARY error code indicates that a library identifier provided to an API function does not correspond to any valid library. This can occur in scenarios where the system expects a specific library name or identifier, but the input is incorrect.
Error Details
This error typically arises when a function such as LoadLibrary, GetProcAddress, or similar APIs are called with an invalid library name. The operating system cannot find the specified library and returns this error to indicate that the operation failed due to an invalid library identifier.
Usage Context
The context in which this error might occur includes:
- Attempting to load a non-existent or incorrectly named library using
LoadLibrary. - Providing an incorrect library name when calling functions like
GetProcAddress. - Using an outdated or corrupted library file that no longer exists on the system.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should ensure that the library names and identifiers used in their code are correct and correspond to valid libraries available on the system. This includes verifying the spelling of library names, ensuring compatibility with the operating system version, and checking for any updates or changes in the library naming conventions.
Related Errors
ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND(2)ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(87)ERROR_BAD_EXE_FORMAT(193)
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_INVALID_LIBRARY mean?
A: It indicates that the library identifier provided to an API function is not valid.
Q: How can I resolve this error?
A: Ensure that the library names and identifiers used in your code are correct and correspond to valid libraries available on the system. Verify the spelling, compatibility with the operating system version, and check for any updates or changes in the library naming conventions.
Summary
The ERROR_INVALID_LIBRARY error is a generic return code indicating that an invalid library identifier was provided to an API function. Developers should ensure correct library names and identifiers are used to avoid this error.