ERROR_INVALID_TARGET_HANDLE - 114 (0x72)
The target internal file identifier is incorrect.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_INVALID_TARGET_HANDLE error code indicates that a handle provided to an operating system function is invalid or does not refer to the expected target. This typically pertains to file operations where the internal identifier associated with the handle is incorrect.
Error Details
This error occurs when a function expects a valid handle to a specific object, such as a file or directory, but receives one that is either invalid or points to an unexpected type of object. The internal identifier used by the operating system for these objects must match the expected type and value for the operation to succeed.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various scenarios where file or directory operations are performed using handles. Common functions that might return this error include CreateFile, OpenFile, and other file manipulation APIs.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should ensure that the handle passed to the function is valid and correctly references the intended object type. This includes verifying the handle's validity before passing it to any API functions.
Related Errors
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_INVALID_TARGET_HANDLE mean?
A: It indicates that the handle provided to a function is invalid or does not refer to the expected target object.
Q: How can I resolve this error?
A: Ensure that the handle passed to the function is valid and correctly references the intended file or directory type.
Summary
The ERROR_INVALID_TARGET_HANDLE error code signifies an issue with a provided handle in Windows API functions. Developers should validate handles before use to avoid such errors.