Eliminate the DRIVER PNP watchdog error

  • Many Windows users see the DRIVER PNP WATCHDOG error when starting Windows or running Windows Update.
  • This post from Techquack put together workarounds to repair the PNP Watchdog Driver error.
  • The error may be caused by software issues, such as incorrect SATA controller settings in the BIOS, faulty device drivers, RAM problems, viruses and malware can cause the error.

 

Welcome to our article on fixing the Driver PNP Watchdog Error for Windows!

Update your drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can often trigger the Driver PNP Watchdog error. Ensure that all your drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers, are up to date. You can manually download them from the manufacturer’s website or use a reliable driver update software.

Causes of DRIVER PNP WATCHDOG Error BSOD

If you’re experiencing the DRIVER PNP WATCHDOG Error BSOD on your Windows computer, there are a few potential causes and fixes you can try.

One common cause is outdated or incompatible device drivers. To fix this, open Device Manager, right-click on the problematic driver, and select “Update driver.” If that doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.

Another possible cause is malware infections. Run a malware scan using reliable antivirus software to check for any infections.

Additionally, issues with system files or the Volume Shadow Service (VSS) can trigger the error. To fix these issues, you can use the Command Prompt to run system file checks or restore the VSS.

Remember to always back up your important files before making any changes to your system.

The driver PNP watchdog error is a warning sign that your system is experiencing issues with device drivers, which are essential for proper hardware functioning.

Changing SATA Controller Settings in BIOS

To change the SATA Controller settings in the BIOS, follow these steps:

1. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS by pressing the designated key during startup (usually F2 or Del).
2. Navigate to the “Advanced” or “Storage” tab, depending on your BIOS version.
3. Locate the SATA Controller settings and select the desired option (such as AHCI, IDE, or RAID).
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
5. Restart your computer and check if the Driver PNP Watchdog Error is resolved.

Note: Changing the SATA Controller settings may require reinstalling the operating system, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

If you’re still experiencing the error after changing the settings, you can try other fixes such as updating Windows, running System Services and Memory diagnostics, or using the Command Prompt to repair system files.

Remember to consult Microsoft’s support or a qualified technician for more specialized solutions if needed.

Checking Volume Shadow Copy Service

To fix the Driver PNP Watchdog Error in Windows, it’s important to check the Volume Shadow Copy Service. This service plays a crucial role in creating backup copies of files, and if it’s not functioning properly, it can cause various issues, including BSoDs.

To check the Volume Shadow Copy Service:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and locate the Volume Shadow Copy service.
4. Right-click on it and select Properties.
5. Make sure the service is set to “Automatic” and the status is “Running.” If not, click on the “Start” button and set the startup type to “Automatic.”
6. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

By ensuring the Volume Shadow Copy Service is running properly, you can resolve the Driver PNP Watchdog Error and prevent any further blue screen issues on your Windows PC.

Running a Full System Scan

To run a full system scan and fix the Driver PNP Watchdog error in Windows, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
4. Click “Disable all” to disable all non-Microsoft services.
5. Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
6. In the Task Manager, disable all startup programs by right-clicking and selecting “Disable.”
7. Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
8. Click “OK” and restart your computer.
9. After the restart, press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
10. Expand the “Display adapters” category and right-click on your graphics card driver.
11. Select “Uninstall device” and check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.”
12. Click “Uninstall” to remove the driver.
13. Restart your computer again.
14. After the restart, Windows will automatically install the default graphics driver.
15. Finally, run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus program to check for any malware infections.
16. If any infections are found, follow the antivirus program’s instructions to remove them.
17. Restart your computer once more to complete the process.

Note: If the error persists after following these steps, it is recommended to seek further assistance from a professional technician or Microsoft support.

Tweaking with Services

To fix the Driver PNP Watchdog Error in Windows, you may need to tweak with some system services. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate “Volume Shadow Copy” service.
4. Right-click on it and select “Properties”.
5. In the Properties window, change the Startup type to “Automatic”.
6. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
7. Locate “Windows Update” service in the Services window.
8. Right-click on it and select “Properties”.
9. Change the Startup type to “Automatic”.
10. Click on “Apply” and then “OK”.

By tweaking these services, you can resolve the Driver PNP Watchdog Error and prevent BSoDs. Remember to restart your computer after making these changes for them to take effect.

Note: If you’re not comfortable tweaking system services, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a specialized technician.

Running the Windows Updates Troubleshooter

To fix the Driver PNP Watchdog Error in Windows, you can try running the Windows Updates Troubleshooter. This tool helps identify and resolve issues related to the Windows Update component.

To run the Windows Updates Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Select Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu.
4. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
5. Scroll down and click on Windows Update.
6. Click on Run the troubleshooter.

Note: Make sure you have a stable internet connection before running the troubleshooter. It may take some time to complete the process.

After the troubleshooter finishes, restart your computer and check if the Driver PNP Watchdog Error is resolved. If the issue persists, you may need to try other solutions or seek further assistance.

Resetting the PC to Its Default Settings

If you’re experiencing the Driver PNP Watchdog error on your Windows PC, one potential solution is to reset your PC to its default settings. This can help resolve any conflicts or issues that may be causing the error.

To reset your PC, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and go to “Settings.”
2. Click on “Update & Security” and then “Recovery.”
3. Under “Reset this PC,” click on “Get started.”
4. Choose the option to “Keep my files” or “Remove everything,” depending on your preference and the severity of the issue.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Keep in mind that resetting your PC will remove any installed software and will revert your settings back to their default state. It’s always a good idea to back up any important files before proceeding.

Once the reset is complete, check if the Driver PNP Watchdog error has been resolved. If not, you may need to explore other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance from a specialist like Ivan Jenic or Outbyte.

Additional Fixes: Repairing PC Registry, Running CHKDSK, Installing Microsoft Hotfix, Updating System Drivers

  • Repairing PC Registry: Use a trusted registry cleaner tool to scan and fix any registry errors that may be causing the Driver PNP Watchdog error.
  • Running CHKDSK: Execute the CHKDSK command in Command Prompt to check and repair any issues with your hard drive that might be triggering the error.
  • Installing Microsoft Hotfix: Visit the official Microsoft website to download and install the recommended hotfix related to the Driver PNP Watchdog error for your specific Windows version.
  • Updating System Drivers: Ensure all your device drivers are up to date by either manually downloading the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website or using a reliable driver update tool.
    Installing Microsoft Hotfix: Visit the official Microsoft website to download and install the recommended hotfix related to the Driver PNP Watchdog error for your specific Windows version.
Updating System Drivers: Ensure all your device drivers are up to date by either manually downloading the latest versions from the manufacturer's website or using a reliable driver update tool.
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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.