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ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT
Extended-attribute storage is damaged
ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT is a Win32 result associated with filesystem integrity and metadata recovery. When ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT is returned, 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 filesystem data used to store extended attributes is corrupt. For ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT, the practical meaning depends on the caller and on whether the affected object is local, remote, removable, policy-managed, or handled asynchronously. Diagnostics for ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT should retain its symbolic name, numeric value, and the operation name together.
What to check
- Stop modifying the affected volume until important data is backed up.
- Check filesystem and storage event logs for related errors.
- Run the vendor-supported filesystem diagnostic or repair tool during an appropriate maintenance window.
- Verify storage hardware health when corruption recurs.
Recommended handling
Assume other metadata may also be affected. Preserve evidence, restore from verified backups where necessary, and avoid treating this as an application-level formatting problem.
Developer notes
Code handling ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT should capture the failing API, resolved path or device identity, requested access, process identity, and the first observed error. After a call that reports ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT, read GetLastError() immediately because later cleanup or logging can overwrite the value. Retry ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT 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_FILE_CORRUPT
- Microsoft: File management context for ERROR_EA_FILE_CORRUPT
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