ERROR_OPEN_FILES - 2401 (0x961)
This network connection has files open or requests pending.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_OPEN_FILES error code, represented by the numeric value 2401 or hexadecimal 0x961, indicates that a network connection is in use due to open files or pending requests. This condition can prevent the termination of a session or the release of resources associated with the network connection.
Error Details
This error typically arises when an attempt is made to close a network connection, but there are still active file handles or operations that depend on this connection. The system will not allow the connection to be terminated until all related files have been closed and any pending requests have completed.
Usage Context
The ERROR_OPEN_FILES error can occur in various scenarios where network connections are involved with open files, such as during file transfers, data synchronization, or when attempting to close a session that has active file operations. It is commonly encountered in networked applications and services that manage multiple file handles across different sessions.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error code as an indication that the operation cannot proceed due to ongoing file activities on the specified network connection. This may require the application to handle graceful termination of operations or ensure all files are properly closed before attempting to release the network resources.
Related Errors
- ERROR_CONNECTION_REFUSED (10061): The remote host actively refused an incoming connection.
- ERROR_CONNECTION_ABORTED (10053): An established connection was aborted by the software in your host machine.
- ERROR_CONNECTION_RESET (10054): An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_OPEN_FILES mean?
A: It indicates that there are open files or pending requests on a network connection, preventing its termination.
Q: How can I resolve this error?
A: Ensure all file operations are completed and all file handles are closed before attempting to release the network resources.
Summary
The ERROR_OPEN_FILES error code is specific to situations where network connections cannot be terminated due to active file operations. Developers should handle such errors by ensuring proper closure of files and completion of pending requests before releasing network resources.