ERROR_UNDEFINED_SCOPE - 319 (0x13F)

The Central Access Policy specified is not defined on the target machine.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_UNDEFINED_SCOPE error code indicates that a Central Access Policy, which is a security mechanism used in Windows to manage access control policies for applications and services, has been specified but is not defined on the target machine. This can occur when an application or service attempts to enforce a policy that does not exist within the system's security configuration.

Error Details

This error typically arises during operations where the enforcement of specific security policies is required. The Central Access Policy (CAP) is a mechanism used by Windows to manage and enforce access control policies for applications, services, or other entities. If an application attempts to use a CAP that has not been defined on the target system, this error will be returned.

Usage Context

This error can occur in various scenarios where security policies are enforced, such as when an application tries to perform operations that require specific access control settings. It is important for developers to ensure that all necessary Central Access Policies are properly configured and defined on the target machine before attempting to enforce them.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering ERROR_UNDEFINED_SCOPE, it indicates a mismatch between the security policies expected by an application or service and the actual configuration of the target system. Developers should verify that all required CAPs are correctly installed and configured on the target machine prior to running applications that rely on these policies.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED (5): This error can occur if a policy is defined but access is denied due to insufficient permissions.
  • ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (87): If an invalid parameter was passed, this could lead to ERROR_UNDEFINED_SCOPE or other errors depending on the context.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_UNDEFINED_SCOPE mean?

A: It indicates that a Central Access Policy specified by an application is not defined on the target machine.

Q: How can I resolve this error?

A: Ensure all necessary CAPs are installed and configured correctly on the target system before running applications that rely on them.

Summary

ERROR_UNDEFINED_SCOPE (0x13F) signifies that a Central Access Policy required by an application is not defined on the target machine. Developers should ensure proper configuration of security policies to avoid this error.