ERROR_SIGNAL_REFUSED - 156 (0x9C)
The recipient process has refused the signal.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_SIGNAL_REFUSED error code indicates that a signal was sent to a process, but the recipient process has explicitly refused or ignored it. This can occur in scenarios where inter-process communication is attempted using signals.
Error Details
This error typically arises when a signal is intended for a specific process, and that process does not handle or acknowledge the signal. The signal might be sent by another process or by the operating system itself as part of certain operations such as termination requests or process management tasks.
Usage Context
The ERROR_SIGNAL_REFUSED error can appear in various contexts where signals are used for inter-process communication, including but not limited to:
- Process termination requests
- Signal handling mechanisms within applications
- System-level operations that involve sending signals to processes
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the intended recipient process did not accept or handle the signal. This could be due to several reasons, such as the process being in a state where it cannot receive signals, the signal type being inappropriate for the current context, or the process having explicitly disabled signal handling.
Related Errors
ERROR_INVALID_SIGNAL_NUMBER(10)ERROR_NO_SUCH_PROCESS(3)ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED(5)
These errors can provide additional context when troubleshooting issues related to signal handling and inter-process communication.
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_SIGNAL_REFUSED error mean?
A: It indicates that a process has refused or ignored a signal sent to it. This could be due to various reasons, such as the process being in an inappropriate state or having disabled signal handling.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the recipient process is capable of receiving and handling signals. Verify the signal type and ensure it is appropriate for the current context. If necessary, adjust the operation context to align with the expected behavior of the process.
Summary
The ERROR_SIGNAL_REFUSED error code signifies that a process has explicitly refused or ignored a signal sent to it. Developers should focus on ensuring proper signal handling and verifying the recipient process's state before attempting inter-process communication using signals.