ERROR_NOTIFY_ENUM_DIR - 1022 (0x3FE)

A notify change request is being completed and the information is not being returned in the caller's buffer. The caller now needs to enumerate the files to find the changes.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The error code ERROR_NOTIFY_ENUM_DIR with the numeric value 1022 and hexadecimal representation 0x3FE is returned when a notify change request is being completed, but the caller's buffer cannot accommodate all the information required to enumerate file changes.

Error Details

This error signifies that an operation such as monitoring for file system changes (e.g., FindFirstChangeNotification or ReadDirectoryChangesW) has been initiated. However, due to limitations in the size of the caller’s buffer, not all necessary data can be returned at once. The caller is now responsible for enumerating files and identifying changes.

Usage Context

This error typically occurs when an application requests a notification about file system changes but does not provide sufficient buffer space to store the complete set of change information. It may also arise in scenarios where multiple changes occur between calls, necessitating additional queries to fully enumerate all changes.

Developer Interpretation

Developers should ensure that their applications allocate adequate buffer sizes when making notify change requests. If this error is encountered, it indicates that the current buffer size is insufficient and must be adjusted accordingly. The application may need to make multiple calls or use a larger buffer to retrieve all necessary information.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_BUFFER_OVERFLOW (105)
    • Indicates that a buffer provided by the caller is too small for the amount of data being returned.
  • ERROR_HANDLE_EOF (38)
    • Signals the end of file or handle, which might be relevant in scenarios involving file enumeration.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_NOTIFY_ENUM_DIR mean?

A: This error indicates that a notify change request is being completed but the caller's buffer cannot hold all information required to enumerate file changes. The application must adjust its buffer size or make additional calls to retrieve complete data.

Q: How can I handle this error in my code?

A: Ensure your buffer sizes are adequate for the amount of data you expect from notify change requests. If the error occurs, increase the buffer size and retry the operation or use a larger buffer to accommodate all necessary information.

Summary

ERROR_NOTIFY_ENUM_DIR is an informational error that indicates insufficient buffer space during file system monitoring operations. Developers should be mindful of buffer sizes and ensure they are sufficient to handle the expected amount of change data. Proper handling involves adjusting buffer sizes as needed or making multiple calls to fully enumerate changes.