The error code 0x000000B4 is associated with the bug check message VIDEO_DRIVER_INIT_FAILURE in Windows. This indicates a critical issue related to how your graphics card’s driver initializes during system startup. Here’s a breakdown of the error and potential solutions:

Understanding VIDEO_DRIVER_INIT_FAILURE:

• When Windows boots up, it relies on device drivers to interact with various hardware components like your graphics card. The video driver plays a crucial role in enabling graphics processing and displaying visuals on your screen.
• The 0x000000B4 error signifies that the video driver encountered a problem during the initialization process. This could prevent Windows from entering graphics mode and displaying visuals properly, leading to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

Possible Causes of VIDEO_DRIVER_INIT_FAILURE:

• Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common culprit behind this error. Driver updates often contain bug fixes and compatibility improvements.
• Conflicting Software: In rare cases, other software programs or drivers might conflict with the video driver, causing initialization issues.
• Hardware Problems (Less Likely): Hardware malfunctions with your graphics card itself are less likely but can’t be entirely ruled out.

Troubleshooting Steps for VIDEO_DRIVER_INIT_FAILURE:

Here are some steps you can take to try and fix the 0x000000B4 error:

1. Update Graphics Driver:

   • This is the most crucial step. Download and install the latest driver for your specific graphics card model from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel). Avoid using generic drivers provided by Windows Update, as they might not be optimized for your specific card.

2. Safe Mode:

   • If you’re unable to boot into Windows normally due to the BSOD, try entering Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, Windows loads only essential drivers, which can help you troubleshoot the issue if it’s related to a driver conflict.

3. 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).

4. Disable Fast Startup (if applicable):

   • In some cases, Fast Startup can cause conflicts with driver initialization. Try disabling Fast Startup (Settings > Power & Sleep > Additional power settings > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > Sleep > Allow wake timers) and see if the error persists.

5. Check for Conflicting Software (Advanced Users):

   • In rare cases, software conflicts can contribute to driver issues. Consider temporarily disabling any recently installed applications or running a clean boot (minimal startup state) to isolate potential conflicts.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your Windows system up-to-date with the latest patches and security fixes.
• Consider using a reliable driver update utility to ensure all your drivers are updated.
• If none of these solutions work, consulting a computer technician might be recommended. They can use tools to diagnose hardware issues or perform a deeper analysis to identify the root cause of the driver initialization failure.