Are you seeing the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC: 0x00000133 hal.dll error on your Windows computer? If so, then don’t panic. It is usual for computers to encounter problems.
What Is DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION?
In most cases, the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error appears during or after installing new software or hardware. However, there are times when it surfaces while running an app or program.
So, what causes the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error? We listed a few possible issues below:
- Improper configuration of device drivers
- Corrupt Windows registry
- Malware or virus infection
- Driver conflict
- Missing system files
- Damaged hard disk
- Lack of system space
- Memory (RAM) corruption
But how can you tell if the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error is wreaking havoc on your system? Here are a couple of symptoms to look out for:
Expert Tip: For smoother PC performance, consider using a PC optimization tool. It handles junk files, incorrect settings, and harmful apps. Make sure it's right for your system, and always check the EULA and Privacy Policy.
Special offer. About Outbyte, uninstall instructions, EULA, Privacy Policy.
- The “DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC” message pops up randomly and then crashes an active app or program.
- Your PC frequently crashes with the error 0x133.
- Windows starts to run sluggish.
- Your computer slowly responds to keyboard and mouse input.
- Your computer freezes for a couple of seconds at a time.
The easiest and safest way to fix this error is to simply restart the computer. The logic behind this solution is simple. Just as the body needs to close the eyes for a few seconds, Windows computers need to refresh every now and then.
When restarting your computer no longer works, your best option is to use more advanced solutions, which will be further discussed below.
How to Fix DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC Error
Here are some solutions you can try to resolve your problem with the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error:
Solution #1. Repair Faulty Registry Entries.
The DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error may appear if you have invalid or corrupt registry entries. In order to fix these faulty entries, you will need the help of a professional Windows technician. Applying changes to your registry can cause your computer to stop functioning entirely and cause irreversible damage to the operating system.
Because of the risks involved in fixing registry entries, it is highly recommended to just use a registry cleaner. Using a trusted registry cleaner, you can automate the entire process of finding and fixing invalid registry entries.
But if you want to perform the repairs manually, create a backup of the faulty registry entry first by following the steps below:
- Go to the Start menu.
- In the search bar, input command.
- While holding the CTRL + SHIFT keys, press Enter.
- A permission dialog box will now pop up. Choose Yes.
- The Command Prompt will open. In the text field, input regedit.
- Hit Enter.
- The Registry Editor should now open.
- Find the key related to the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error and click on it to back it up.
- Go to the File menu and select Export.
- Under the Save In list, choose the folder where you want to save the backup key.
- Navigate to the File Name section and provide your backup file with a new name.
- Under the Export Range section, make sure that the Selected Branch option is selected.
- Hit Save.
Once you have backed your problematic entry, you can proceed with manually editing or deleting it.
Solution #2: Delete Temporary Folders and Files.
Over time, junk files accumulate on your computer. If they are not removed and cleaned out every now and then, they can cause your system to respond slowly. Oftentimes, they even trigger the occurrence of the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error.
Cleaning up your system with Disk Cleanup might just fix your problem and improve your computer’s performance. To run Disk Cleanup, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu.
- In the search bar, input command.
- While pressing the CTRL + Shift keys, hit Enter.
- A dialog box will pop up, asking you to confirm your action. Choose Yes.
- The Command Prompt will now open.
- On the command line, input cleanmgr.
- Hit Enter.
- At this point, Disk Cleanup will start calculating the total disk space you can reclaim. Once it’s done, it will show you a series of options you can select. Tick the options that apply.
- Restart your computer.
As with most tools, Disk Cleanup also has shortcomings. That is why we suggest the use of a trustworthy PC cleaning tool to clean up system junk for you. Run regular quick scans to ensure your computer is clean, fast, and free of issues like the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error.
Solution #3: Update Outdated PC Drivers.
The DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error can also be associated with an outdated or corrupt device driver. Now, you might think that fixing an outdated driver is as easy as downloading a new driver version and installing it. But, no. The truth is, it’s not going to be easy.
The entire process of finding a driver that is compatible with your hardware and software can be time-consuming and irritating. Getting an incompatible version might only make your problem worse.
Because of the complexity of updating outdated drivers, it is highly recommended to use a third-party driver updater tool. This way, you can just automate the entire process.
Before you update your PC drivers, it is ideal that you back up or clone Windows first. With a backup ready, you can easily restore to a previous version whenever necessary.
Solution #4: Install Any Available Windows Update.
Microsoft constantly releases updates to improve the features of Windows and fix reported issues with system files. This only means that installing an update can possibly resolve your problems with the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error.
To check and install any available Windows update, here’s what you should do:
- Go to the Start menu.
- In the search bar, input update.
- Hit Enter.
- The Windows Update dialog box should now open.
- If there are updates available, just click the Install Updates button.
Solution #5: Check If Your Hard Drive Is Corrupted.
While most DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC errors are related to driver issues, in some cases, they can be triggered by a corrupt hard drive.
The good news is that Microsoft has already included a tool called Check Disk, which you can use to fix a corrupt hard drive. To run this utility, here’s what you should do:
- Go to the Start menu.
- In the search bar, input command.
- While pressing the CTRL + Shift keys, hit Enter.
- A permission dialog box will appear to confirm your action. Just press Yes.
- The Command Prompt will now open.
- On the command line, input the chkdsk /f command.
- Hit Enter.
- Wait while the Check Disk Utility scans your hard drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
On a Final Note
Hopefully, one of the five solutions above was able to help you fix your problem with the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BCC error. If the problem still persists, your last resort is to take your Windows computer to a professional technician.
Let us know which of the solutions above worked for you. Share it with us below.