ERROR_REDIRECTOR_HAS_OPEN_HANDLES - 1794 (0x702)
The redirector is in use and cannot be unloaded.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_REDIRECTOR_HAS_OPEN_HANDLES indicates that a redirector, which is part of the Windows file system redirection mechanism, cannot be unloaded because it has open handles. This typically occurs in scenarios where a process or service is using the redirector and attempts to unload it fail due to active usage.
Error Details
- Error Name: ERROR_REDIRECTOR_HAS_OPEN_HANDLES
- Numeric Code: 1794 (0x702)
- Short Description: The redirector is in use and cannot be unloaded.
This error suggests that there are still active operations or resources associated with the redirector, preventing it from being safely terminated. It can occur during attempts to unload certain components of the file system redirection mechanism, such as when a process is using redirected files or directories.
Usage Context
The context in which this error might be encountered includes:
- File system operations involving redirection
- Service termination or process shutdown
- System maintenance tasks that require unloading specific components
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the redirector is currently being used and cannot be safely unloaded. This may affect attempts to terminate processes, services, or perform maintenance actions that rely on the file system redirection mechanism.
Related Errors
- ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND (2): Indicates a file or directory could not be found during operations involving redirection.
- ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (87): Suggests an invalid parameter was passed to a function related to file system redirection.
- ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED (5): May occur if there are access restrictions preventing the unloading of the redirector.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_REDIRECTOR_HAS_OPEN_HANDLES mean?
A: This error indicates that a redirector is in use and cannot be unloaded due to active handles. It typically occurs during attempts to terminate processes or services using file system redirection mechanisms.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure all operations involving the redirected files or directories are completed before attempting to unload the redirector. This may require waiting for background tasks to finish or terminating them manually if necessary.
Summary
The ERROR_REDIRECTOR_HAS_OPEN_HANDLES error code is a specific technical indicator that a redirector used in Windows file system redirection cannot be unloaded due to active handles. Developers should handle this error by ensuring all related operations are completed before attempting to unload the component, thus avoiding potential issues with process termination or maintenance tasks.