WinTrouble

How to fix ERROR_FILE_INVALID

Code:1006 (0x3EE)
Teracopy: Reports error

Description

The volume for a file has been externally altered so that the opened file is no longer valid.

Causes

  1. Corrupted File System: The file system might be corrupted, causing the file to be unreadable.
  2. Invalid File Handle: The file handle used by the application might be invalid or corrupted.
  3. Improper File Closure: The file might not have been closed properly after a previous operation.
  4. File System Inconsistencies: There might be inconsistencies or errors within the file system.

Solutions

Run Disk Check

Use the built-in Windows CHKDSK utility to check for and repair file system errors. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command chkdsk /f followed by the drive letter. This will scan and fix file system issues.

Validate File Handle

Ensure that your application is using a valid file handle. Verify that the handle is correctly obtained through functions like CreateFile and that it has not been closed or invalidated before use.

Ensure Proper File Closure

Ensure that all file operations in your application properly close files after operations are completed. Use functions like CloseHandle to close file handles correctly to prevent corruption.

Check for File System Corruption

If you suspect the file system is corrupted, consider running the System File Checker (SFC) tool. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow to scan and repair system files.

Restore from Backup

If the file is critical and appears to be corrupted or invalid, try restoring it from a backup. Regularly backing up important files can prevent data loss due to file corruption or invalid file errors.

Reformat the Drive

If the file system corruption is severe and cannot be fixed by CHKDSK or SFC, consider reformatting the drive. Ensure you back up all important data before reformatting, as this process will erase all data on the drive.

Update System Drivers

Ensure that all system drivers, particularly those related to storage devices, are up-to-date. Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause file system errors and invalid file handles. Update drivers through Device Manager or the manufacturer's website.