Fixing the 0x00000116 BSOD: How to Tackle the VIDEO_TDR_ERROR and Restore Your Display Driver

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error code 0x00000116, also known as VIDEO_TDR_ERROR, can be a frustrating experience for Windows users. This error typically occurs when there is an issue with the graphics driver, and the system fails to recover from a timeout error. This guide will explain what causes this BSOD, what it means for your system, and how to fix it. We’ll also provide helpful tips on preventing the error from recurring.

What Does the 0x00000116 BSOD Mean?

The error code 0x00000116 is a system crash related to your computer's graphics driver, which can trigger a Blue Screen of Death. The full error name is VIDEO_TDR_ERROR, where TDR stands for Timeout Detection and Recovery. When this error occurs, Windows attempts to reset the graphics driver after detecting a timeout in communication with the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but fails to do so.

In simpler terms, your system has encountered an issue while trying to reset the display driver to restore functionality after a timeout. As a result, the computer crashes and displays the BSOD with the 0x00000116 error code.

Causes of the 0x00000116 BSOD Error

The VIDEO_TDR_ERROR is caused by several underlying factors, including:

1. Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers: The most common cause of this error is when the graphics driver is either outdated, incompatible with the system, or corrupted. Graphics drivers play a crucial role in ensuring proper communication between the GPU and the operating system.

2. Overclocked GPU: Overclocking your GPU can cause instability in how it communicates with your system, leading to errors like the 0x00000116 BSOD.

3. Faulty Hardware: Physical issues with your GPU or other components related to your display system, such as the motherboard or RAM, can also lead to this error.

4. System Overheating: Overheating of the GPU or other internal components can cause the system to experience timeouts while trying to reset the display driver.

5. Thirdparty Software Conflicts: Some software programs, especially those that interact with the GPU (e.g., video games or video editing software), can conflict with the graphics driver, triggering the BSOD error.

6. Windows Updates and Compatibility Issues: Certain Windows updates or a mismatch between Windows versions and graphics drivers can lead to incompatibility, causing the 0x00000116 BSOD error.

How to Fix the 0x00000116 BSOD Error

Now that you understand the potential causes, here are several solutions you can try to fix the 0x00000116 BSOD error:

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

An outdated or corrupted graphics driver is one of the primary causes of the VIDEO_TDR_ERROR. Here's how to update your graphics driver:

 Step 1: Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

 Step 2: Expand the Display adapters section.

 Step 3: Rightclick your GPU and choose Update driver.

 Step 4: Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

 Step 5: Follow the onscreen instructions to install the latest drivers.

Alternatively, you can visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest driver for your GPU model.

2. Revert to a Previous Driver Version

If you recently updated your graphics driver and started encountering the 0x00000116 BSOD, it’s possible that the new driver is incompatible with your system. To fix this, you can roll back to the previous version of the driver:

 Step 1: Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters.

 Step 2: Rightclick your GPU and choose Properties.

 Step 3: Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver (if available).

 Step 4: Follow the prompts to revert to the previous driver version.

3. Check for Overclocking

If you have overclocked your GPU, revert it to its default settings:

•  Use software like MSI Afterburner or the GPU manufacturer’s utility to reset the GPU clock speeds to the factory default settings.
•  Overclocking can cause instability, leading to timeouts and BSOD errors.

4. Test for Hardware Issues

A faulty GPU or other hardware component can trigger the 0x00000116 BSOD. To diagnose hardware issues:

•  Test your GPU in another PC to see if the error persists. If it does, your GPU may be faulty and need replacing.
•  Run a memory test using Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for RAM issues.

5. Prevent Overheating

Overheating can lead to hardware instability, causing the system to time out when trying to reset the display driver. To avoid overheating:

•  Ensure that your PC’s internal cooling system (fans, heat sinks, etc.) is functioning properly.
•  Clean out any dust and debris that might block airflow inside your PC case.
•  Monitor GPU temperature using software like HWMonitor to ensure it stays within safe operating limits.

6. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Some applications, especially browsers and media players, use hardware acceleration to improve performance. However, this can sometimes conflict with your GPU, triggering the BSOD error.

•  Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Advanced > System and toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
•  Other applications: Look for similar settings in the preferences of programs that use hardware acceleration and disable them.

7. Perform a System Restore

If the error started occurring after a recent change, such as a new software installation or a Windows update, performing a system restore to a point before the issue began may resolve it:

 Step 1: Type System Restore in the search bar and open Create a restore point.

 Step 2: Click System Restore, follow the prompts, and select a restore point from before the issue started.

8. Run Windows System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause various BSOD errors. To fix this:

 Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator by typing cmd in the search bar, rightclicking it, and selecting Run as Administrator.

 Step 2: Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.

 Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete and follow the instructions to repair any issues.

How to Prevent the 0x00000116 BSOD Error in the Future

1. Regularly Update Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are always up to date, as newer versions often fix bugs and improve stability.

2. Monitor Hardware Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature of your GPU and other critical components to prevent overheating.

3. Avoid Overclocking: If you're experiencing issues, avoid overclocking your GPU or CPU unless you're confident it can handle it.

4. Check for System and Driver Compatibility: Before updating your operating system or drivers, check for compatibility issues to avoid conflicts that may lead to errors.

5. Use Antivirus Software: Malware and corrupt software can cause instability in your system, so it’s crucial to use reliable antivirus software to scan for threats.

Conclusion

The 0x00000116 BSOD error can be a sign of underlying issues with your GPU, drivers, or hardware. However, with the right approach, you can resolve the issue by updating drivers, rolling back recent changes, addressing hardware issues, and preventing overheating. By following this guide, you should be able to fix the error and prevent it from occurring in the future, keeping your system running smoothly.

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