ERROR_CHILD_MUST_BE_VOLATILE 0x800703FD

Error code 1021 · HRESULT 0x800703FD

WINDOWS

Cannot create a stable subkey under a volatile parent key.

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_CHILD_MUST_BE_VOLATILE is a Windows error code (system error 1021, returned as HRESULT 0x800703FD) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “Cannot create a stable subkey under a volatile parent key.”

How to fix ERROR_CHILD_MUST_BE_VOLATILE

  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_CHILD_WINDOW_MENUERROR_CHILD_PROCESS_BLOCKEDERROR_CHILD_NOT_COMPLETEERROR_SERVICE_REQUEST_TIMEOUTERROR_KEY_HAS_CHILDRENERROR_NOTIFY_ENUM_DIR

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

Last updated: