What does Windows error code 4005 (ERROR_REC_NON_EXISTENT) mean?

ERROR_REC_NON_EXISTENT

The name does not exist in the WINS database.

ERROR_REC_NON_EXISTENT is Win32 error 4005 (0xFA5) and belongs to WINS database record lookup.

Where the result appears

• Querying or deleting a static WINS record.
• Editing a NetBIOS name through a management interface.
• Replication diagnostics comparing records.
• Automation acting on a record discovered earlier.

Likely causes

• the named record was deleted or scavenged before the operation.
• the query used the wrong NetBIOS suffix or record type.
• the management view is stale relative to the WINS database.
• the request was sent to a different WINS server than the one containing the record.

Troubleshooting steps

• Record full 16-byte NetBIOS name including suffix.
• Record type, owner server, and version identifier.
• Record target WINS server and replication state.
• Record time of the earlier enumeration.
• Record scavenging, tombstone, and deletion events.

What to verify

Verify whether the named record was deleted or scavenged before the operation. Check full 16-byte NetBIOS name including suffix together with record type, owner server, and version identifier.

Handling, retry, and recovery

Refresh the record from the authoritative WINS server and treat absence as idempotent when deleting. Do not recreate the name unless ownership and client requirements are known.

Difference from nearby codes

The code reports a missing WINS database record, not a general DNS NXDOMAIN result or failure to resolve an arbitrary hostname.

Practical example

A console lists a record, replication removes it, and a later delete returns 4005.

References

• Microsoft: System Error Codes (4000–5999) — reference for error 4005.
• Microsoft: Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) — reference for error 4005.
• Microsoft: WINS Management Protocol — reference for error 4005.