The error code 0x00000096 is associated with the bug check message INVALID_WORK_QUEUE_ITEM in Windows. This indicates a critical issue related to how the system manages work queues for processing tasks by device drivers or system components.

Here’s a breakdown of the error and potential solutions:

Understanding INVALID_WORK_QUEUE_ITEM:

• Windows uses work queues to manage tasks for different components like device drivers. These tasks are added as entries to the queue and processed in a specific order.
• The 0x00000096 error signifies that the system attempted to remove an entry (work item) from a queue, but the entry contained a null pointer. This suggests a problem with how the work item was created or managed within the queue.

Causes of INVALID_WORK_QUEUE_ITEM:

• Faulty Device Drivers: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible device drivers can sometimes misuse work queues, leading to situations where entries contain invalid pointers.
• Software Bugs: Bugs within system components or programs that interact with work queues can also lead to the creation of invalid work items.
• Hardware Issues (Less Likely): In rare cases, hardware problems with your memory or system bus might contribute to data corruption that affects work queue entries.

Troubleshooting Steps for INVALID_WORK_QUEUE_ITEM:

Here are some steps you can take to try and fix the 0x00000096 error:

1. Update Device Drivers:

   • This is a crucial step. Update the drivers for your graphics card, network adapter, storage controllers, and other major hardware components. You can usually find updated drivers on the manufacturer’s website for your specific device model.

2. Scan for Malware:

   • Although less likely, run a thorough malware scan using your preferred antivirus software to rule out the possibility of malicious software interfering with system processes.

3. System File Checker (SFC):

   • Open Command Prompt (Admin).

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     <code data-test-id="code-content">sfc /scannow
     </code>

   • This command scans your system files and attempts to repair any corrupted files related to work queue management or device drivers.

4. Check System Logs (Advanced Users):

   • Event Viewer can be used to access system logs that might contain more details about the work queue error. While deciphering event viewer entries can be technical, investigating logs around the time of the error might provide clues about the failing driver or software component.

   • Look for entries mentioning “work queue” or “BugCheck 0x96” in the system logs.

5. System Restore (if applicable):

   • If the error started happening recently after a specific event (program installation, driver update, etc.), consider performing a System Restore to revert your system to a point before the error occurred. (Caution: This will revert any changes made to programs and settings since the restore point).

Additional Tips:

• Keep your Windows system up-to-date with the latest patches and security fixes.
• Consider using a reliable memory diagnostic tool to check for memory-related issues that might be contributing to data corruption.

Seeking Help:

If none of these solutions work, it’s recommended to seek help from a computer technician. They can delve deeper into the specific details of your BSOD using tools like debuggers and analyze system dump files to pinpoint the root cause of the invalid work queue item error. This might involve identifying a specific faulty driver, software conflict, or hardware issue.