ERROR_PARTIAL_COPY - 299 (0x12B)

Only part of a ReadProcessMemory or WriteProcessMemory request was completed.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_PARTIAL_COPY error code indicates that a request to read from or write to another process's memory using the ReadProcessMemory or WriteProcessMemory functions was only partially successful. This can occur due to various reasons, such as insufficient buffer size, invalid addresses, or limitations imposed by the operating system.

Error Details

This error is returned when the requested operation could not be completed in its entirety. The function may have read or written a portion of the data but was unable to complete the entire request. This can lead to partial data being transferred, which might result in inconsistent state within the target process.

Usage Context

The ERROR_PARTIAL_COPY error is typically encountered when using the Windows API functions ReadProcessMemory and WriteProcessMemory. These functions are used for inter-process communication (IPC) or debugging purposes. The error can occur under several conditions, such as:

  • Insufficient buffer size to hold all requested data.
  • Invalid memory addresses in the target process.
  • Memory regions that are inaccessible due to security restrictions.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering ERROR_PARTIAL_COPY, developers should consider the following aspects of their code and operation context:

  • Ensure that the buffer sizes used for reading or writing match the expected data size.
  • Verify that memory addresses provided are valid and accessible within the target process's address space.
  • Check for any security restrictions that might prevent access to certain memory regions.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_INVALID_ADDRESS (0xC0000005): Indicates an invalid memory address was accessed during the operation.
  • ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED (0x5): Suggests that the current process does not have sufficient privileges to access the target process's memory.
  • ERROR_INSUFFICIENT_BUFFER (0x7A): Implies that the buffer provided is too small for the requested data size.

FAQ

Q: What causes ERROR_PARTIAL_COPY?

A: The error can occur due to insufficient buffer sizes, invalid memory addresses, or security restrictions preventing access to certain memory regions.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Ensure that the buffer size is adequate for the data being read or written. Validate the memory addresses and confirm they are accessible within the target process's address space. Check for any security settings that might be limiting access.

Summary

The ERROR_PARTIAL_COPY error code signifies that a partial operation was completed during an inter-process memory read or write request. Developers should carefully validate their parameters, ensure proper buffer sizes, and check for any security restrictions to avoid this issue.