Windows 8.1 error: "thread stuck in device driver"

Anonymous
2013-11-20T13:05:26+00:00

After installing the Windows 8.1 update without issue, every time I turn on my computer a screen appears that saying that there was an error when the last session ended, and that the issue pertains to "thread_stuck_in_device_driver". This has occurred every time for the last 6 days, and I have used system restore and Windows Update and the issue still remains. Has anyone found a solution to a similar problem?

Thanks, Jarred

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Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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Anonymous
2015-08-25T16:30:23+00:00

The Dell support page offers a few things to check, but says if all else fails, replace the video card.

Maybe replacing the video card is worth it to get rid of all the headaches. 

THREAD STUCK IN DEVICE DRIVER

This Blue Screen error indicates that a device driver-almost always a video card driver-is stuck waiting for something (usually a hardware operation) to happen. Most of you have probably seennv4_disp.sys associated with this Blue Screen.

  1. Ensure the video drivers are updated to the latest Dell version.
  2. The system BIOS is fully up-to-date.
  3. If both the video driver and the system BIOS are fully up-to-date, check with the manufacturer for recent driver updates.
  4. As a last resort, try exchanging the video card.

Note: Reinstalling Windows is not likely to prevent this error from reoccurring.

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/SLN129813/EN#Error6

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-29T13:55:40+00:00

    Did you download every single update they showed you or just selected some? Because I have an Inspiron 15 R SE 7520 and it came up with a lot of drivers. I just want my laptop to sleep again and for microphone to work. Thank you!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-26T00:11:53+00:00

    I really feel sorry for all the people who have been constantly posting about Windows 8.1 upgrade issues on their Dell PCs over the past 6 months. I was one of those who invested many weeks trying to resolve these issues. Mind you I also had some issues with the performance of the new Dell laptop I purchased as well. In the end I made the decision that the laptop and Microsoft's OS were not worth the investment of my money or time, so I returned the new laptop to Dell and requested a full refund (which I am pleased to say, I did receive!)

    I went straight to the Apple Store and purchased a MacBook Air. After being a PC user for 25 years, I can say that I am now a Mac convert. Couldn't be happier with both the hardware and the OS.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-25T20:52:45+00:00

    I am going to write a report to BBC 'Watchdog' about this problem and the lack of response or service from Microsoft.  I would ask that any UK or Irish contributors also do the same and maybe that way they will respond.  I apologise to any US or other nationalities but maybe there is a similar program in your respective countries.

    I am one of the UK contributors to this thread, but I don't think I will write to the BBC as in my case the information that I picked up from the thread was enough to get me over the main problems. I think Microsoft's mistake was to publicise Win 8.1 as an easy upgrade when in fact the upgrade process requires re-installation of a number of non-Microsoft drivers, depending on your hardware. We all ran into problems because it was not obvious that this was necessary.

    It would have been better for Microsoft to encourage all the major suppliers like Dell to publish their own upgrade procedures, and then Microsoft could recommend users to wait for their supplier to provide this information before attempting the upgrade. I envisage the Windows 8.1 upgrade page on the Dell web site should look something like:

    1. Select your Dell model here (link leads to model-specific page, eg, Inspiron 15R)
    2. Click here to download the drivers for your model - please save them to your desktop or somewhere where you can easily find them
    3. When you are ready, go to the Microsoft Store, download and install the Windows 8.1 upgrade
    4. VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT: after the upgrade is installed, also install the drivers that you have just downloaded.

    A post-installation trouble-shooting guide would be useful, but is much easier to prepare once users have run into the problems.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-03-25T15:24:03+00:00

    I am going to write a report to BBC 'Watchdog' about this problem and the lack of response or service from Microsoft.  I would ask that any UK or Irish contributors also do the same and maybe that way they will respond.  I apologise to any US or other nationalities but maybe there is a similar program in your respective countries.

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