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The Extended Attributes are Inconsistent: 14 Ways to Fix it

Check expert solutions that work for all

9 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

ERROR_EA_LIST_INCONSISTENT is a system error that can appear on any version of Windows. The error is usually followed byThe extended attributes are inconsistentmessage.

The error usually appears when opening applications that require administrative privileges, but other programs, too, are sometimes unaffected. Keep reading to find out the solutions!

How do I fix The extended attributes are inconsistent error?

1. Change the sound settings

According to users, Theextended attributes are inconsistentmessage can be caused by certain sounds on your PC. To fix the problem, you need to change your sound settings.

After saving changes, check if the problem still appears. We know that this is an unusual solution, but many users claim that it works, so be sure to try it out.

2. Perform a clean boot

Third-party applications and services can sometimes interfere with Windows and cause this problem to appear. In many cases, these can start automatically with Windows and cause this problem to occur. To fix the problem, you need to perform a clean boot.

If the issue doesn’t appear anymore, it means that a third-party application is causing this problem. To find the problematic application, you need to repeat the same steps again and turn on all services and applications one by one or in groups.

Keep in mind that you need to restart your PC or relog into your account to apply changes. After you find the problematic application, you need to remove it or update it to the latest version.

3. Change the User Account Control settings

Few users also recommend performing these steps afterbooting into Safe Mode. This fix forThe extended attributes are inconsistenterror in Windows 10 worked for many.

4. Disable sounds and reinstall the sound drivers

It seems that a corrupt driver can cause this problem to appear, but after reinstalling the audio driver everything should be back to normal.

A few users also suggest switching your audio scheme toDefaultto fix this problem. If you have custom sound schemes installed, be sure to try this before uninstalling the driver.

Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Check your accounts

Few users claim that the issue only affects standard non-administrator accounts, so if you seeThe extended attributes are inconsistent, upgrade the standard account to an administrator account to fix it.

6. Create a new user account

IfThe extended attributes are inconsistenterror arises due to a corrupt user account,creating a local accountshould work. Check whether the problem still appears. If not, you can switch to the newly created account and use it as your main one.

7. Install Windows updates

Windows will now check for available updates and download them in the background. Several users reported that this solution worked for them, so be sure to try it out.

8. Temporarily uninstall your antivirus software

If you want to protect your PC from malware, it’s important to have an antivirus installed. However, some antivirus tools can cause issues with Windows and lead toThe extended attributes are inconsistenterror message.

To fix the problem, you can temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software and check if that helps. Even if you disable your antivirus, your PC won’t be vulnerable because Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender, which protects it from online threats.

In case disabling the antivirus doesn’t solve the issue, you might have touninstall the program. If removing your antivirus fixes the problem, you might want to try updating it to the latest version or switch to a completely different antivirus tool.

Users reported thatAvastwas causing this problem on their PC, but after removing it, the issue was resolved completely.

9. Run the DISM and SFC scan

In some cases, this error can occur if yoursystem files are corrupted. If that’s the case, you might be able to repair them by performing an SFC scan orrunning the DISM commands.

10. Change the power settings

After making these changes, try to run the problematic application again and verify whetherThe extended attributes are inconsistentmessage still appears. If you can’t find the options fromStep 4, it means that this solution doesn’t apply to your PC.

11. Change Group Policy settings

12. Uninstall problematic applications

Sometimes third-party applications can cause certain errors, and one of those errors isThe extended attributes are inconsistent. To fix the error, you need to find and remove the problematic application.

Some users reported thatCrowdstrikeapp was causing the problem, so if you have this application on your PC, we urge you to remove it.

13. Perform a System Restore

IfThe extended attributes are inconsistenterror message started appearing recently, you might be able to fix it by using System Restore. This is a useful feature that allows you to restore your PC to the previous state and fix many problems.

After your PC is restored, the error should be resolved, and everything will work normally.

14. Reset Windows

After the process is done, you’ll have a clean installation of Windows 10. You’ll have to move your personal files from the backup and install all applications again.

However, the problem with this error should be resolved. This is a drastic solution because it will remove all your files, so use it as a last solution.

ERROR_EA_LIST_INCONSISTENT andThe extended attributes are inconsistenterrors can prevent you from running certain applications on your PC, but you should be able to fix them by using one of our solutions.

Before you leave, find out some quick tips toboost the performance of Windows.

For any queries or to share more solutions with us, drop a comment below.

The Extended Attributes are Inconsistent: 14 Ways to Fix it#

How do I fix The extended attributes are inconsistent error?#

1. Change the sound settings#

2. Perform a clean boot#

3. Change the User Account Control settings#

4. Disable sounds and reinstall the sound drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

5. Check your accounts#

6. Create a new user account#

7. Install Windows updates#

8. Temporarily uninstall your antivirus software#

9. Run the DISM and SFC scan#

10. Change the power settings#

11. Change Group Policy settings#

12. Uninstall problematic applications#

13. Perform a System Restore#

14. Reset Windows#