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ERROR_GRAPHICS_INVALID_PATH_CONTENT_TYPE
Interpret the result in its owning layer: graphics invalid path content type
ERROR_GRAPHICS_INVALID_PATH_CONTENT_TYPE (0xC026234E) belongs to the vidpn layer. It marks the path content type is not a recognized graphics/video content classification, rather than a generic rendering failure. The object that owns the decision is present-path content classification.
Validate content classification independently
Content type describes the presentation carried by the path and can affect later protection and optimization choices. Preserve the exact D3DKMDT_VIDPN_PRESENT_PATH content classification, driver interface version and whether the path carries ordinary graphics or video. Do not “fix” this code by changing scan timing or source size. The comparison should alter only the content-type enum while leaving the source mode, target mode and transformations unchanged.
This result: VidPN handles and subobjects are generation-bound. A monitor hot-plug, docking action, session switch or mode commit can invalidate an otherwise well-formed cached object. The built-in one-line message identifies the immediate result; diagnosis also needs the producing API, object ownership and the display generation current at the time.
Capture before recreating objects
| Capture item | Why it matters for it |
|---|---|
| Supporting trace | source and target IDs, topology generation, path descriptors, pinned modes, mode-set handles and monitor timing data |
| Object identity | present-path content classification |
| Rejected boundary | the path content type is not a recognized graphics/video content classification |
| Decisive capture | content-type enum, path source/target IDs, protection request and driver-model version |
| Current graph state | VidPN, topology, source and target mode sets, and the present path connecting them |
Preserve the unsigned HRESULT, symbolic name, first failing API and timestamp in one record. If cleanup later fails too, keep that secondary result separately from this result.
Reproduce one variable at a time
- Freeze the result generation. Record content-type enum, path source/target IDs, protection request and driver-model version. Before diagnosing this result, do not resize, hot-plug, recreate or release the object under examination.
- Run the narrow this result comparison. use the documented graphics or video content type on the same path. During the result comparison, keep every driver, monitor, resource format and unrelated policy unchanged.
- Observe the layer after it. for it, if the exact check passes, record the next HRESULT or visible outcome. A different downstream result shows that the boundary was crossed.
- Repeat it through a lifecycle transition. for it, exercise one relevant resize, mode switch, device recreation, hot-plug or session change and confirm that it does not reuse stale handles.
The comparison with ERROR_GRAPHICS_INVALID_COPYPROTECTION_TYPE is especially useful: ERROR_GRAPHICS_INVALID_COPYPROTECTION_TYPE concerns output protection selection. Recording both names prevents a broad “graphics error” label from merging distinct ownership, capability and lifetime problems.
Recovery contract
Carry a supported content classification from path creation through commit. Repair of it is complete only when the original call succeeds or returns its documented nonfatal status and the same lifetime test remains correct after a second display transition.
- The result trace identifies one producing API and one current graphics object, rather than only the final UI symptom.
- The passing run changes exactly the condition described for it; unrelated adapter, monitor and application state remains unchanged.
- debug-layer, ETW or driver diagnostics no longer report the rejected present-path content classification contract during the same scenario.
- The application handles recurrence of it without an unbounded retry loop, leaked resource, duplicate composition target or stale topology handle.
Implementation notes
Log source and target IDs, topology generation, path descriptors, pinned modes, mode-set handles and monitor timing data. When the path returns a count, size, status flag or replacement object, retain it even on a nonfatal result because it can direct the next call.
A production fallback for it should be explicit: pause rendering, re-enumerate, rebuild one cache entry, recreate a device, or decline a protected path only when this layer calls for that action. Reinstalling every display component, deleting all caches or forcing a resolution change is not an evidence-based fix for it.
Technical references
- Microsoft: Introduction to Video Present Networks — background for the present-path content classification boundary involved in it.
- Microsoft: VidPN objects and interfaces
- Microsoft: Enumerating cofunctional VidPN modes
- Microsoft: Determining VidPN support
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