The error code 0x000000C9 is associated with a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows and refers to the bug check message DRIVER_VERIFIER_IOMANAGER_VIOLATION. This indicates a critical issue related to a device driver while Driver Verifier is enabled.

Understanding DRIVER_VERIFIER_IOMANAGER_VIOLATION:

• Driver Verifier: This is a Windows troubleshooting tool that allows you to stress test device drivers to identify potential problems. It can be helpful for developers or advanced users who want to proactively detect driver issues.
• I/O Manager: This is a core part of the Windows kernel responsible for managing input/output (I/O) operations between hardware devices and software applications.
• Violation: The error signifies that Driver Verifier detected a violation within a device driver’s interaction with the I/O Manager. This means the driver attempted an I/O operation in a way that violated the rules set by the verifier, suggesting a potential bug or incompatibility within the driver itself.

Context is Key:

The interpretation of 0x000000C9 depends on whether you or someone else enabled Driver Verifier on your system:

• Did you or someone else intentionally enable Driver Verifier?
• Do you have any information about the specific driver that might be causing the issue? (e.g., recent driver updates, known driver problems for your hardware)

General Troubleshooting Steps:

If you didn’t enable Driver Verifier:

• The presence of this error suggests someone else might have enabled Driver Verifier for troubleshooting purposes. Disabling Driver Verifier can potentially resolve the BSOD if it was caused by Driver Verifier stressing an otherwise functional driver.

Here’s how to disable Driver Verifier (consult a trusted Microsoft resource for specific steps depending on your Windows version):

• Restart your computer in safe mode.

• Open Command Prompt (Admin).

• Type the following command and press Enter:

  <code data-test-id="code-content" data-sourcepos="28:6-30:20">verifier /reset
  </code>

• Reboot your computer normally.

If you enabled Driver Verifier for troubleshooting:

• The information about the specific driver causing the violation (mentioned in the BSOD error message or system event logs) might be helpful in pinpointing the problematic driver.
• You can try updating the driver for the identified device or temporarily disabling it to see if the BSOD persists.
• Consider consulting a developer or IT professional for further assistance in analyzing the Driver Verifier logs and identifying the root cause of the issue.

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 your drivers are up-to-date.
• If none of these solutions work, consulting a computer technician might be recommended. They can use diagnostic tools and analyze system dump files (created during BSODs) to pinpoint the specific driver causing the issue.

By following these steps and considering the context of Driver Verifier, you can increase your chances of resolving the 0x000000C9 error and preventing future BSOD occurrences.