ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED - 70 (0x46)
The remote server has been paused or is in the process of being started.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Background
The ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED error code is a specific technical error that occurs in the Windows operating system. This error typically indicates an issue related to file or directory operations where the remote server hosting the shared resource has been paused or is currently being started.
Error Details
Numeric Code and Hexadecimal Representation
- Numeric Code: 70
- Hexadecimal Code: 0x46
Short Description
The ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED error suggests that a remote server hosting shared resources has been paused or is in the process of being started. This can affect operations such as file reads, writes, and directory manipulations.
Common Causes
- Remote Server Paused: The remote server hosting the shared resource may have been paused due to maintenance or other operational reasons.
- Server Startup Process: The remote server might be in the process of starting up, which can temporarily pause operations on shared resources until full functionality is restored.
Real-World Context
This error typically arises when a local operation attempts to access a file or directory that is hosted on a remote server. If the remote server is paused or in the startup phase, the operation will fail with this specific error code.
Is This Error Critical?
The criticality of ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED depends on the context and the importance of the operation being performed. While it does not indicate an immediate system failure, it can disrupt operations that rely on remote shared resources.
How to Diagnose
Reviewing Operation Context
- Verify the current state of the remote server hosting the shared resource.
- Check if the server is undergoing maintenance or startup procedures.
Validating Parameters
- Ensure that all parameters passed to file or directory operations are correct and valid.
- Confirm that the operation context aligns with expected usage patterns.
How to Resolve
Correct Parameter Usage
- Double-check the parameters used in file or directory operations to ensure they are appropriate for the current state of the remote server.
- Adjust any invalid parameters as necessary.
Adjust Operation Context
- If the remote server is undergoing maintenance, wait until it has completed and resumed normal operation before retrying the operation.
- For startup procedures, allow sufficient time for the server to fully initialize before attempting the operation again.
Developer Notes
Developers should be aware that ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED can occur in scenarios where remote servers are temporarily unavailable or undergoing maintenance. Proper error handling and retry mechanisms should be implemented to ensure robustness in applications that rely on shared resources hosted on remote servers.
Related Errors
- ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED (5): This error might be encountered if the local system does not have sufficient permissions to access the remote resource, which could indirectly lead to
ERROR_SHARING_PAUSEDif the server is paused or starting up. - ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND (2): If the file or directory being accessed no longer exists on the remote server, this error might be observed, especially during periods of server maintenance or startup.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED mean?
A: This error indicates that a remote server hosting shared resources has been paused or is in the process of being started. It can affect file and directory operations on those resources.
Q: How can I handle this error in my application?
A: Implement retry mechanisms with appropriate delays to account for temporary unavailability or maintenance periods on the remote server.
Summary
ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED is a specific technical error that occurs when attempting to access shared resources hosted on a remote server that has been paused or is starting up. Developers should be prepared to handle this error by validating parameters, adjusting operation context, and implementing retry logic as necessary.