Fix hardlock.sys Blue Screen Of Death error in Windows 11/10

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This hardlock.sys Bluish Screen error appears on the PC screen when y'all endeavor to install a Windows Feature Update or a Cumulative Update. The update process starts unremarkably only fails and reverts dorsum almost at the last stage of installation. In this mail, we will provide the most suitable solutions you can attempt to successfully resolve this result.

Hardlock.sys is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers binder and is not essential for the running of the Windows Os. The file is developed by a tertiary-political party provider – but contains Microsoft'due south digital signature.

Fix hardlock.sys Blue Screen error

If yous're faced with PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA – hardlock.sys Stop Mistake, you tin can attempt our recommended solutions below in no particular order and encounter if that helps to resolve the issue.

Modify the registry
Uninstall driver via Command Prompt
Update driver
Uninstall Windows Update
Run System Restore.

Permit's take a await at the description of the procedure involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

If you tin can log in usually, expert; else you volition have to boot into Safe Fashion, enter the Avant-garde Startup options screen, or use the Installation Media to boot to be able to carry out these instructions.

1] Modify the registry

Basically, hardlock.sys is a software component of Spotter/Aladdin HASP which is a part of 3rd party app. Sentinel HASP is a concurrent usage software licensing solution provided by SafeNet. And so a small registry tweak can aid yous to install the latest Windows update without receiving the BSOD error.

Since this is a registry functioning, information technology is recommended that you back upward the registry or create a arrangement restore betoken as necessary precautionary measures. Once done, you can go on as follows:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type regedit and striking Enter to open Registry Editor.
Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Hardlock

At the location, on the right pane, double-click on Start entry to edit its properties.
In the properties dialog, set its Value data every bit 4.
Click OK to save changes.

Now try to install Windows 10 and it will complete successfully.

two] Uninstall driver via Command Prompt

The hardlock.sys process is also known every bit Hardlock Device Commuter for Windows NT and is a part of Hardlock Device Driver for Windows NT or, every bit the case may be, Sentinel LDK. This software is produced by Aladdin Knowledge Systems.

This solution simply requires you to uninstall the problematic driver via the control line. In one case done, y'all can then retry the update installation which should complete successfully without any errors.

Practice the following:

First of all, download the haspdinst zip file. [Link removed every bit the tool has been taken down].
In one case the download is complete, unzip the file to your C: bulldoze.
Now, press Windows cardinal + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type cmd so printing CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to open Command Prompt in admin/elevated manner.
In the command prompt window, type or copy and paste the control below and hit Enter.

haspdinst.exe -kp -r -fr -5 -purge

Once the command executes and uninstalls the driver, try updating your organisation.

iii] Update the concerned driver

Practise the following:

Press Windows key + X to open the Power User Carte du jour.
Press M cardinal on the keyboard to open up Device Manager.
On the Device Manager console, locate and expand the device's list to run across Lookout man driver.
Once you see information technology, do a right-click on information technology and selectUpdate Driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers from the adjacent window.
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the driver update.

4] Uninstall Windows Update

Sometimes, this error occurs after the installation of certain Windows Updates. Then, if the upshot happens to appear just after installing the updates, you can uninstall the updates and see if this fixes the problem.

5] Run System Restore

If zilch helps, y'all may run System Restore and encounter if it helps.

Hope this helps!

Obinna Onwusobalu, has studied Data & Communication Technology and is a slap-up follower of the Windows ecosystem. He runs a computer software clinic. He says it'due south best practice to create a Arrangement Restore Betoken before making whatever changes to your PC.