Error Code: 0x0000006F

Meaning: SESSION3_INITIALIZATION_FAILED

Context: Windows operating system (particularly Windows XP)

Description: This error code indicates a critical failure during the initialization process of the third session (SESSION3) in Windows. SESSION3 is typically used for remote desktop connections or Terminal Services functionality. However, it can also be used by some background services and applications.

Causes:

• Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible device drivers, especially for critical system components or display drivers, can prevent SESSION3 from initializing correctly.
• Software Conflicts: Conflicting software or recently installed applications might interfere with the session manager responsible for initializing SESSION3.
• Malicious Software: In rare cases, malware or viruses can also disrupt system processes and lead to this error.
• Windows Corruption: Corrupted system files related to the session manager or core Windows components can contribute to the error.

Solutions:

Here are some steps you can take to address the 0x0000006F error:

1. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the error.

2. Safe Mode: If you can boot your computer into Safe Mode, try doing so. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers. If the error doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, it suggests a problem with a non-essential driver. You can then try to identify the problematic driver and update or disable it (if possible) to see if the error resolves.

3. System Restore: If the error started recently after a specific system change (e.g., installing new software or updating drivers), consider performing a System Restore to revert your system to a point before the issue began.

4. Update Drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for all your devices, particularly display drivers and critical system components. You can update them through the Device Manager in Windows.

5. System File Checker (SFC) and DISM: These built-in Windows tools can scan for and repair corrupted system files that might be hindering the session manager. You’ll need to boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt to run these tools.

6. Anti-Malware Scan: Run a thorough scan with your antivirus or anti-malware software to rule out any potential malware infection.

7. Advanced Troubleshooting (For Technically Inclined Users): Resources like Microsoft documentation on troubleshooting SESSION3_INITIALIZATION_FAILED can provide additional guidance:

   • https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/session3initializationfailed-error/7075bb1a-7b02-4552-b5e4-11a4f7273c0f
   • https://www.fileinspect.com/blog/fix-session3-initialization-failed-bsod/

Additional Considerations:

• The specific cause of the error can be difficult to pinpoint without further analysis.
• Troubleshooting this error might involve driver updates, system file repairs, or even malware scans. If you’re not comfortable with these steps, consider seeking help from a qualified technician.
• This error code is more commonly associated with older Windows versions like Windows XP. Modern Windows versions might use different error codes or behavior for session management issues.

By following these steps and considering the potential causes, you should be able to diagnose and address the SESSION3_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error and restore proper functionality to your Windows system.