What does Windows error code 4448 (ERROR_WOF_FILE_RESOURCE_TABLE_CORRUPT) mean?

ERROR_WOF_FILE_RESOURCE_TABLE_CORRUPT

The WOF driver encountered a corruption in the compressed file's Resource Table.

ERROR_WOF_FILE_RESOURCE_TABLE_CORRUPT is Win32 error 4448 (0x1160) and belongs to WOF compressed-file resource table.

Where the result appears

• Opening an individual WOF-compressed file.
• Compact OS or deployment data access.
• Backup software reading externally backed files.
• Filesystem validation after interrupted servicing.

Likely causes

• the compressed file resource table is malformed or inconsistent with data extents.
• a partial update left per-file metadata out of sync.
• filesystem or storage corruption damaged the table.
• a tool copied reparse metadata without the required backing data.

Troubleshooting steps

• Record file path, file ID, reparse data, and provider.
• Record WofIsExternalFile output.
• Record resource table and compressed extent validation.
• Record servicing or copy history.
• Record volume and storage health events.

What to verify

Verify whether the compressed file resource table is malformed or inconsistent with data extents. Check file path, file ID, reparse data, and provider together with WofIsExternalFile output.

Handling, retry, and recovery

Restore the affected file from its trusted package or image source, then verify the volume and deployment workflow. Avoid ordinary byte-copy tools that do not preserve WOF semantics.

Difference from nearby codes

This code concerns one compressed file resource table, not the WIM-wide table used by the WIM provider.

Practical example

A third-party copier preserves a WOF reparse point but loses backing extents.

References

• Microsoft: System Error Codes (4000–5999) — reference for error 4448.
• Microsoft: wofapi.h API reference — reference for error 4448.
• Microsoft: WofIsExternalFile — reference for error 4448.