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ERROR_EA_LIST_INCONSISTENT
The EA list cannot be parsed safely
ERROR_EA_LIST_INCONSISTENT is a Win32 result associated with native extended-attribute buffers., diagnosis should begin with the exact API, target object, and operation that produced it rather than with the message text alone.
What the result means
The extended-attribute list is internally inconsistent or malformed. The practical meaning depends on the caller and on whether the affected object is local, remote, removable, policy-managed, or handled asynchronously. Diagnostics for it should retain its symbolic name, numeric value, and the operation name together.
What to check
- Validate every entry length and the offset to the next entry.
- Ensure the final entry is terminated according to the structure contract.
- Check alignment, total buffer size, and integer-overflow conditions.
- Capture the producer of the buffer and whether it crosses a process or network boundary.
Recommended handling
Treat externally supplied EA data as untrusted. Rebuild the list from validated entries rather than attempting to continue parsing after the first inconsistency.
Developer notes
Code handling this result should capture the failing API, resolved path or device identity, requested access, process identity, and the first observed error. After a call that reports it, read GetLastError() immediately because later cleanup or logging can overwrite the value. Retry it only when the specific condition is documented as transient, using a bounded delay and cancellation support.
References
- Microsoft: System error codes relevant to ERROR_EA_LIST_INCONSISTENT
- Microsoft: File management context for ERROR_EA_LIST_INCONSISTENT
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