ERROR_NO_DATA - 232 (0xE8)
The pipe is being closed.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_NO_DATA error code, represented by the numeric value 232 or hexadecimal 0xE8, is returned when a communication channel, specifically a pipe, is being closed. This indicates that no further data can be read from the pipe.
Error Details
This error typically occurs in scenarios where an application attempts to read from a pipe that has been closed by another end of the pipe or by the system itself. The pipe may have reached its end-of-life due to explicit closure, timeout, or other conditions that terminate the communication channel.
Usage Context
ERROR_NO_DATA is commonly encountered in scenarios involving inter-process communication (IPC) through named pipes. It can also appear when dealing with anonymous pipes used for IPC within a process context.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering ERROR_NO_DATA, developers should consider the following:
- Ensure that both ends of the pipe are properly managed and closed according to the application's design.
- Verify that the read operation is not being performed after the write end has been closed or terminated.
- Check for any timeout conditions that might have caused the pipe to be closed unexpectedly.
Related Errors
ERROR_BROKEN_PIPE(0x109): Indicates a broken pipe, which may occur if data is written to a pipe that has already been closed on the read end.ERROR_HANDLE_EOF(0x8D): Returned by file I/O functions when an attempt is made to read past the end of a file or pipe.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_NO_DATA indicate?
A: It indicates that no further data can be read from a pipe, suggesting that the communication channel has been closed.
Q: How should I handle this error in my application?
A: Properly manage and close both ends of the pipe to avoid unexpected behavior. Ensure that read operations do not occur after the write end has been terminated.
Summary
ERROR_NO_DATA is a specific error code indicating that a communication channel, such as a pipe, is being closed. Developers should ensure proper management of pipes to prevent this error and handle it gracefully in their applications.