ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE - 1326 (0x52E)

Introduction

The ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE error, with the numeric code 1326 and the hexadecimal representation 0x52E, indicates that the user name or password provided during a logon attempt is incorrect. This error can occur in various contexts where authentication is required.

Technical Meaning

This error typically arises when the system fails to validate the credentials supplied by the user. It could be due to an incorrect username, an invalid password, or both. The error does not provide specific details about which part of the credential (username or password) failed validation.

Error Details

The ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE is a generic error code that can occur in different scenarios such as user logon attempts, network authentication, and other security-related operations. It is commonly encountered during interactive logons, but it may also appear in non-interactive contexts like service startup or scheduled tasks.

Usage Context

This error is often observed when the system cannot authenticate a user due to incorrect credentials. It can be triggered by various applications that require authentication, including but not limited to:

• Interactive logon attempts via the command line or graphical interface.
• Service startup where service accounts are used for authentication.
• Scheduled tasks that run under specific user contexts.

Developer Interpretation

Developers should interpret this error as a failure in credential validation. When encountering this error, it is essential to ensure that the provided credentials match those expected by the system. Developers may need to validate both the username and password before attempting authentication again.

Related Errors

• ERROR_INVALID_LOGON_HOURS (2202): The logon was denied because the account is not allowed to log on at this time.
• ERROR_ACCOUNT_LOCKED_OUT (1795): The user's account is currently locked out due to too many failed logon attempts.
• ERROR_PASSWORD_EXPIRED (1690): The password has expired and needs to be changed before the user can log on.

FAQ

Q: Can this error occur for a correct username but incorrect password?

A: Yes, it is possible. The error does not differentiate between an invalid username or an incorrect password; both will result in ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE.

Q: How can I troubleshoot this issue?

A: Review the provided credentials and ensure they are correct. Check for any typos or case sensitivity issues, as these can lead to authentication failures.

Summary

The ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE (1326) is a generic error indicating that the user name or password is incorrect during a logon attempt. Developers should focus on validating credentials and ensuring they match the expected values before attempting authentication again. This error does not provide specific details about which part of the credential failed, so thorough validation is necessary.