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VFW_E_CORRUPT_GRAPH_FILE
Meaning
Windows documents VFW_E_CORRUPT_GRAPH_FILE as “Cannot render the file because it is corrupt”. In practical terms, it is returned when DirectShow cannot load a persisted graph because the graph file is corrupt or internally inconsistent.
Where the failure belongs
This result belongs to DirectShow filter-graph processing. The relevant condition is that DirectShow cannot load a persisted graph because the graph file is corrupt or internally inconsistent.
Likely causes
- Possible cause 1: serialized storage is truncated.
- Possible cause 2: CLSID or connection records are damaged.
- Possible cause 3: a writer failed midway and left partially updated graph data.
Evidence to collect
- Capture 1: file hash, length and storage structure.
- Capture 2: first invalid filter or connection record.
- Capture 3: writer version and completion status.
Diagnostic sequence
- Confirm that the observed path matches this condition: DirectShow cannot load a persisted graph because the graph file is corrupt or internally inconsistent.
Correct handling and retry
- Corrective action 1: restore a known-good graph file or rebuild the topology.
- Corrective action 2: write graph files atomically through a temporary file.
- Corrective action 3: validate persistence output before replacing the previous version.
Retry guidance. Retry only with different bytes or after rebuilding; reopening the identical corrupt file has no recovery value.
Practical scenario
A crash occurs while overwriting a saved graph and leaves partial structured storage; atomic replacement prevents it.
Difference from nearby HRESULTs
VFW_E_INVALID_FILE_FORMAT applies to media-file parsing generally; it specifically concerns a persisted DirectShow graph.
Official Microsoft references
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