Locked and Loaded: How to Fix the 0x000000CB “DRIVER_LEFT_LOCKED_PAGES_IN_PROCESS” BSOD

What Is the 0x000000CB BSOD?

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the error code 0x000000CB, also known as DRIVER_LEFT_LOCKED_PAGES_IN_PROCESS, occurs when a device driver or the I/O manager locks memory pages during an I/O operation but fails to unlock them after the operation completes. This error is typically a sign of poorly written or malfunctioning drivers that mishandle system memory, leading to memory leaks, resource exhaustion, and ultimately, system instability.

What Are Locked Pages, and Why Do They Matter?

"Locked pages" refer to memory pages that are pinned in RAM so they aren’t swapped out to disk. Drivers sometimes lock memory during I/O operations for direct access, but if they fail to unlock those pages, the system cannot reuse that memory, resulting in gradual resource depletion and performance degradation, culminating in this BSOD.

What Causes the 0x000000CB Error?

Several underlying issues can trigger this error:

1. Faulty or outdated drivers – especially for storage controllers, USB devices, or network cards.
2. Corrupted I/O operations – due to abrupt power loss, disk issues, or system instability.
3. Driver bugs – drivers that fail to unlock memory after an operation.
4. Hardware malfunctions – RAM or hard drive problems can exacerbate driver errors.
5. Overclocking or unstable system tweaks – may destabilize driver operations.

Symptoms of the Error

• Sudden BSODs during or after I/O-heavy tasks (e.g., large file transfers, disk operations).
• Gradual slowdown before crashing.
• Minidump logs with the 0x000000CB error code.
• A driver name listed in the crash dump (helpful for identification).

How to Fix the 0x000000CB Error

Let’s go step-by-step:

1. Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

• Go to Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
• Look for yellow triangles or recently updated drivers.
• Update drivers via Windows Update or manufacturer’s website.
• If the issue started after a driver update, roll back the driver:
  
  • Right-click > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.

2. Use Driver Verifier (Advanced)

Driver Verifier is a built-in tool to stress-test and identify faulty drivers.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
  verifier
• Choose "Create custom settings" > Select individual settings from a full list.
• Check options like Special Pool, Pool Tracking, and Force IRQL checking.
• Select all non-Microsoft drivers.
• Reboot and use the system as normal. If a BSOD occurs again, note the driver name shown.

To disable Verifier (in Safe Mode if necessary):

verifier /reset

3. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

To rule out RAM problems:

• Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose Restart now and check for problems.
• Review results after reboot or check Event Viewer under System Logs.

4. Check Disk for Errors

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
  chkdsk /f /r
• Reboot to allow the scan to complete. It will check and repair file system issues that might affect I/O operations.

5. Run System File Checker & DISM

To fix corrupted system files:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  sfc /scannow
  Then run:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

6. Update Windows

Microsoft often patches driver compatibility and memory management issues.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

To isolate third-party software or driver conflicts:

• Press Win + R, type msconfig.
• Go to Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Under Startup, open Task Manager and disable all items.
• Reboot and observe if BSODs persist.

Preventing Future Crashes

• Always use official drivers from trusted sources.
• Avoid beta or unsigned drivers.
• Use stable system configurations – avoid unnecessary overclocking.
• Schedule regular memory and disk diagnostics.
• Keep your system backed up before major driver or system updates.

Bonus: How to Analyze the Crash Dump

If you want to dig deeper:

• Use WinDbg (Windows Debugger) from the Microsoft Store.
• Open the latest .dmp file from C:\Windows\Minidump.
• Use commands like:
  !analyze -v
  This will give you details on the exact driver or process involved.

Final Thoughts

The 0x000000CB DRIVER_LEFT_LOCKED_PAGES_IN_PROCESS BSOD is a clear sign of a driver failing to follow best practices when handling system memory. With the right tools and careful troubleshooting, you can eliminate the root cause and restore system stability.

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