ERROR_NO_GUID_TRANSLATION - 560 (0x230)
Indicates that an attempt was made to assign protection to a file system file or directory and one of the SIDs in the security descriptor could not be translated into a GUID that could be stored by the file system. This causes the protection attempt to fail, which may cause a file creation attempt to fail.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Background
The ERROR_NO_GUID_TRANSLATION (560, 0x230) is a specific error code in the Windows operating system that indicates an issue with assigning security descriptors to files or directories. This error arises when one of the SIDs (Security Identifiers) within the security descriptor cannot be translated into a GUID format suitable for storage by the file system.
Error Details
This error typically occurs during attempts to apply protection settings, such as setting permissions or ownership on files and directories. The core issue is that certain SIDs in the security descriptor could not be converted into a form compatible with the file system's requirements.
Common Causes
- Invalid SIDs: The SIDs included in the security descriptor are either invalid or cannot be translated by the file system.
- Incorrect Object Type: The operation was attempted on an object type that does not support the required SID translation.
- Corrupted Data: The security descriptor may contain corrupted data, preventing proper translation.
Real-World Context
This error can occur in scenarios where advanced security features are being applied to files or directories. For example, when using Group Policy Objects (GPOs) that include complex SIDs, or during the application of custom security descriptors through programming interfaces like the Windows API.
Is This Error Critical?
The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. While it may not prevent immediate file operations, it can lead to issues with file protection and access control if not addressed.
How to Diagnose
- Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation is being performed on a supported object type.
- Validate Parameters: Verify that all SIDs in the security descriptor are valid and correctly formatted.
- Confirm Object Types: Confirm that the file or directory supports the required operations.
How to Resolve
- Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters, including SIDs, are correctly specified and valid.
- Adjust Operation Context: If applicable, adjust the context in which the operation is being performed to ensure compatibility with the file system.
- Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a backup or correct any corrupted entries.
Developer Notes
When working with security descriptors, it is essential to validate all SIDs and ensure they are compatible with the target file system. This error can be indicative of broader issues with security configurations that need to be addressed.
Related Errors
ERROR_INVALID_SID(1302)ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND(3)
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_NO_GUID_TRANSLATION mean?
A: This error indicates an issue with translating SIDs in a security descriptor during file or directory protection operations.
Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?
A: Ensure that all SIDs used are valid and correctly formatted, and verify the object types to which they are being applied.
Summary
The ERROR_NO_GUID_TRANSLATION is a specific error code indicating issues with security descriptor translation in Windows file systems. Proper validation of SIDs and correct operation context can help mitigate this issue.