The error code 0x0000059A translates to ERROR_LB_WITHOUT_TABSTOPS. This error occurs in Windows programs when you attempt to use certain message constants or functions with a list box control that doesn’t support tab stops.

Understanding List Boxes and Tab Stops:

• List boxes are UI elements that display a list of selectable items.
• Tab stops are a feature specific to some list box implementations where you can define positions within the list item text where the text can wrap or align with other items. Not all list boxes support tab stops.

Causes of ERROR_LB_WITHOUT_TABSTOPS:

• Unsupported Message: The most common cause is trying to use a message constant related to tab stops (e.g., LB_SETTABSTOPS) with a list box that doesn’t inherently support this functionality.

• Incompatible Function: Using a function designed for list boxes with tab stops (e.g., SendMessage with LB_GETTABSTOPS) on a regular list box will also lead to this error.

• Code Errors: Mistakes in how you’re identifying the list box type or using tab-related messages/functions can cause this error.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Verify List Box Type: Double-check the type of list box control you’re using. Not all list boxes have built-in tab stop functionality. Consult the documentation for your specific list box implementation to understand its capabilities.

2. Review Message Constants: Ensure the message constants you’re using with SendMessage are appropriate for the type of list box you have. Avoid using tab stop-related messages if your list box doesn’t support them.

3. Debug Function Calls: Use debugging tools to inspect the messages or functions you’re using with the list box. This can help identify if you’re accidentally attempting tab-related operations on an incompatible list box control.

4. Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation for your list box control and SendMessage to understand the supported messages and functions. Look for information about whether the list box supports tab stops and which messages/functions are relevant for manipulating them (if applicable).

5. Alternative Approaches: If you need to achieve text formatting or alignment within list box items, consider alternative approaches that don’t rely on tab stops. This might involve using different font properties, manual string manipulation, or custom drawing techniques (depending on your programming language and UI framework).

Additional Tips:

• Use comments in your code to document the type of list box you’re using and any assumptions made about its capabilities.
• Consider using higher-level UI libraries or frameworks (if available) that might provide abstractions for list box functionality, potentially hiding the need to handle tab stops explicitly.

By following these steps and understanding the reasons behind the ERROR_LB_WITHOUT_TABSTOPS error, you should be able to identify if your list box supports tab stops and adjust your code accordingly. If tab stops are not available, explore alternative approaches for formatting list box item text.