ERROR_TOO_MANY_DESCRIPTORS - 331 (0x14B)
The command specified a number of descriptors that exceeded the maximum supported by the device.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_TOO_MANY_DESCRIPTORS error code indicates that a command or operation attempted to allocate more descriptors than the device can support. Descriptors are used in various contexts, such as file handles, network connections, or other resources managed by the operating system.
Error Details
This error typically occurs when an application requests more descriptors than the maximum allowed limit set by the device driver or the underlying hardware. The specific context depends on the operation being performed and the type of descriptor involved.
Usage Context
The error can be encountered in various scenarios, such as:
- Opening too many file handles simultaneously.
- Establishing a large number of network connections.
- Allocating excessive resources that are managed by descriptors.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should ensure that their applications do not exceed the maximum descriptor limit set by the device. This can be achieved by:
- Limiting the number of simultaneous operations or connections.
- Implementing resource management strategies to avoid exhausting available descriptors.
- Checking for and handling this error code appropriately in application logic.
Related Errors
ERROR_TOO_MANY_OPEN_FILES(0x6D)ERROR_NO_SYSTEM_RESOURCES(0x8E)ERROR_NOT_ENOUGH_MEMORY(0x7A)
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_TOO_MANY_DESCRIPTORS error mean?
A: It indicates that a command attempted to allocate more descriptors than the device can support.
Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?
A: Ensure your application limits the number of simultaneous operations and properly manages resources to avoid exceeding descriptor limits.
Summary
The ERROR_TOO_MANY_DESCRIPTORS error code is a specific resource limit error that occurs when an operation attempts to allocate more descriptors than supported by the device. Developers should be mindful of this limitation and implement appropriate resource management strategies to prevent this error.