ERROR_NEGATIVE_SEEK 0x80070083

Error code 131 · HRESULT 0x80070083

WINDOWS

An attempt was made to move the file pointer before the beginning of the file.

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_NEGATIVE_SEEK is a Windows error code (system error 131, returned as HRESULT 0x80070083) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “An attempt was made to move the file pointer before the beginning of the file.”

How to fix ERROR_NEGATIVE_SEEK

  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_PROC_NOT_FOUNDERROR_MOD_NOT_FOUNDERROR_DIRECT_ACCESS_HANDLESTATUS_ENTRYPOINT_NOT_FOUNDSTATUS_DLL_INIT_FAILEDSTATUS_HEAP_CORRUPTIONSTATUS_STACK_BUFFER_OVERRUNSTATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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