ERROR_OPEN_FAILED - 110 (0x6E)
The system cannot open the device or file specified.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_OPEN_FAILED error code indicates that an attempt to open a file or device has failed. This can occur in various scenarios where the system is unable to access the specified resource.
Error Details
- Error Name: ERROR_OPEN_FAILED
- Numeric Code: 110 (0x6E)
- Short Description: The system cannot open the device or file specified.
This error typically arises when a program attempts to open a file or device that does not exist, is inaccessible due to permissions, or has been corrupted. It can also occur if the path provided in the operation is incorrect or invalid.
Usage Context
The ERROR_OPEN_FAILED error code is commonly encountered during file and device operations such as reading from, writing to, or opening a file for other purposes like creating or deleting files. This error can affect any application that interacts with the file system or hardware devices.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should consider several factors:
- File Existence: Ensure that the specified file or device exists and is accessible.
- Path Validity: Verify that the path provided to the operation is correct and valid.
- Permissions: Check if the application has sufficient permissions to access the resource. This includes both file system permissions and any specific hardware access rights.
- Resource State: Confirm that the device or file is not in a state that would prevent it from being opened, such as corruption or being locked by another process.
Related Errors
ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND(2)ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND(3)ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED(5)ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(87)ERROR_DEVICE_NOT_READY(109)
These errors can provide additional context when troubleshooting issues related to file and device operations.
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_OPEN_FAILED error mean?
A: It indicates that an attempt to open a file or device has failed, typically due to non-existence, incorrect path, insufficient permissions, or resource corruption.
Q: How can I resolve this error?
A: Review the operation context, validate parameters, confirm object types, and verify input data. Ensure the application has appropriate permissions and that the specified file or device is accessible and not corrupted.
Summary
The ERROR_OPEN_FAILED (110) error code signifies a failure in opening a file or device due to various potential issues such as non-existence, incorrect path, insufficient permissions, or resource corruption. Developers should carefully review their application's operation context and parameters to resolve this issue.