Share via

Windows 10 can't boot - Critical system driver is missing or contains errors

Anonymous
2022-12-21T17:22:28+00:00

Hi,

The file in question is: \Windows\system32\drivers\VmsProxyHNic.sys, error 0xc000007b

The file is there. I'm using an SSD. From a bootable USB I've tried:

  1. chkdsk C: No errors reported.
  2. Startup Repair - Says it couldn't repair my PC.
  3. Uninstall latest feature - Says it can't
  4. Restore from a prior point - There are none
  5. Copying the file in question to a .bak, then deleting the original and copying it back - No effect
  6. Can't boot into Safe Mode

Any other things I can try? I'd like to get this to boot again so I can at least see what programs I have installed.

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. Ramesh 176.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-01-04T03:32:15+00:00

    After running that command, have you checked the CBS log to see which components are missing?

    And regarding the failed repair installation, you can check setupact.log and setuperr.log in the Panther folder. Or download SetupDiag from this link and run it. The tool collects the setup logs and saves them into a zip file named Logs.zip on your desktop.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-04T02:39:21+00:00

    (1) I still say to try the repair-install again. It must be run from a Normal Boot (not Safe Mode), if you can get back there. Do the clean boot first, which unfortunately will require a 2nd boot to Normal Mode before you can do the repair-install. (But possibly the clean boot can be set up in Safe Mode, then boot to Normal Mode.). Definitely, wear a neckless of garlic this time. But a repair-install is the thing.

    (2) Had you made a system image after that successful boot to Normal Mode, you'd have locked the goodness in. Hopefully, you can get back there easily, though. Restore Points aren't as powerful. For one thing, a repair-install wipes them out.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

75 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Ramesh 176.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-12-21T17:33:04+00:00

    //Copying the file in question to a .bak, then deleting the original and copying it back - No effect//

    Regarding #6: Wondering if have you tried renaming the file (without copying it back)?

    Try renaming the file WINDOWS\system32\drivers\VmsProxyHNic.sys

    Let's say the Windows drive-letter is E:

    Run this in the Command Prompt window.

    • ren e:\windows\system32\drivers\VmsProxyHNic.sys VmsProxyHNic.old

    Reboot.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Ramesh 176.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-12-22T02:50:00+00:00

    See if running the Sfc /scannow command in WinRE helps.

    See How to Run System File Checker (SFC) Offline

    Pls use the command-line syntax (i.e., with logging) at the end of the article.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-12-21T22:17:27+00:00

    Not it tells me it doesn't like iorate.sys. If I rename it, then it still complains that it's missing or contains errors.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments