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Troubleshoot SMB REDIRECTOR LIVEDUMP Blue Screen Errors in Windows 11/10

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The SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that can occur on Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems. This error, identified by the bug check value 0x000001A7, signals a problem within the Server Message Block (SMB) redirector component when it attempts to capture a kernel dump for debugging purposes. While not a common occurrence, understanding its causes and available solutions is crucial for maintaining system stability. This article aims to explore the underlying reasons behind the SMB REDIRECTOR LIVEDUMP Blue Screen error and provide comprehensive solutions to effectively resolve it.

Understanding the SMB Protocol and REDIRECTOR LIVEDUMP

To grasp the nature of this error, it’s essential to understand the role of the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. SMB is a network file-sharing protocol that allows applications on a computer to access files and resources on remote servers. In essence, it facilitates communication and resource sharing between computers on a network.

Server Message Block Protocol

When your Windows system needs to access a file or service on a network server, it utilizes the SMB protocol. The “redirector” component is responsible for managing these SMB connections. The SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP error indicates that this redirector has encountered an issue while attempting to create a “live dump.”

A live dump, in this context, is a kernel memory dump captured while the system is still running, triggered specifically for debugging purposes when certain conditions are met. The 0x000001A7 bug check value is not a typical bug check that halts the system immediately; instead, it is specifically designed to identify these live dump scenarios.

This type of live dump is only generated if a specific registry value is configured:

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Lanmanworkstation\Parameters [DWORD] LiveDumpFilter = 1

When this LiveDumpFilter registry key is set to 1, and the redirector experiences an Input/Output (IO) timeout during network operations, a live dump is triggered to capture debugging information. This mechanism is intended to help developers diagnose and resolve SMB-related issues.

It’s important to note that this error code, 0x000001A7, is not a standard BSOD error code that signifies a critical system failure requiring immediate shutdown. It is exclusively used to identify and facilitate live kernel dumps for debugging purposes in SMB redirector scenarios.

Resolving the SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP Blue Screen Error

If you are experiencing the SMB REDIRECTOR LIVEDUMP Blue Screen error, it indicates an underlying issue with network communication or related system components. The following solutions are recommended to troubleshoot and resolve this problem. These solutions are presented in no particular order, and you may need to try them sequentially to identify the root cause and implement the appropriate fix.

Before proceeding with these troubleshooting steps, it’s generally advisable to ensure you can log in to your Windows system normally. If you are unable to boot normally due to the BSOD error, you may need to start your computer in Safe Mode, access the Advanced Startup Options screen, or boot from Windows Installation Media to perform these steps.

1] Run the Blue Screen Online Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a dedicated Blue Screen Online Troubleshooter designed to assist users in diagnosing and resolving BSOD errors automatically. This tool is particularly helpful for users who are less familiar with technical troubleshooting.

Blue Screen Online Troubleshooter

You can access this troubleshooter through the Microsoft support website or by using the Get Help app built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. The troubleshooter will guide you through a series of diagnostic steps and attempt to identify and automatically fix common causes of Blue Screen errors.

Steps to use the Get Help App:

  1. Click on the Search icon on the taskbar.
  2. Type “Get Help” and press Enter.
  3. In the Get Help app, describe your issue as “Blue Screen error” or “SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP”.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts and recommendations provided by the troubleshooter.

This automated approach can often resolve common BSOD issues without requiring manual intervention, making it a convenient first step in troubleshooting.

2] Update Outdated Network Drivers

Faulty or outdated network drivers are a common culprit behind various network-related errors, including BSODs like SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP. Drivers are essential software components that enable communication between your operating system and hardware devices, including your network adapter. Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to instability and malfunctions.

Update Network Drivers

You have several options to update your network drivers:

  • Manual Update via Device Manager:

    1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
    2. Expand the Network adapters category.
    3. Right-click on your network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter) and select Update driver.
    4. Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver automatically.

  • Optional Updates in Windows Update:

    1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
    2. Click on Windows Update.
    3. Click on “Advanced options”.
    4. Select “Optional updates”.
    5. Look for driver updates under “Driver updates” section. If network driver updates are available, select them and click “Download & install”.

  • Automatic Driver Update Software:
    There are third-party driver update software tools available that can scan your system for outdated drivers and automatically update them. However, exercise caution when using third-party software and only use reputable tools.

Ensuring your network drivers are up-to-date is a crucial step in resolving network-related BSOD errors. After updating the drivers, restart your computer to apply the changes.

3] Run Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in Network Troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix common network problems. This tool can detect issues with network adapters, network protocols, and internet connectivity.

Network Troubleshooter

Steps to run the Network Troubleshooter:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on System and then select Troubleshoot.
  3. Click on “Other troubleshooters”.
  4. Find “Network Adapter” and click on “Run” next to it.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter.

The Network Troubleshooter will attempt to identify and automatically fix any network-related issues it detects. It may prompt you to restart your computer after completing the troubleshooting process.

4] Use Network Reset Option

The Network Reset option in Windows can reset all network settings to their default configurations. This can be helpful in resolving network connectivity problems and potentially fixing BSOD errors related to network issues. This process will remove and reinstall all network adapters and reset networking components to their original state.

Network Reset

Steps to perform Network Reset:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Network & internet.
  3. Scroll down and click on “Advanced network settings”.
  4. Under “More settings”, click on “Network reset”.
  5. Review the information on the Network Reset screen and click “Reset now”.
  6. Confirm your action by clicking “Yes” when prompted.
  7. Your computer will restart automatically after the network reset is complete.

After the restart, you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and reconfigure any custom network settings you had previously set up.

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5] Scan for Memory Issues

Corruption in Random Access Memory (RAM) can lead to system instability and various errors, including Blue Screen of Death errors. If you have recently added new RAM modules to your computer, it is advisable to temporarily remove them and check if the BSOD error persists. If the error disappears after removing the new RAM, it might indicate incompatibility or a faulty RAM module.

Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

If you haven’t recently changed your RAM configuration, or if removing new RAM doesn’t resolve the issue, you should perform a memory test using the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.

Steps to run Windows Memory Diagnostic:

  1. Click on the Search icon on the taskbar.
  2. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and press Enter.
  3. Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)”.
  4. Your computer will restart and the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will automatically run a memory test. This process may take some time.
  5. After the test is complete, your computer will restart back into Windows. The test results will be displayed in a notification after you log in.

If the memory diagnostic tool detects any errors, it indicates a problem with your RAM. In such cases, you may need to replace the affected RAM module(s).

6] Uninstall Problematic Windows Update

In some instances, a recently installed Windows update might be the cause of the BSOD error. If the SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP error started appearing shortly after a Windows update, it’s possible that the update contains a bug or is incompatible with your system configuration. You can try uninstalling the recent update to see if it resolves the issue.

Uninstall Windows Update

Steps to uninstall a Windows Update:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click on “Update history”.
  4. Click on “Uninstall updates”.
  5. In the “Uninstall an update” window, locate the most recently installed update (you can sort by “Installed On” date).
  6. Right-click on the update you want to uninstall and select “Uninstall”.
  7. Confirm your action when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions.
  8. Restart your computer after uninstalling the update.

After restarting, check if the BSOD error is resolved. If it is, you may want to pause updates temporarily to prevent the problematic update from being reinstalled automatically.

7] Run System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your system to a previous state, known as a restore point. If the SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP error started recently, you can use System Restore to roll back your system to a point in time before the error started occurring. This can undo system changes, including driver updates, application installations, and system settings modifications, that might be causing the issue.

System Restore

Steps to perform System Restore:

  1. Click on the Search icon on the taskbar.
  2. Type “System Restore” and press Enter.
  3. Select “Create a restore point” from the search results.
  4. In the System Properties window, click on the “System Restore…” button.
  5. Click “Next” in the System Restore window.
  6. Choose a restore point from the list. Select a restore point that was created before the BSOD error started. If you are unsure, choose the most recent restore point.
  7. Click “Scan for affected programs” to see which programs and drivers will be affected by the restore process.
  8. Click “Close” after scanning, and then click “Next”.
  9. Click “Finish” to start the System Restore process.
  10. Confirm your action by clicking “Yes” when prompted.
  11. Your computer will restart and the System Restore process will begin. This may take some time.

After System Restore is complete, your computer will restart back into Windows. Check if the SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP Blue Screen error is resolved.

Addressing Blue Screen Errors in Windows 11 Generally

Blue Screen errors in Windows 11, including SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP, often arise from system file corruption or driver issues. A proactive approach to preventing and resolving BSODs involves maintaining system file integrity and ensuring driver compatibility. Regularly scanning for and repairing corrupted system files, and keeping drivers updated are crucial steps.

In addition to the specific solutions outlined for SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP, consider these general recommendations for troubleshooting Blue Screen errors in Windows 11:

  • System File Checker (SFC): Run the System File Checker tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM): Use DISM to repair the Windows image if SFC doesn’t resolve the issue. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
  • Check Hardware Compatibility: Ensure all hardware components, especially newly added ones, are compatible with Windows 11.
  • Monitor System Temperatures: Overheating components can cause instability. Ensure proper cooling and check system temperatures if you suspect overheating.

By systematically applying these troubleshooting steps and maintaining good system health practices, you can effectively address the SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP Blue Screen error and other BSOD issues in Windows 11/10, ensuring a stable and reliable computing experience.

If you have found these solutions helpful or have further questions regarding the SMB_REDIRECTOR_LIVEDUMP Blue Screen error, please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!

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