Network Driver Interface Specification(NDIS) is a programming interface for network interface cards. ndis.sys is a critical system file that is developed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system. It serves as an archive for system driver settings used by the Windows system to communicate with the connected hardware and devices.
Generally, the file is not bound to bring any damages to the system. However, problems related to ndis.sys file, like ndis.sys failed BSOD (which displays the error message driver_irql_not_less_or_equal) and high latency, might appear due to faulty device drivers, damage to the hard disk, and other factors.
During such error episodes, most of us try to temporarily disable the ndis.sys file. However, doing so will not fix the problem. This is because the file is required for the normal functioning of the operating system. Even after disabling ndis.sys, the file will start all over again.
Luckily, you can fix ndis.sys failed issue by yourself. As blue screen errors are usually accompanied by data loss, you are recommended to always back up your data so that you can recover it with data recovery software after fixing the problem.
The following solutions will help you to fix your dis. sys failed BSOD error swiftly and efficiently;
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Update Your Drivers
Ndis.sys latency or a blue screen error can occur if you are using an outdated device driver or corrupted drivers. TheWindowsClub recommends that you update your device driver to fix the blue screen error. Follow the below steps to reinstall the network device driver to solve the network driver issue:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run window, then type devmgmt.msc and click OK to launch Device Manager.
- Right-click the drive that you would like to update and select Update Driver.
- Choose to Search automatically for updated driver software so that windows is able to search for the needed driver online. After that, please follow the apparent onscreen instructions to complete the driver update.
If this method does not work, you may consider rolling back your device driver.
2. Rolling back network drivers
Updating drivers sometimes comes with changes that may not apply to your Windows system. Identifying recently installed network drivers and then trying to restore to previous versions of the network drivers can help to fix the ndis.sys error problem. To roll back drivers:
- Open Control Panel and navigate to Device Manager. Click on Network adapters and select the network device you would like to roll back from the drop-down menu.
- Right-click on the network device and click on Properties. Go to the Drivers tab and click on Roll Back Drivers.
- Click Restart the system for the changes to take effect.
3. Scan for Malware
Some malware entities might dissemble as ndis.sys files, resulting in various ndis.sys problems. That being said, it is imperative to scan your computer for malware, Trojans, and potential viruses.
If you have not installed a standard third-party antivirus, you can use the built-in Windows Defender antivirus to scan the system and remove the malware on your computer. Just do as follows:
- Open windows settings
- Go to updates&security, Windows Security, and then click on Virus and threat protection.
- In the new window, Run a new advanced scan and choose to perform a Full scan.
- Click Scan now to commence the scan.
After getting rid of likely threats, reboot your computer to confirm if this method has taken effect.
4. Run an SFC scan
Perhaps some system files are corrupted or missing from the system. System File Checker(SFC) is a command prompt tool that scans for corrupted system files including ndis.sys files. It also repairs any available corrupted system files.
To run an SFC scan:
- Type cmd in the Run window and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with administrative privilege.
- Input the command sfc /scannow and press enter to commence scanning.
- It may take some time so wait patiently until the system scan is 100% complete.
If any corrupted files are detected, you need to exit the tool and restart your computer. During this period, the problematic system files will be succeeded by a cached copy.
5. Check Hard Drive errors
In addition to the above-mentioned sources, a corrupted hard drive is another reason for NDIS.sys problems worth mentioning. It may prove invaluable to check your hard drive for errors.
Checking hard drive errors is easier than you think. Just remove the hard drive from the host computer and connect it to a working device. Then, you can start checking hard drive errors with a reliable and efficient hard drive test utility.
Once finished, remount the hard drive to the initial computer. Your computer should now be able to run normally again. If you are still barred from starting the PC by the error, you can move on to other alternatives for fixing the problem.
6. Perform System Restore
If all the remedies fail to resolve ndis.sys error, you may consider performing a system restore to bring your Windows back to the initial status before ndis.sys failed. This adept method is usually adopted to resolve various system issues and it is safe as it won’t affect your data.
Partitionwizard equips you with the necessary methods to successfully restore Windows to an earlier date. You have to ensure that the system restore feature in your computer has been enabled. It is also crucial to create at least one system restore point. You can still try even if you didn’t create one. This is because your Windows routinely creates restore points when something important occurs to your PC, especially if there is a feasibility of data loss.
A NDIS.sys error is a common computer error. Don’t be terrified if your computer screen displays a blue screen error. Knowing all these methods, you are now sufficiently equipped with the necessary tools to correct a NDIS.sys error on your computer without consulting a professional.