ERROR_INVALID_MEDIA - 4300 (0x10CC)
The media identifier does not represent a valid medium.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_INVALID_MEDIA error code indicates that the system has encountered an invalid media identifier. This typically means that a file or directory operation was attempted on a medium that is not recognized by the system as valid.
Error Details
- Error Name: ERROR_INVALID_MEDIA
- Numeric Code: 4300 (decimal)
- Hex Code: 0x10CC
- Short Description: The media identifier does not represent a valid medium.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various scenarios where the system attempts to identify or access a storage medium. It is commonly encountered during file operations, such as reading from or writing to a disk, or when attempting to mount a volume.
Developer Interpretation
When this error code is returned, it signifies that the operation could not proceed due to an invalid media identifier. Developers should ensure that the correct and valid identifiers are used for the intended medium before performing any operations.
Related Errors
- ERROR_MEDIA_WRITE_PROTECTED (0x91): Indicates a write-protected medium.
- ERROR_NO_MEDIA_IN_DRIVE (0x82): No media is present in the drive.
- ERROR_INVALID_DEVICE (0x17D): The device identifier does not represent a valid device.
FAQ
Q: What causes ERROR_INVALID_MEDIA?
A: This error typically occurs when an invalid or unrecognized medium identifier is used, such as attempting to access a non-existent disk or using incorrect drive letters.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the correct and valid media identifiers are being used. Verify that the intended storage device is properly connected and recognized by the system.
Summary
The ERROR_INVALID_MEDIA error code indicates an invalid medium identifier, which prevents certain file operations from proceeding successfully. Developers should validate their input parameters to ensure they are using correct and valid identifiers for the intended media.