ERROR_OUTOFMEMORY. 14 (0xE) Not enough storage is available to complete this operation. ERROR_INVALID_DRIVE. 15 (0xF) The system c... Microsoft Learn Show all Code (Decimal) Meaning Typical Cause 0 Success The operation completed without errors. 1 Incorrect function Unrecognized command or invalid operation attempted. 2 File not found The system cannot find the file specified at the given path. 3 Path not found The specified folder structure or path does not exist. 5 Access denied The user lacks the necessary permissions for the resource. 14 Out of memory Insufficient storage/RAM to complete the operation. 259 Still active The process is still running; this is often a "pending" status. 1603 Fatal error Frequently seen in Windows Installer (MSI) failures. Advanced & Crash Codes When a process crashes due to an unhandled exception, Windows often returns a large hexadecimal-based code: WordPress.com 0xC0000005
In Windows, exit codes are numerical values that indicate the outcome of a command or a process. When a command or a script is executed, it returns an exit code that signifies its success or failure. Understanding exit codes is crucial for troubleshooting, scripting, and automating tasks. exit codes windows
In the seemingly sterile output of a command-line program—a lone integer returned to the operating system—lies a sophisticated, often misunderstood contract between a process and its caller. On Windows, this integer is the (or "return code"), and while the convention 0 for success and non-zero for failure is universal, the depth beneath is uniquely shaped by Windows' architecture, its legacy subsystems, and the perils of cross-platform assumptions. ERROR_OUTOFMEMORY
By understanding exit codes in Windows, you can create more robust and reliable scripts, troubleshoot issues more effectively, and automate tasks with confidence. 15 (0xF) The system c
The script was simple: copy a database backup, verify the checksum, and launch the legacy installer. But every time the script ran, the server would reboot, wiping the logs and leaving Elias back at square one.
PowerShell-native commands return rich objects, not exit codes. When you run an external .exe , PowerShell captures its exit code in $LASTEXITCODE , but the PowerShell process's own exit code is set only by exit $n . A script that runs non-existent.exe will see $LASTEXITCODE = 0xC0000135 (STATUS_DLL_NOT_FOUND), but the PowerShell process itself exits with 0 unless you explicitly forward it.
The installer window flashed, ran its course, and closed. Elias held his breath.