Fix BSOD 0x000000D4: SYSTEM_SCAN_AT_RAISED_IRQL_CAUGHT_IMPROPER_DRIVER_UNLOAD

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with error code 0x000000D4, also known as SYSTEM_SCAN_AT_RAISED_IRQL_CAUGHT_IMPROPER_DRIVER_UNLOAD, is a critical error indicating that a driver failed to cancel pending operations before it was unloaded from the system. This kind of crash often disrupts your workflow, causes system instability, and may lead to data loss if ignored.

This guide breaks down what this error really means, why it happens, and how you can fix and prevent it.

What Is BSOD 0x000000D4?

The error 0x000000D4 typically appears when a driver unloads improperly while system-level (kernel-mode) operations are still pending. This results in memory corruption or invalid memory access, especially when the system is executing tasks at an elevated Interrupt Request Level (IRQL), which is highly sensitive to improper memory handling.

The technical bug check string:

SYSTEM_SCAN_AT_RAISED_IRQL_CAUGHT_IMPROPER_DRIVER_UNLOAD

This indicates that the system was scanning memory at a high IRQL and detected that a driver had exited without properly cleaning up its tasks.

What Causes BSOD Error 0x000000D4?

1. Improper Driver Unload Procedures:
   
   • Drivers that do not cancel pending I/O requests before unloading from memory can trigger this error.
2. Faulty or Outdated Drivers:
   
   • Especially custom or third-party drivers that are not WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified.
3. Overclocking or Hardware Tweaks:
   
   • Tweaking hardware voltages or memory timings can affect driver stability.
4. Conflicts Between Drivers:
   
   • Incompatible drivers installed together may interfere with each other’s memory operations.
5. Malware or Rootkits:
   
   • Malicious software may install low-level drivers that violate driver handling protocols.
6. Improper Use of Driver Verifier:
   
   • Driver Verifier is a Windows debugging tool. If used without proper configuration, it can expose driver flaws and force BSODs.

How to Fix BSOD 0x000000D4

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

If you can’t boot into Windows normally:

1. Force reboot 2–3 times to trigger the Recovery screen.
2. Navigate to: Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → Press 4 (Safe Mode)

Step 2: Use Driver Verifier to Identify the Faulty Driver

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run: verifier
3. Choose "Create standard settings" > "Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer"
4. Reboot and wait for the system to crash again.
5. Upon crash, note the driver name displayed on the BSOD screen or use tools like BlueScreenView to analyze the minidump files.

Important: After testing, disable Driver Verifier using verifier /reset in Command Prompt or Safe Mode to prevent continuous BSODs.

Step 3: Roll Back, Update, or Reinstall Faulty Drivers

• Open Device Manager
• Locate the faulty device
• Right-click → Properties → Driver tab
• Try the following options:
  
  • Roll Back Driver
  • Update Driver
  • Uninstall and Reboot (Windows will attempt to reinstall it)

If the driver came from a third-party source, visit the manufacturer’s website to download a compatible version.

Step 4: Run System File Checker & DISM

Corrupted system files can also cause instability.

Run in Command Prompt (Admin):

sfc /scannow

Then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 5: Perform a Clean Boot

This isolates third-party software and services:

1. Type msconfig → Go to Services tab
2. Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable All
3. Go to Startup tab → Open Task Manager → Disable all items
4. Reboot

See if the BSOD disappears. If yes, re-enable services one by one to identify the culprit.

Prevention Tips for the Future

• Keep drivers updated — only from official sources or through Windows Update.
• Avoid unnecessary third-party kernel-mode software (e.g., performance tuners, VPNs with custom network drivers).
• Use Driver Verifier cautiously — great for testing driver stability before installing new hardware/software.
• Run regular malware scans using reputable tools like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes.
• Create regular restore points — especially before installing drivers or system-level utilities.
• Avoid forcefully removing devices like USB adapters, especially when in use.

Final Thoughts

The BSOD 0x000000D4 is more than a random crash — it’s a sign that your system's core-level driver integrity has been compromised. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can diagnose the problematic driver, clean up your system, and safeguard it against future issues.

If the problem persists even after all these steps, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or the hardware vendor with the specific minidump file for deeper analysis.

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