How to Fix Windows Error Code 0x0000009D

When facing the Windows error code 0x0000009D, also known as the "DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE" error, users often experience a sudden Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), accompanied by the system freezing and the inability to continue normal operations. This issue stems from power state transitions in drivers, typically occurring when the system transitions between power modes, such as from sleep to wake mode. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the most effective solutions to resolve this error.

Understanding the Cause of Windows Error Code 0x0000009D

The 0x0000009D error is a driver-related problem that occurs when a device driver fails to respond properly during power state changes. The root causes often include outdated or corrupted drivers, incompatible hardware, or issues within the Windows operating system itself.

Primary Causes Include:

• Incompatible Drivers: Drivers that are not designed to work with your system’s current configuration can trigger the error.
• Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files can lead to unstable power state transitions.
• Hardware Failures: Malfunctioning hardware, especially devices related to power management like network adapters or storage drives, can cause the issue.
• Software Conflicts: Programs running in the background may interfere with the system’s ability to transition between power states properly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Windows Error Code 0x0000009D

Below, we outline a structured approach to troubleshooting and fixing the 0x0000009D error.

1. Update All Device Drivers

Outdated drivers are one of the most common causes of this error. Ensuring that your system's drivers are up to date can eliminate the driver-related issues.

• Step 1: Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
• Step 2: Expand the categories in the Device Manager (e.g., Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.).
• Step 3: Right-click each device and select Update driver.
• Step 4: Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts to install any updates.

Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for each device to download the latest drivers.

2. Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

Corrupted system files may also trigger the Windows error code 0x0000009D. Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool can repair these files.

• Step 1: Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• Step 2: In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Step 3: Allow the scan to complete. If corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Ensuring that your Windows operating system is fully updated can prevent many errors, including the 0x0000009D error. Updates often include patches and bug fixes that can resolve driver and power state issues.

• Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security and click on Windows Update.
• Step 3: Click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

4. Adjust Power Settings

Incorrect power settings may interfere with device drivers during power transitions. Adjusting these settings may help stabilize the system.

• Step 1: Press Windows + X and choose Power Options.
• Step 2: Click on Additional power settings on the right.
• Step 3: Select Change plan settings next to your selected plan, and click on Change advanced power settings.
• Step 4: Expand the PCI Express and Processor power management settings. Set them to Maximum performance.

5. Reinstall Problematic Drivers

If you have identified specific drivers causing the issue, it might be necessary to reinstall them to resolve the error.

• Step 1: Open Device Manager as described earlier.
• Step 2: Right-click the problematic driver and select Uninstall device.
• Step 3: Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

If Windows does not reinstall the driver automatically, you may need to manually reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website.

6. Check for Faulty Hardware

Sometimes, the error may be related to hardware failure, such as malfunctioning hard drives, network cards, or USB devices. Running hardware diagnostics can help identify such issues.

• Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
• Step 2: Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter. This will scan and repair any potential issues with your hard drive.
• Step 3: Restart your computer and allow the tool to complete its scan during boot.

7. Use the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in Blue Screen Troubleshooter designed to help users resolve BSOD-related issues.

• Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security and click on Troubleshoot.
• Step 3: Scroll down to the Blue Screen option and click Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen prompts.

8. Disable Fast Startup

Fast startup is a feature designed to speed up the boot time by saving system data to a file during shutdown. However, it can sometimes lead to driver issues that cause the 0x0000009D error.

• Step 1: Press Windows + R and type control panel, then press Enter.
• Step 2: Click on Power Options.
• Step 3: Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left-hand side.
• Step 4: Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Step 5: Uncheck the box for Turn on fast startup and click Save changes.

9. Perform a System Restore

If the error persists, you may need to revert your system to a previous state using System Restore. This can be particularly effective if the error started occurring after recent updates or software installations.

• Step 1: Type restore in the Windows search bar and select Create a restore point.
• Step 2: Click System Restore under the System Protection tab.
• Step 3: Follow the prompts to restore your system to an earlier date before the error code 0x0000009D appeared.

10. Reinstall Windows

If all else fails, performing a clean installation of Windows may be necessary to completely eradicate the error. Be sure to back up your data before proceeding.

• Step 1: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
• Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive using the tool.
• Step 3: Boot from the USB and follow the prompts to perform a clean installation.

Conclusion

The Windows error code 0x0000009D can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, we can resolve it effectively. Whether the problem lies in outdated drivers, corrupted system files, or power settings, taking a systematic approach ensures that the root cause is identified and fixed. By keeping our drivers up to date, performing regular system maintenance, and adjusting power settings as needed, we can prevent this error from recurring.