ERROR_BAD_PROVIDER 0x800704B4

Error code 1204 · HRESULT 0x800704B4

WINDOWS

The specified network provider name is invalid.

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

ERROR_BAD_PROVIDER is a Windows error code (system error 1204, returned as HRESULT 0x800704B4) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “The specified network provider name is invalid.”

How to fix ERROR_BAD_PROVIDER

  1. Reboot once — many one-off system codes disappear with a clean restart
  2. Repair system files: 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  3. Find the source in Event Viewer → System: filter for this exact code and open its provider link

Related errors

ERROR_NO_NET_OR_BAD_PATHERROR_CANNOT_OPEN_PROFILEERROR_DEVICE_ALREADY_REMEMBEREDWININET_E_NAME_NOT_RESOLVEDWININET_E_CANNOT_CONNECTWININET_E_SECURITY_CHANNEL_ERRORWININET_E_DECODING_FAILEDCBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

Last updated: