The error code 0x00000036 indicates a problem with a device driver on Windows systems. It translates to “DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO” and signifies that a device driver attempted to delete a device object that still had outstanding references.

This typically occurs when a driver tries to unload itself from the system, but there are still processes or applications using the device it controls. As a result, the system cannot unload the driver and crashes with a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

Here’s a breakdown of the causes, solutions, and additional resources to troubleshoot the 0x00000036 error:

Causes:

• Buggy Device Driver: The most likely cause is a bug or incompatibility within the device driver itself. The driver might be incorrectly trying to unload while other programs are still using the device.
• Conflicting Software: In rare cases, conflicts with other software or drivers can interfere with device management and lead to the error.

Solutions:

Here are some steps you can take to fix the 0x00000036 error:

1. Update Device Drivers:

   • Updating the device driver, particularly for the device associated with the error message (if available), can resolve bugs or compatibility issues that might be causing the problem. You can update drivers manually through Device Manager or use automatic updates from Windows.

2. Identify Conflicting Software (if applicable):

   • If you suspect software conflicts, try temporarily disabling recently installed programs or applications to see if the error resolves. This can help pinpoint which software might be interfering with the device driver.

3. System Restore (if applicable):

   • If the error started occurring recently after installing new software or updating drivers, consider performing a System Restore to revert your system to a point before the error appeared.

Additional Considerations:

• Safe Mode: Booting your computer into Safe Mode can help identify if the error is caused by a recently loaded driver. In Safe Mode, only essential drivers are loaded, and if the error doesn’t occur, it suggests a problem with a non-essential driver.
• Windows Event Viewer:
  • The Windows Event Viewer might contain more detailed information about the error, including the specific device driver involved. You can access Event Viewer by searching for it in the Start menu. Look for events around the time the BSOD occurred, and search online for specific error messages related to the driver.
• Driver Manufacturer Support:
  • If updating the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, consider visiting the website of the device manufacturer to see if they have any known fixes or troubleshooting steps for the specific device driver.

Here are some additional resources that might be helpful:

• Microsoft article on Bug Check 0x00000036: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/bug-check-0x3b–system-service-exception
• How to Fix DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO Error: https://www.stellarinfo.com/

Remember: If you’re not comfortable with troubleshooting device drivers, consider seeking help from a qualified technician to avoid causing further system instability. They can identify the problematic driver and provide a suitable solution.