How to Fix Ndistpr64.sys BSOD Error

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a frustrating issue for Windows users as it can occur randomly, leading to system restarts and potential loss of unsaved work, causing productivity disruptions.

Unfortunately, even if there many users who have already encountered the Blue Screen of Death or BSOD, there is still no known generic fix for it. Each BSOD comes with a different report that displays different information, so each fix is unique. Don’t worry, though. The developers of Windows operating systems revamped the look of the Blue Screen of Death, making it less frightening but with straightforward information.

The Ndistpr64.sys Problem

More often, the Blue Screen of Death pops up with the message “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL What Failed: ndistpr64.sys.” With that line of information, you can immediately tell that there is something wrong with a certain system file.

You can easily recognize a system file because of the .sys extension. If something is wrong with a certain system file, the Blue Screen of Death may show up. Some examples of system files are mfewfpk.sys, storahci.sys, and kbdclass.sys.

Among all system files, the ndistpr64.sys file is considered one of the primary culprits behind why the Blue Screen of Death appears. It is for that reason why many Windows users resort to the removal of the ndistpr64.sys file.

Is it possible to remove the ndistpr64.sys file? Yes. We will teach you how below.

How to Remove the Ndistpr64.sys File

Follow the instructions below to remove the ndistpr64.sys file:

Step 1. Boot your Windows computer into Safe Mode.

When you run your computer in Safe Mode, you are starting it in a limited state, meaning only the basic drivers and files that are required to run are activated. To enter Safe Mode, go to Start -> Msconfig.exe. The System Configuration window should open. Navigate to the Boot tab and check the Safe boot option.

Step 2. Inspect the Startup tab.

Click on the Startup tab and disable all the unknown programs in this tab.

Step 3. Modify the hosts file.

Locate the hosts file in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\. Open it with Notepad. Delete any suspicious lines or strings.

Step 4. Scan the system with your preferred tool.

One highly-recommended tool is Outbyte PC Repair. This tool can be used to run a complete check of your Windows system, locating files that are causing issues, errors, and crashes.

Step 5. Disable Safe Mode.

To disable Safe Mode, go to Start -> Msconfig.exe. Go to the Boot tab and uncheck the Safe boot option.

Once you’re done with these steps, try to restart your computer and check if the problem still exists. If you still see the Blue Screen of Death with the ndistpr64.sys error message, try the other fixes below.

Rename the Problematic System File

It is possible to rename a system file. After you rename the file, it will be replaced during the normal boot. However, be careful when making changes in the system file, as you don’t want to damage your computer because of it.

To rename a problematic system file, follow the instructions below:

1. Reboot your Windows computer. Wait for the boot screen to appear – it is the screen that shows your computer’s manufacturer and some options like Press DEL to Run Setup and Press F8 for BBS POPUP.
2. Once that screen appears, restart your computer. By doing that, you’re opening the Advanced Boot Options menu.
3. Using your arrow keys, select the Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt option.
4. After you successfully boot into Safe Mode, navigate to C:/Windows/System32/drivers.
5. Locate thendistpr64.sys file. Right-click on it and rename it to ndistp64.old.
6. Restart your computer in Normal Mode.
7. In the search bar, type msconfig and navigate to the Boot tab.
8. Uncheck the Safe boot option.
9. Click the OK button. You will then be asked to confirm that the system is about to restart your Windows computer.

Gain Permission To Access the Problematic System File

If renaming the problematic system file does not work, perhaps it is because you don’t have permission over it. Without permission, you won’t be able to delete or access it. To take ownership of that file, follow the steps below:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Look for the system file you want to gain permission or rights to.
3. Right-click on it. Select Properties and go to the Security tab.
4. Click on the Advanced button and wait for the Advanced Security Settings window to appear.
5. Now you have to change the Owner of the file. Next to the Owner label, click on the Change link.
6. The Select Group or User window will then pop up.
7. Choose the user account you want to give permission to via the Advanced button. You may also just enter the user account in the field that says “Enter the object name to select.”
8. Click the OK button.
9. This step is optional. But if you want to change the owner of all the files and subfolders inside the folder, check the box next to Replace owner on sub containers and objects. Click OK to confirm the change of ownership.
10. At this point, you have to provide full access to the folder or system file to your account. To do that, right-click on the folder or file again. Go to Properties -> Security.
11. Click the Add button.
12. Another window will appear on your screen. Click on the Select a principal option and select your account.
13. Set the permissions to Full Control. Hit the OK button.
14. You should now have full rights to the system file.

Conclusion

If you follow the steps above, you can fix any ndistpr64.sys errors in your Windows computer on your own. Just take note that the file you will be dealing with is a system file; that is why experts recommend running your computer in Safe Mode to fix it.

At times, removing the problematic file does not work. If that happens, you can try the other workarounds to fix the problem.

Do you know other ways to resolve the ndistpr64.sys error? We’d like to know. Share them in the comments section below!