The error code 0x000000E6 is associated with a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows and refers to the bug check message DRIVER_VERIFIER_DMA_VIOLATION. This indicates a critical system issue related to device drivers and memory access.

Understanding DRIVER_VERIFIER_DMA_VIOLATION:

• Driver Verifier: This is a Windows troubleshooting tool that can be used to stress test device drivers and identify potential issues. It can be enabled to intentionally create stressful conditions for drivers to uncover bugs that might not appear during normal operation.
• DMA (Direct Memory Access): DMA (Direct Memory Access) is a technology that allows certain devices to transfer data directly between their own memory and the system’s memory (RAM) without involving the CPU. This improves efficiency but requires careful management to avoid conflicts.
• Error Scenario: The error signifies that a device driver violated the rules of DMA access while Driver Verifier was enabled. This suggests a bug in the driver that caused it to perform an improper memory access operation using DMA.

Possible Causes of 0x000000E6:

• Faulty or Corrupt Device Driver: The most common culprit is a faulty or corrupt device driver, especially those that heavily rely on DMA for data transfer (e.g., graphics card drivers, storage controllers). The bug in the driver might be causing it to access invalid memory locations or transfer data incorrectly using DMA.
• Driver Verifier Itself (Less Likely): In rare cases, there might be an issue with Driver Verifier itself causing unexpected behavior with some drivers. This is less frequent, but consider it if the error started happening after enabling Driver Verifier.

Troubleshooting Steps for 0x000000E6:

Here’s how to address the 0x000000E6 error:

1. Disable Driver Verifier (if enabled):

   • If Driver Verifier was intentionally enabled for troubleshooting purposes, temporarily disable it to see if the BSOD persists. You can find instructions on disabling Driver Verifier through a web search or consulting a trusted Microsoft resource.

2. Identify the Problematic Driver (if possible):

   • Review system event logs (accessible through Event Viewer) for any clues about the driver causing the issue. Look for entries around the time the BSOD occurred, specifically those mentioning driver errors or warnings related to DMA.

3. Update Device Drivers:

   • Update the drivers for the devices you suspect might be causing the issue, especially graphics cards, network adapters, storage controllers, and any recently added hardware. Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website for each device.

4. Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers:

   • If you identified a potential culprit, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the driver for that specific device. This can sometimes resolve issues caused by corrupted driver installations.

5. System File Checker (SFC) Scan:

   • Open Command Prompt (Admin).

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     <code data-test-id="code-content" data-sourcepos="39:6-41:17">sfc /scannow
     </code>

   • This command scans your system files and attempts to repair any corrupted system files that might be indirectly affecting driver behavior.

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 diagnostic tools and analyze system dump files (created during BSODs) to pinpoint the specific driver causing the issue.

By following these steps and focusing on Driver Verifier status, driver updates, and potential system file corruption, you can increase your chances of resolving the 0x000000E6 error and preventing future BSODs.