How to Fix Windows Error Code 0x00000099

Understanding Error Code 0x00000099

Error Code 0x00000099, commonly referred to as DRIVER_VERIFIER_IOMANAGER_VIOLATION, is a critical system issue in Windows that signifies a driver verifier detected a violation related to input/output manager routines. This error can lead to system crashes or frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) incidents, impeding system stability and user productivity. Addressing this error promptly is essential to restore normal operation and prevent potential data loss or system damage.

Immediate Steps to Address Error Code 0x00000099

1. Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode

Booting your computer in Safe Mode helps isolate the problem by loading only essential drivers and services. Follow these steps:

Restart your computer.
Press F8 repeatedly during startup.
Select Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu.

In Safe Mode, the system will load only the basic drivers, making it easier to identify and address the problematic driver causing the error.

2. Update Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers are common causes of Error Code 0x00000099. Ensure all your device drivers are up-to-date:

Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager.
Expand the categories and locate the device with an issue (indicated by a yellow exclamation mark).
Right-click the device and select Update Driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

Updating drivers can resolve compatibility issues that might be causing the error.

3. Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The System File Checker tool scans and repairs corrupted system files that might be contributing to the error. Execute the following steps:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching cmd in the Start menu, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair detected issues.

Running the SFC tool ensures that crucial system files are intact and functioning correctly.

4. Use the DISM Tool

The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can fix system image corruption. Here's how to use it:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
Allow the tool to complete the process. This may take some time.

DISM can address issues beyond what the SFC tool can resolve by repairing the system image.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Keeping your Windows operating system updated can fix known issues and improve overall stability:

Go to Settings by pressing Windows Key + I.
Select Update & Security.
Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Windows updates often include fixes for various system errors and vulnerabilities.

6. Roll Back Recent Changes

If the error started appearing after recent changes, such as software installations or updates, rolling them back might resolve the issue:

Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
Select View update history and click Uninstall updates.
Choose the update or software recently installed and uninstall it.

Reverting recent changes can address conflicts caused by new installations or updates.

7. Check for Hardware Issues

Hardware malfunctions can also lead to Error Code 0x00000099. To diagnose hardware issues:

Inspect hardware components such as RAM, hard drives, and peripherals for any visible damage.
Use diagnostic tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic to check RAM, or third-party tools to test other hardware components.

Defective hardware may need repair or replacement to resolve the error.

8. Perform a System Restore

If other methods do not work, performing a System Restore to revert your system to a previous state might be necessary:

Open Control Panel and search for Recovery.
Click Open System Restore and follow the prompts to select a restore point before the issue began.

System Restore can undo recent changes and fix errors by returning the system to a stable state.

9. Disable Driver Verifier

If the Driver Verifier tool is causing the problem, you can disable it:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type verifier /reset and press Enter.

Disabling Driver Verifier will stop the verification process and may alleviate the error if it was related to driver verification.

10. Perform a Clean Install of Windows

As a last resort, performing a clean installation of Windows can resolve persistent issues:

Backup your data to prevent data loss.
Create a bootable Windows installation media using Microsoft's media creation tool.
Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to perform a clean install.

A clean install will remove all existing data and software, so ensure that you have backups before proceeding.

Conclusion

Addressing Windows Error Code 0x00000099 requires a methodical approach to identify and resolve the underlying cause. By following the steps outlined above, we can effectively troubleshoot and fix the error, restoring system stability and ensuring optimal performance. Regular maintenance, including driver updates and system checks, can help prevent future occurrences of this error and maintain the overall health of your Windows operating system.

How to fix Windows error code 0x00000099