Medium Operating Systems ✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)

How to fix error error-invalid-list-format in Windows 11

ERROR_INVALID_LIST_FORMAT = 153

65% success rate
👥 0+ users verified
📅 Updated: 2026-08-12
⏱️ 30 min read
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12 · How we verify fixes
Error Codeerror-invalid-list-format
Affected SystemWindows 11 (Microsoft)
DifficultyMedium
Estimated Time30 min
Requires Admin Rights⚠️ Yes
Requires Reboot🔄 Yes

Solution Steps

  1. 1 First, try to identify which file or application is causing the error. If you see an error message with a file name, note it. If not, check Event Viewer (Windows key + X, select 'Event Viewer') under 'Windows Logs' > 'Application' for recent errors.
  2. 2 If the error is related to a specific file, try to open that file with a different program or convert it to another format. For example, if it's a document, try opening it in WordPad or Google Docs. This can help determine if the file is corrupted.
  3. 3 Run a disk check to find and fix file system errors: press Windows key + X and select 'Terminal (Admin)'. Type 'chkdsk C: /f' and press Enter. You'll be prompted to schedule a check for the next restart. Restart your PC and let the check run. This is like a doctor scanning your hard drive for bad sectors and fixing file system issues.
  4. 4 If the error is from a specific application, reinstall that application. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to 'Apps' > 'Installed apps', find the application, click the three dots, and select 'Uninstall'. Then download the latest version from the official website and install it. This ensures all files are fresh and correctly formatted.
  5. 5 Run SFC and DISM as a final step: open Command Prompt as admin (Windows key + X, select 'Terminal (Admin)') and run 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'. This repairs any corrupted system files that might be causing the issue.

🔍 Didn't work? Enter your GPU and CPU for hardware-specific advice:

🔧 Still having issues?

Describe your exact problem to Error Buddy and get a personalized fix in seconds.

🛠️ Try Error Buddy — It's Free