What does Windows error code 4446 (ERROR_WOF_WIM_HEADER_CORRUPT) mean?

ERROR_WOF_WIM_HEADER_CORRUPT

The WOF driver encountered a corruption in WIM image's Header.

ERROR_WOF_WIM_HEADER_CORRUPT is Win32 error 4446 (0x115E) and belongs to WOF WIM provider header validation.

Where the result appears

• Opening a file externally backed by a WIM image.
• Deployment or servicing using Windows Overlay Filter.
• Verifying a compact or image-backed installation.
• Mounting a WIM data source registered with WOF.

Likely causes

• the WIM header is truncated, altered, or inconsistent.
• the wrong file was registered as the backing WIM.
• storage corruption damaged header sectors.
• an incomplete copy or update replaced only part of the image.

Troubleshooting steps

• Record WIM path, file size, hash, and provider registration.
• Record header bytes and imaging-tool validation result.
• Record storage events and copy history.
• Record WOF provider and driver version.
• Record known-good image hash from deployment media.

What to verify

Verify whether the WIM header is truncated, altered, or inconsistent. Check WIM path, file size, hash, and provider registration together with header bytes and imaging-tool validation result.

Handling, retry, and recovery

Stop using the image, preserve it for diagnosis, validate storage, and replace the WIM from a trusted source. Repair attempts should use imaging tools rather than editing header bytes.

Difference from nearby codes

RESOURCE_TABLE_CORRUPT can occur after a readable header; this code says validation failed.

Practical example

A network deployment copies only part of a WIM before registering it.

References

• Microsoft: System Error Codes (4000–5999) — reference for error 4446.
• Microsoft: wofapi.h API reference — reference for error 4446.
• Microsoft: WofIsExternalFile — reference for error 4446.