What does Windows error code 15151 (ERROR_PRI_MERGE_ADD_FILE_FAILED) mean?

ERROR_PRI_MERGE_ADD_FILE_FAILED

Unable to add one of the PRI files to the merged file.

ERROR_PRI_MERGE_ADD_FILE_FAILED is Win32 error 15151 (0x00003B2F).

Likely impact: Removing an arbitrary file may make merge succeed while silently omitting required resources.

Typical causes

• the file conflicts with an existing resource map.
• package identity is incompatible.
• qualifier or schema data cannot be combined.
• the input duplicates an unsupported role.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Verify that the input identities, schemas, qualifiers, and package roles are compatible with the merge set.
2. Collect input file and package identity and merge order.
3. Correlate resource map and schema diagnostics with MakePri command line, input PRI inventory, package identities, schemas, file hashes, output path, tool version, and the first detailed merge diagnostic.

Useful evidence

• Collect qualifier inventory.
• Collect MakePri detailed error.

Recovery and retry

Identify the conflicting input and correct its package or resource metadata, then rebuild the merge set from scratch.

Related errors

ERROR_PRI_MERGE_LOAD_FILE_FAILED cannot read the input; this code reads it but rejects incorporation

Example

A PRI validates alone but defines a conflicting resource map when added after another package. Rebuilding it with the intended package identity resolves the conflict.

References

• Microsoft: exact Win32 system error range
• Microsoft: MakePri.exe command options
• Microsoft: Package Resource Index files