ERROR_MALFORMED_SUBSTITUTION_STRING - 14094 (0x370E)
A string containing localized substitutable content was malformed. Either a dollar sign ($) was followed by something other than a left parenthesis or another dollar sign or an substitution's right parenthesis was not found.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_MALFORMED_SUBSTITUTION_STRING with the numeric value 14094 and hex code 0x370E indicates that a string containing localized substitutable content was malformed. This typically occurs when a dollar sign ($) is followed by something other than a left parenthesis or another dollar sign, or if an substitution's right parenthesis is not found.
Error Details
This error suggests that the system encountered a problem with a string intended for localization and substitution. The string may have been improperly formatted, leading to a failure in processing the content correctly.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various contexts where localized strings are used, such as command-line interfaces, user interface elements, or logging messages that require dynamic content insertion using placeholders.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should ensure that all substitution strings adhere to the expected format. Specifically, dollar signs ($) followed by a left parenthesis should be correctly formatted for substitution operations. Failure to do so can lead to runtime errors or incorrect behavior in applications.
Related Errors
- ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (1208): This error may occur if the parameters passed to a function are not valid, which could include improperly formatted substitution strings.
- ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME (36): If the malformed string is part of a path or directory name, this error might be related.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_MALFORMED_SUBSTITUTION_STRING mean?
A: It indicates that a localized substitution string was improperly formatted and could not be processed correctly.
Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?
A: Ensure all strings containing placeholders are properly formatted, with dollar signs followed by left parentheses or another dollar sign as appropriate.
Summary
ERROR_MALFORMED_SUBSTITUTION_STRING is a specific error code indicating issues with localized substitution strings. Developers should pay attention to the formatting of such strings to avoid runtime errors and ensure smooth application behavior.