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ERROR_INVALID_TRANSFORM
The specified color transform is invalid.
ERROR_INVALID_TRANSFORM is Win32 error 2020 (0x7E4). APIs such as TranslateBitmapBits and TranslateColors require a valid transform created from a compatible profile sequence. This result points to the transform object or its lifetime, not merely to a visually incorrect conversion.
How an invalid transform reaches the call
- transform creation returned null, but later code stored or used the failed result
- the transform was deleted while queued or asynchronous work still referenced it
- a handle from another process, session, or incompatible wrapper type was supplied
- configuration changed profiles but retained a cached transform built for the previous tuple
- memory overwrite, truncation, or incorrect serialization altered an opaque handle value
Transform telemetry
Capture the creating function, success result, locally assigned transform ID, source/destination/proof profile hashes, rendering intent and flags, creation generation, current thread, operation name, input/output formats, and release timestamp. Never persist or transmit an HTRANSFORM as if it were a reusable identifier.
Diagnostic sequence
Verify creation and first use in the same minimal code path. Replace the application’s cache with a newly created transform from known-good profiles. If the fresh object works, inspect generation invalidation, copying, and release ordering rather than profile contents alone.
Use TranslateColors or a small bitmap test with compatible input and output types. If the handle is accepted but the format fails, move to color-space mismatch diagnostics. If every operation rejects the handle, prove that no cleanup or device-change callback invalidated it.
Recovery pattern
Discard the invalid object, validate the intended profile chain, and create a new transform. Replay only the color conversion, not unrelated document or print operations that may already have committed.
Represent transforms as noncopyable owned resources, attach them to profile/configuration generations, and wait for users before deletion. A device or profile update should invalidate the cache atomically rather than leave old and new state mixed.
Difference from a color-space mismatch
ERROR_COLORSPACE_MISMATCH says a valid transform does not match the supplied bitmap or color type. Error 2020 says the transform object itself is not acceptable for use.
Example
A worker queue stores a raw transform handle. The UI changes the monitor profile and clears the cache while a queued thumbnail still runs. The worker receives 2020. Holding a shared lifetime token until the conversion completes prevents the stale-handle use.
References
- Microsoft: System Error Codes (1700–3999)
- Microsoft: Win32 Error Codes in MS-ERREF
- Microsoft: Error codes specific to WCS
- Microsoft: TranslateBitmapBits
- Microsoft: TranslateColors
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