WSANO_RECOVERY - 11003 (0x2AFB)

A non-recoverable error occurred during a database lookup.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The WSANO_RECOVERY error code, represented by the numeric value 11003 (0x2AFB in hexadecimal), indicates a non-recoverable error that occurred during a database lookup operation. This error is specific to certain Windows API functions and typically arises when an internal failure occurs within the system's name resolution process.

Error Details

The WSANO_RECOVERY error suggests that the underlying issue cannot be resolved or recovered, implying that the problem might be related to a critical system component or a fundamental failure in the database lookup mechanism. This error is not recoverable through typical user actions or software interventions and may require administrative intervention or system restarts.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: Incorrect parameters passed to the API function, such as an invalid host name or domain name.
  • Incorrect Object Type: The operation was performed on a type of object that is not supported by the database lookup mechanism.
  • Exceeding Limits: Attempted operations may have exceeded system-defined limits, leading to non-recoverable errors.

Real-World Context

This error typically occurs in scenarios where network or DNS-related functions are being used. For example, when attempting to resolve a domain name using the getaddrinfo function, if an internal failure is encountered that cannot be recovered, this error will be returned.

Is This Error Critical?

Yes, the WSANO_RECOVERY error indicates a serious issue within the system's network or database lookup mechanisms. It may indicate a critical failure in the underlying infrastructure and should be treated with caution to prevent further issues.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that all parameters passed to the API function are correct and valid.
  2. Validate Parameters: Double-check the input data, such as host names or domain names, for any inconsistencies.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the operation is being performed on supported object types.
  4. Verify Input Data: Check if there are any corrupted or invalid inputs that could be causing the error.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Ensure that no system-defined limits have been exceeded.

How to Resolve

  • Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters passed to the API function are correct and valid.
  • Adjust Operation Context: If the operation context is incorrect, adjust it to a valid state.
  • Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore or repair the affected data.
  • Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to perform the operation again with corrected inputs.

Developer Notes

When encountering WSANO_RECOVERY, developers should consider the following:

  • The error indicates a non-recoverable issue and may require administrative intervention.
  • Ensure that all network-related operations are performed within the context of valid parameters and object types.
  • Implement robust error handling to manage such errors gracefully.

Related Errors

  • WSAHOST_NOT_FOUND: Indicates that the host name could not be found in the database.
  • WSANO_DATA: The requested service could not be located in the address field of the database.

FAQ

Q: What does WSANO_RECOVERY mean?

A: WSANO_RECOVERY indicates a non-recoverable error during a database lookup, typically arising from an internal failure within the system's name resolution process.

Q: How can I handle this error in my application?

A: Implement robust error handling to manage such errors gracefully. Ensure that all parameters and operation contexts are valid before performing network-related operations.

Summary

The WSANO_RECOVERY error code (11003) indicates a non-recoverable issue during a database lookup, often arising from internal failures in the system's name resolution process. This error requires careful handling and may necessitate administrative intervention or system restarts to resolve. Developers should ensure robust parameter validation and implement appropriate error handling strategies.