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Fix: INVALID_RUNDOWN_PROTECTION_FLAGS 0x0000016C
Updating affected drivers is the quickest fix
4 min. read
Published onNovember 8, 2024
published onNovember 8, 2024
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Fix all BSoD events and keep computer safe and clean:
Fortect will find the cause of BSoD and fix it. Here is how to do it with 3 easy steps:
TheINVALID_RUNDOWN_PROTECTION_FLAGSWindows blue screen, with error code0x0000016C, is encountered when invalid flags are passed to the rundown protection APIs.
The error is highly uncommon, and its underlying causes include outdated or incompatible drivers, corrupted system files, conflicting third-party apps, a buggy Windows update, and issues with the system’s memory.
Before you proceed, restart the PC, install pending Windows updates, reseat the RAM sticks in the correct slots, and disable overclocking if you have set up any. For most of you, this should fix theINVALID_RUNDOWN_PROTECTION_FLAGSbug check!
How can I fix INVALID_RUNDOWN_PROTECTION_FLAGS BSoD?
1. Update all the drivers
TheINVALID_RUNDOWN_PROTECTION_FLAGS 0x16Cblue screen is, more often than not, caused by outdated drivers. So, your primary approach should be toupdate all the drivers, especially critical ones like those for the network and graphics adapters.
If Windows can’t find a better version, go to the manufacturer’s official website, find the new releases, and thenmanually install the latest driver.
2. Repair the corrupted system files
If your PC hascorrupted system files, it could be the reason behind the BSoD. To fix this, run theDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)and SFC(System File Checker)scans, and these will replace all problematic files with a fresh copy!
3. Uninstall conflicting apps
If a quick removal doesn’t work, it could be due to the leftover app files and Registry entries. For this, I recommend using atop-rated software uninstallerand completely wiping all traces of the program.
4. Uninstall recent Windows updates
5. Test the RAM
WhenWindows Memory Diagnosticcan’t detect any issues, I recommend runningMemtest86+, an advanced open-source memory testing tool that runs a wide array of scans on individual RAM modules and finds even the smallest of problems.
If issues are detected, first try reseating the RAM sticks in the correct slots, and when that doesn’t work, replace the malfunctioning module to get rid ofINVALID_RUNDOWN_PROTECTION_FLAGS.
6. Reinstall Windows
When nothing else works, you canreinstall Windowsand fix all software-related conflicts. To prevent data loss, it’s best to move critical files to external storage before you proceed.
To reinstall Windows, connect a formatted USB flash drive to another PC > go toMicrosoft’s official website> download theMedia Creation Tool>create a bootable Windows USB> plug it into the affected PC >change the boot orderto the flash drive > run the Windows setup and finish the installation.
If even a Windows reinstallation fails to resolve theINVALID_RUNDOWN_PROTECTION_FLAGSblue screen, it’s most likely a hardware malfunction to blame. In this case, you must contact a professional or visit a local repair shop and get the PC’s hardware inspected.
Before you leave, learnall the causes of BSoDand take the necessary measures to prevent such errors from appearing!
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Blue Screen of Death,BSoD error codes
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
