How to fix
Ndistpr64.sys BSOD Error
on Windows

Please help!!!! I assume that a virus infected my computer with the MS Office update or another program that I’ve recently downloaded. Now I’m really frustrated because my PC starts as it does normally, but after 20 seconds, it gets stuck with a BSOD, which reads as following: Stop Code: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL What Failed: ndistpr64.sys. What does it mean? How to fix that?

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is a BSOD[ref en-1] error, which occurs on Windows OS when the files like mfewfpk.sys, ndis.sys, Epfwwfp.sys, kbdclass.sys, storahci.sys get damaged. Typically, it shows up in Windows boot phase and prevents the system from booting up normally.

If the PC user can boot up the system, for example, using Safe Mode or Clean Boot, it’s advisable to follow the instructions of the experts immediately. First of all, it’s crucial to check the system for malware using a professional anti-malware. If a powerful security software does not recognize any viruses, the solution would be to update/reinstall the drivers. In case the PC can't be started, the only solution would be to use a bootable USB drive[ref en-2] and boot the system from it to fix DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.

Unfortunately, but the matters go worse if the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is related to ndistpr64.sys file. Computer security experts have already identified it as an undesirable and classified it as malware[ref en-3] and PUP.

However, the fact that ndistpr64.sys error usually prevents the system from booting makes people believe that they caught a serious cyber infection. Technically, the ndistpr64.sys file is known as a software driver, which can be added to the system by the SmartService Trojan, which blocks anti-virus and other security software from running.

Consequently, if the PC owner encounters the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (ndistpr64.sys) BSOD, he/she will not be able to boot the PC, except in Safe Mode. Anyway, the SmartService Trojan may block the anti-virus with "The requested resource is in use" error message. If you are having this exact issue, try using the following instructions below to fix  DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (ndistpr64.sys) BSOD and regain the operation of your PC.

Step 1. Boot your PC into Safe Mode

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (ndistpr64.sys) error is usually encountered when malicious files make modifications to the system, hence it is unable to boot in normal mode. Since ndistpr64.sys driver software is not crucial for a system’s performance, and it’s advisable to remove it without delay. To be able to access it, you have to boot your machine in Safe Mode:

• Restart your PC.
• When the system configuration window shows up, select Troubleshoot.
• Click on Advanced Options.
• On the Startup Settings screen, select Enable Safe Mode and then Restart.

  

Step 2. Launch Command Prompt to remove ndistpr64.sys

Command Prompt needs to be accessed in order to eliminate the problematic file and fix ndistpr64.sys error:

• When the system boots up, click on Start button and type cmd or Command Prompt.
• Right-click on the search results and select Run as Administrator.
• Or right-click on Windows key and select Command Prompt (Admin) (older builds).
• Type DEL /F /S /Q /A C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\ ndistpr64.sys (without quotes) and press Enter.

  

Step 3. Run a scan with anti-malware software

Before rebooting the system after the removal of ndistpr64.sys file, we would recommend running a scan with a professional anti-malware. As we have already pointed out, the file itself is not the crucial system file. Contrary, it is recognized as a potentially unwanted program or virus, which may lead to serious issues, including total system crash or the infection of ransomware. Often it is distributed along with other malicious files, so we would strongly recommend running a scan with [d1] or another professional anti-virus.

In case the SmartService Trojan blocks Reimage or another anti-malware that is installed on your PC, try to run Windows Defender offline or install another security software. If that does not help, enable a System Restore Point if you had created it before the issues with the BSOD started. Hopefully, this article was useful, and you have managed to fix ndistpr64.sys BSOD without difficulties.