Knowledge

ERROR_NON_CSV_PATH - 5950 (0x173E)

The path does not belong to a cluster shared volume.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_NON_CSV_PATH error code, with the numeric value of 5950 and the hexadecimal representation of 0x173E, indicates that a specified path does not belong to a cluster shared volume. This error is specific to operations involving cluster shared volumes (CSVs) in Windows environments.

Error Details

The ERROR_NON_CSV_PATH error occurs when an operation intended for a CSV fails because the provided path is not part of any CSV. Cluster Shared Volumes are used in high-availability and failover scenarios, where multiple nodes share access to the same storage space. This error typically arises during file or directory operations that require CSV membership.

Common Causes

  1. Incorrect Path Specification: The path specified for an operation is not a member of any cluster shared volume.
  2. Invalid Object Type: The object being operated on (file or directory) does not reside within a CSV.
  3. Cluster Configuration Issues: There might be misconfigurations in the cluster environment that prevent proper identification of CSV paths.

Real-World Context

This error is commonly encountered when performing operations such as file creation, deletion, or modification on files stored in a non-cluster shared volume path, while attempting to use APIs or commands designed for CSVs. It can also occur during administrative tasks involving cluster management and failover configurations.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. In scenarios where high availability and fault tolerance are required, such as in mission-critical applications, this error could be significant. However, for non-clustered environments or operations that do not involve CSVs, this error might indicate a misconfiguration or an incorrect operation context.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation is being performed within the correct cluster environment and on paths that are members of CSVs.
  2. Validate Parameters: Verify that the path specified in the operation is correctly formatted and points to a member of a CSV.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Use tools like fsutil or PowerShell cmdlets to confirm whether the object being operated on resides within a CSV.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all paths used in operations are members of cluster shared volumes.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If operating outside a CSV environment, ensure that the operation context is appropriate for non-clustered storage.
  3. Restore Data: In cases where data corruption or misconfiguration might be an issue, restore from backups if available.

Developer Notes

When developing applications that interact with cluster shared volumes, it is essential to validate paths and object types before performing operations. This can prevent the occurrence of ERROR_NON_CSV_PATH errors and ensure smooth operation in clustered environments.

Related Errors

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_NON_CSV_PATH error indicate?

A: It indicates that a specified path is not part of any cluster shared volume, which is required for certain operations.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all paths used in operations are members of CSVs and validate parameters before performing operations.

Summary

The ERROR_NON_CSV_PATH error code signifies a path not belonging to a cluster shared volume, which is critical for certain file system operations. Understanding the context and causes can help in diagnosing and resolving issues related to this error effectively.