Knowledge

ERROR_INVALID_LOCK_RANGE - 307 (0x133)

A requested file lock operation cannot be processed due to an invalid byte range.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_INVALID_LOCK_RANGE error code is a specific Windows API error that indicates an issue with file locking operations. This error occurs when the byte range specified in a lock request is invalid or does not align with the current state of the file.

Error Details

  • Error Name: ERROR_INVALID_LOCK_RANGE
  • Numeric Code: 307 (0x133)
  • Short Description: A requested file lock operation cannot be processed due to an invalid byte range.

This error typically arises when a program attempts to lock a portion of a file, but the specified byte range is not valid or does not exist within the file's structure. For example, attempting to lock beyond the end of the file or overlapping with another existing lock can trigger this error.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Byte Range: The byte range specified in the lock request exceeds the actual size of the file.
  • Overlapping Locks: Attempting to lock a region that is already locked by another process or thread.
  • Incorrect File Operations: Performing operations on directories instead of files, which are not supported by this error code.

Real-World Context

File locking is a mechanism used to ensure data integrity and consistency during concurrent access. When an application requests a lock on a specific byte range within a file, the operating system checks if the specified range is valid before proceeding with the operation. If the range is invalid, this error is returned.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. In most cases, it indicates that the application has attempted an operation that is not supported or has provided incorrect parameters. While not necessarily a catastrophic failure, it can lead to data inconsistencies if not handled properly.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the file locking operation is being performed on a valid file and not a directory.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the byte range specified in the lock request against the actual size of the file.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the operation is targeted at a file, as this error code does not apply to directories or other objects.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that all parameters passed to the locking function are correct and within valid ranges.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that the byte range specified in the lock request is within the bounds of the file size.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to ensure compatibility with the file system operations.
  3. Restore Data: In cases where data corruption might be a factor, restore the file from a backup or correct any known issues before retrying the operation.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: After addressing the identified issues, retry the locking operation using valid parameters.

Developer Notes

When working with file locks in Windows applications, it is crucial to validate all input parameters and ensure that they align with the expected byte range of the file. Incorrect usage can lead to this error or other related issues such as data corruption or inconsistent state.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION (32): Occurs when a lock request conflicts with an existing lock.
  • ERROR_HANDLE_EOF (38): Indicates that the end of the file has been reached, which can be related to invalid byte ranges.
  • ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (1208): A generic error indicating incorrect parameters, often seen in conjunction with ERROR_INVALID_LOCK_RANGE.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_INVALID_LOCK_RANGE mean?

A: It indicates that a file lock operation was attempted on an invalid byte range within the file.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all parameters passed to file locking functions are correct and valid, especially the byte ranges specified in the request.

Q: Can this error occur with directories?

A: No, ERROR_INVALID_LOCK_RANGE is specific to files and not applicable to directories or other object types.

Summary

The ERROR_INVALID_LOCK_RANGE error code is a specific Windows API error that indicates an issue with file locking operations due to invalid byte ranges. By understanding the causes and following diagnostic and resolution steps, developers can effectively handle this error and ensure proper file system operations in their applications.