ErrorFindly
0xC00000BAApplicationLow

Error 0xC00000BA — STATUS_FILE_IS_A_DIRECTORY | Application Error Fix

Windows 10Windows 11Windows Server 2016Windows Server 2019Windows Server 2022

What Does 0xC00000BA Mean?

The file that was specified as a target is a directory and the caller specified that it could not be a directory. An operation expected a file but found a directory at the specified path.

Real-World Causes

  1. 1Application bug passing a directory path where a file path is expected
  2. 2Configuration file specifies a directory instead of a file
  3. 3Symbolic link or junction point redirecting a file path to a directory
  4. 4Script or batch file using incorrect path separators

Symptoms

  • ⚠Application fails when trying to open or read a specific path
  • ⚠File operations return unexpected errors
  • ⚠Scripts fail with cryptic error messages about file access
  • ⚠Installation fails when checking for or creating files

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

  1. 1Check the path in the application configuration and ensure it points to a file, not a directory
  2. 2Verify the target path is correct using File Explorer
  3. 3Remove any trailing backslash from file paths in configuration
  4. 4Reinstall the application if the path configuration is internal

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

  1. 1Use Process Monitor to see the exact path being accessed and verify it is a directory vs file
  2. 2Check for symbolic links or junction points at the path: dir /aL <parent-directory>
  3. 3If a directory was created where a file should be, delete the directory and create the expected file
  4. 4Review application source code or configuration for hardcoded or incorrect paths

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a directory exist where a file should be?
This can happen if a directory was accidentally created with the same name as an expected file, or if a symbolic link or junction point redirects the path unexpectedly. Check the path manually in File Explorer.
Is this error dangerous?
No. It is a simple path mismatch. The operation fails gracefully without data loss. Correcting the path or reinstalling the application usually resolves it.

Related Error Codes

0xC0000034STATUS_OBJECT_NAME_NOT_FOUND0xC000003ASTATUS_OBJECT_PATH_NOT_FOUND0xC0000022STATUS_ACCESS_DENIED

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.