⚠️ 2 verified solutions available for Error 1159 — Last updated 2026-04-05
Error 1159 📋

Fix ERROR_SOURCE_ELEMENT_EMPTY — Windows Error Code 1159

Error 1159 (ERROR_SOURCE_ELEMENT_EMPTY) is a Windows Configuration error that occurs when the message can be used only with synchronous operations.. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

🏷️ Code: 1159 📛 ERROR_SOURCE_ELEMENT_EMPTY 📅 Updated: 2026-04-05 ⏱️ 2 Solutions
⚡ Quick Fix

Restore Registry from Backup: Press Win+R, type rstrui.exe, press Enter

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🐞 Auto-Fix Script for Error 1159
⚠️ How to use: Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the code above, and press Enter.
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📑 Table of Contents
What is Error 1159? Common Causes Step-by-Step Solutions Prevention Tips Related Errors

💡 What is Error 1159?

Windows System Error Code 1159, known as ERROR_SOURCE_ELEMENT_EMPTY, is a Configuration error that occurs during system configuration and registry. The error indicates that: The message can be used only with synchronous operations. When this error is encountered, the Windows operating system was unable to complete the requested operation within the configuration management subsystem. The error code 1159 is returned by the GetLastError() function and provides developers with a specific identifier to diagnose the root cause of the failure. The symbolic name ERROR_SOURCE_ELEMENT_EMPTY maps directly to this numeric code and is commonly referenced in Microsoft documentation, developer forums, and system logs. Understanding this error and its context within system configuration and registry is essential for effective troubleshooting.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • System resource conflict: The message can be used only with synchronous operations.
  • Registry entries are corrupted
  • Config files are missing or malformed
  • A recent update changed system settings
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✅ Step-by-Step Solutions

1 Restore Registry from Backup
  1. Press Win+R, type rstrui.exe, press Enter
  2. Select a restore point before Error 1159 (ERROR_SOURCE_ELEMENT_EMPTY) started
  3. Follow the wizard to restore system configuration
  4. Restart your computer
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2 Reset Application Settings
  1. Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features
  2. Find the app → Advanced options → Reset
  3. This restores default configuration without uninstalling

🎬 Video Tutorials

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How to fix Error 1159 (Source Element Empty)
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💻 Diagnostic Command

Run this PowerShell command to find related events in your system log:

Get-EventLog -LogName System -Newest 20 | Where-Object {$_.Message -like "*1159*" -or $_.Message -like "*ERROR_SOURCE_ELEMENT_EMPTY*"} | Format-List

💡 Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the command above, and press Enter.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

  • Back up registry before editing
  • Use built-in tools, not manual edits
  • Document all system configuration changes
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Last updated: 2026-04-05
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Based on Official Microsoft Documentation
Solutions Tested on Windows 10 & 11
Error codes sourced from Microsoft Win32 SDK. Updated 2026-04-05.
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