What does Windows error code 153 (ERROR_INVALID_LIST_FORMAT) mean?

ERROR_INVALID_LIST_FORMAT

What ERROR_INVALID_LIST_FORMAT means

The semaphore list supplied to a multiplexed wait has an invalid layout or entry format. The code indicates malformed input to a legacy multi-semaphore API. The count may be acceptable, but one or more entries, offsets, flags, or structure fields do not satisfy the expected contract.

Common causes

• An entry contains an invalid handle or selector
• The caller uses the wrong structure packing
• The list terminator or header is missing
• Memory corruption changes an entry between validation and use

How to investigate

1. Dump the complete list in a stable textual form before the call
2. Verify structure size and packing against the target ABI
3. Check each handle independently
4. Use page protection or sanitizers to detect writes to the list after construction

Developer guidance

Zero-initialize compatibility structures, populate every documented field, and avoid casting unrelated arrays to the expected list type. Preserve ownership until the call completes.

Administrator and support guidance

The problem normally lies in the producing application or adapter, not in global semaphore availability. Collect the raw list and module versions for escalation.

How this code differs from related results

A valid list with an excessive number of entries produces ERROR_INVALID_EVENT_COUNT; malformed entries produce this code.

References

• Microsoft: System error codes 0–499