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How to fix the DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO BSoD
This issue is caused by a malfunctioning driver
4 min. read
Published onAugust 9, 2024
published onAugust 9, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
The DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO error has a value of 0x00000036 and it’s pretty infrequent. It usually indicates that a driver attempted to delete a device object that is still active.
How do I fix the DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO error?
1. Restore your system to a previous state
Restarting your computer with a restore point can roll back any recent problematic changes, which might resolve the error if caused by recent updates or installations.
2. Use Safe Mode
Running your computer in Safe Mode with minimal drivers and programs can help isolate and resolve issues caused by recent changes or incompatible software.
3. Update Drivers via Device Manager
This solution helps by ensuring that the device drivers are up-to-date, potentially fixing hardware issues and improving system performance. If needed, you may also go to the manufacturer’s website and download the driver straight from the source. This way, you will have control over what driver you install.
4. Use a third-party driver update tool
Manually updating drivers can be time consuming and pretty complicated because you need to get the right ones for your system. A driver updater software will scan your system and determine which drivers need an update and installs it automatically.
For this taskPC HelpSoft Driver Updateris an excellent choice. You can scan your computer, identify outdated drivers, and replace them, all in just a few minutes.
⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
5. Check for incomplete installations or applications
Uninstalling recently added software can help you identify and remove the source of the problem, resolving the error if caused by an incomplete installation.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO error and get back to your tasks. To prevent future issues, regularly update your drivers and be cautious with new software installations.
If you want to know more about this issue, you can check our article that explainsthe causes of BSoD errors. A great way to troubleshoot a BSoD is tocheck the crash logs in Windowsso you can find more about the problem.
For any other questions or suggestions we await your input in the comments below.
More about the topics:BSoD error codes,BSoD errors
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
