Knowledge

WSAELOOP - 10062 (0x274E)

Cannot translate name.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The WSAELOOP error, with the numeric code 10062 (0x274E), is a specific error that occurs during socket operations in Windows. It indicates an issue related to name resolution, specifically when the system cannot translate a provided hostname or address into its corresponding network address.

Error Details

The WSAELOOP error typically arises from one of two scenarios:

  1. Circular Reference: The hostname or IP address provided is invalid and forms a loop, making it impossible to resolve.
  2. Name Resolution Failure: The system fails to translate the given name into an appropriate network address due to configuration issues or network problems.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Hostname: A hostname that does not exist or is incorrectly formatted can lead to this error.
  • Circular DNS Configuration: If a domain name points back to itself, it creates a loop and causes the system to fail in resolving the address.
  • Network Connectivity Issues: Problems with network infrastructure such as DNS servers or routing issues can prevent proper resolution of hostnames.

Real-World Context

This error is commonly encountered when attempting to establish a connection using a hostname that cannot be resolved. For instance, if you are trying to connect to a server using its domain name and the DNS resolution fails, this error will be returned by the socket API.

Is This Error Critical?

The WSAELOOP error is not critical in terms of system stability but can prevent successful network operations. It typically indicates that there is an issue with the input parameters or network configuration that needs to be addressed.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose and resolve this error, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the hostname or IP address provided in your socket operation is correct and valid.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check if the parameters passed to the socket function are within acceptable ranges and formats.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that you are using the appropriate type of object (e.g., socket, file descriptor) for the operation.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that all input data, including hostnames or IP addresses, are correctly formatted and do not contain circular references.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Confirm that there are no system limits or constraints that could be causing the issue.

How to Resolve

To resolve the WSAELOOP error, consider these practical steps:

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters used in socket operations are valid and correctly formatted.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If using a hostname, ensure it is correctly configured in DNS or local hosts file.
  3. Restore Data: If the issue is due to corrupted data, restore the correct configuration or input values.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt the operation again with valid and properly formatted inputs.

Developer Notes

When working with sockets in Windows, always validate all input parameters and ensure that hostnames are correctly resolved before initiating network operations. This can help prevent WSAELOOP errors and improve overall application reliability.

Related Errors

  • WSAENOTFOUND: Occurs when the hostname cannot be found or resolved.
  • WSAEADDRNOTAVAIL: Indicates an invalid address is being used in a socket operation.
  • WSAEACCES: Suggests that there are insufficient permissions to access the resource.

FAQ

Q: What does WSAELOOP mean?

A: WSAELOOP indicates that the system cannot translate the provided hostname into an appropriate network address due to a circular reference or name resolution failure.

Q: How can I prevent this error?

A: Ensure all hostnames and IP addresses are correctly formatted, avoid circular references in DNS configurations, and validate input parameters before initiating socket operations.

Q: Can WSAELOOP be caused by hardware issues?

A: No, WSAELOOP is a software-related issue. Hardware problems would typically manifest as different errors or symptoms.

Summary

The WSAELOOP error in Windows API indicates an issue with name resolution during socket operations. It can arise from invalid hostnames, circular DNS configurations, or network connectivity issues. By carefully validating input parameters and ensuring proper configuration, developers can prevent this error and maintain reliable network operations.