Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages

Let’s look at the options and easiest way to translate SCCM error codes to error messages (some meaning full). There are various ways to find the relevant way to get each error code’s details from SCCM logs. I would love to have more human-understandable error messages than error codes.

The method that I use is the easiest, I think. Let me know your comments in the comments section below. Do you have any better methods to find the meaning of SCCM error codes? The best option I have is to share two free tools for Microsoft SCCM customers.

You can check the latest SCCM error codes using the following path Drive Letter:\Program Files\Microsoft Configuration Manager\AdminConsole\bin\SrsResources.dll“. I’m not going to cover that process because it’s very complex, and most of the time, you don’t need that information.

CMtrace Error Lookup Feature

The first and easiest way to translate SCCM error codes to error messages is using a free tool with SCCM called CMTrace. You can get the CMTrace from the following locations.

Patch My PC
  • Site Server -> cd.latest\SMSSETUP\Tools\CMTrace.exe
    • Drive Letter:\Program Files\Microsoft Configuration Manager\tools\CMTrace.exe
  • SCCM Client -> C:\Windows\CCM\CMTrace.exe
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages

Now, let’s find out the easiest way to translate the SCCM error codes into error messages using the CM Trace log reading tool. There is no need to install any apps to get CMTrace.EXE working. You need to double-click on the CMTrace.exe.

  • Open the CMTrace.exe from any of the above mentioned locations.
  • Go to Tools tab -> Select Error Lookup option.
  • The CMTrace Errror Lookup popup window will open up.
  • You can copy the error code from the log file and paste it in the Error Code: search box.
  • Click on Lookup button to diaplay the error message.

The example I have used is the SCCM error code 0x80070002. The CMTrace tool was able to translate the error message to the following:

The system cannot find the file specified. 
Source: Windows 
%1 
Source: Winhttp
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages

Configuration Manager Support Center Error Lookup

The Configuration Manager support center is another tool for client troubleshooting. this also can be used as an advanced SCCM log viewer tool. Unlike CMtrace, you will need to install a support center tool to use this for the SCCM error code translation feature.

You can get the source file of the support center from <Install Directory>\Program Files\Microsoft Configuration Manager\tools\SupportCenter.

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Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages

Let’s now check how to translate SCCM error codes using the Support Center tool. I feel the Support center tool is a bit more helpful because it gives HEXA and DECIMAL values of the error code, and that is useful. How to use the support center tool now?

  • Once installed, you can C:\Program Files (x86)\Configuration Manager Support Center\ and select any of the following tools.
    • Support Center Viewer (ConfigMgrSupportCenterViewer.exe)
    • Support Center (ConfigMgrSupportCenter.exe)
    • Support Center Log File Viewer (CMLogViewer.exe)
  • Under the Tasks section of Support Center tool, you can use the search box near Error Lookup to translate error code to error message.

The SCCM error code -2147024894 (0x80070002) translates to The system cannot find the file specified. You can use the support center log viewer also to get the same results.

Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages

One Trace Tool to perform SCCM Error Lookup

One Trace Tool is also part of the Support Center tool mentioned above. You can also use the One Trace tool to check the error code and convert it to the error message.

  • You can launch the tool from start menu or use the search function to find out the short cuts for Support Center.
    • The shortcuts will be available only if the Support center is installed on the Windows server/PC.
  • Select One Trace Tool from search results.
  • Click on View option -> Select Error Lookup.
  • Paste the SCCM error code in the search window. The translated errro message will automatically appear.
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages

Microsoft Error Lookup Tool to Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages

Microsoft’s free tool is called Microsoft Error Lookup Tool to translate error codes to human-readable messages. I don’t think there is any license required to use this tool, unlike support center and CMTrace tools.

You can download the latest version of the Error Lookup Tool from Microsoft and use it from the command line. This is not a GUI tool. So you have to run it from Command prompt.

Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages 1
Translate SCCM Error Codes to Error Messages
C:\Users\Anoop\Downloads>Err_6.4.5.exe 0x80070002
# for hex 0x80070002 / decimal -2147024894
  COR_E_FILENOTFOUND                                             corerror.h
  DIERR_NOTFOUND                                                 dinput.h
  DIERR_OBJECTNOTFOUND                                           dinput.h
  STIERR_OBJECTNOTFOUND                                          stierr.h
  DRM_E_WIN32_FILE_NOT_FOUND                                     windowsplayready.h
  E_FILE_NOT_FOUND                                               wpc.h
# as an HRESULT: Severity: FAILURE (1), FACILITY_NTWIN32 (0x7), Code 0x2
# for hex 0x2 / decimal 2
  STATUS_WAIT_2                                                  ntstatus.h
# as an HRESULT: Severity: FAILURE (1), FACILITY_WIN32 (0x7), Code 0x2
  ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND                                           winerror.h
# The system cannot find the file specified.
# 8 matches found for "0x80070002"

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