What does HRESULT 0x8031009A (FVE_E_INVALID_PIN_CHARS) mean?

 
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FVE_E_ENH_PIN_INVALID FVE_E_INVALID_DATUM_TYPE

FVE_E_INVALID_PIN_CHARS

Where the operation stops

The value 0x8031009A, named FVE_E_INVALID_PIN_CHARS, is returned when the proposed TPM PIN contains characters outside the set accepted by the current BitLocker policy and preboot path. It belongs to the key-protector lifecycle part of BitLocker rather than to generic file I/O.

A change operation authenticates the old protector and creates replacement wrapping data. An administrator reset follows a different trust path, which is why change and reset errors must not be merged. A BitLocker key protector wraps access to the volume master key. TPM, TPM+PIN, startup key, recovery password, password, certificate and Network Unlock protectors have different volume and policy rules; changing one is not the same as decrypting the volume.

QuestionWhat to verify
Which object failed?The exact volume GUID, protector GUID, certificate or API target supplied by the caller.
Which state matters?enhanced-PIN policy, allowed character class, keyboard layout, PIN length and whether the call is add, change or reset.
What is the nearest false lead?an incorrect current PIN; this failure occurs while validating the new PIN format.

Build a minimal diagnostic record

  • Record enhanced-PIN policy, allowed character class, keyboard layout, PIN length and whether the call is add, change or reset.

Change only the failed prerequisite

enter a compliant PIN and validate policy/preboot support; never log the PIN value while collecting diagnostics.

manage-bde -protectors -get C:
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Get-BitLockerVolume C: | Format-List KeyProtector,ProtectionStatus,VolumeStatus"

State checks specific to FVE_E_INVALID_PIN_CHARS

StageHow to interpret it
Before the callRecord the target identity and the pre-call key-protector lifecycle state. The proposed TPM PIN contains characters outside the set accepted by the current BitLocker policy and preboot path.
At failurePreserve enhanced-PIN policy, allowed character class, keyboard layout, PIN length and whether the call is add, change or reset. This proves whether this result came from BitLocker itself or from a wrapper translating another result.
After correctionEnter a compliant PIN and validate policy/preboot support; never log the PIN value while collecting diagnostics.

Official documentation


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