Video_TDR_Failure Fix For Windows 10

 

The Video_TDR_Failure_Error is a “blue screen of death” error that can prop up on Intel’s Nvidia and AMD’s ATI graphics cards. This error is related to the atikmpag.sys and atikmdag.sys system files (on ATI graphics cards) or the nvlddmkm.sys and igdkmd64.sys files (on NVIDIA graphics cards). Either may show on the Video_TDR_Failure error. For faster troubleshooting, it helps to understand the processes behind the Video_TDR_Failure_Error.

Understanding The Video_TDR_Failure Error

A fault initiates the Video_TDR_Failure error in the TDR. The TDR stands for Timeout, Detection, and Recovery. The Video_TDR is designed to prevent system crashes, by resetting drivers or the video card’s GPU whenever an error or timeout occurs. Naturally, when the Video_TDR fails, a Video_TDR_Failure error is presented (following a system crash and “blue screen of death”).

Possible Video_TDR_Failure Error Causes

As stated, the Video_TDR_Failure error is the result of system errors that cannot be resolved. Such errors can stem from Hardware or Software faults such as:

• Outdated Drivers
• Overclocked Components
• Outdated System Updates
• System Power Deficiencies
• System Cooling Deficiencies
• Defective components (memory, chips, etc.)
• Too many running programs (Potential to Overflow System Resources)

Now that you understand, hopefully, the error a bit better, it is time to troubleshoot it!

Troubleshooting the Video_TDR_Failure Error

Consider booting your computer into Safe Mode while troubleshooting. It is not required but may help, if the issue persists during troubleshooting. Safe Mode loads minimal drivers to the system.

Check Your Power Settings

As stated in the TDR_Failure_Error causes section, low power can lead to Video_TDR_Failures (especially if the demands on the graphics card are high). Fortunately, your computer power level can easily be adjusted with the PCI Express Power Management Settings. Just follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Start menu and search for Control Panel.
2. Left-click on System and Security.
3. Click Power Options.
4. On the top right, click Change plan settings.
5. Click Change advanced power settings.
6. Click on the PCI Express drop down and change the Maximum power savings to off.

The updated power settings should fix any power issues that could be causing the Video_TDR_Failure error. If the error persists, continue to the next section.

Check for Windows Updates

Critical updates are meant to be installed quickly and are needed to resolve hardware and software issues, to include the Video_TDR_Failure. Usually Windows updates are automatic but at times may need a helping hand. Update Windows to be sure that important updates are not missing, to include updates that might impact the graphics card. Check for Windows updates by following these instructions:

1. 1. Open the Start menu and search for Settings.
   2. Click Update & Security.
   3. Click Check for Updates and update if available.

Note: Windows Updates may help but cannot always resolve the issue. Continue to the next section if your system continues to crash.

Update the Display Drivers

Try updating the display drivers to see if it resolves the Video_TDR_Failure. Driver updates may include critical patches that could affect your Video_TDR. Automatic driver updates are recommended but can also be done manually:

1. 1. Go to the Start menu and search for Device Manager.
   2. Click the Display adapters drop down and select Update driver.
   3. Click Search automatically for updated driver software to have windows search for driver updates.

Note: Windows will not always find the most recent hardware drivers. If no updates are found, consider automated driver support to locate and install the latest hardware drivers.

If you prefer the extra work, visit your video card’s manufacturer for the most recent driver updates. Download the driver then click Browse my computer for driver software to navigate to and manually install your downloaded driver.

Replace your .sys files

Corrupted atikmpag.sys and atikmdag.sys files (for AMD cards) and corrupted nvlddmkm.sys and igdkmd64.sys files (for Intel cards) may be causing repeated VIDEO_TDR_Error Faults. If the fault reappears, it is best to replace those files by following these steps:

1. 1. Navigate to the Windows Start menu and search for File Explorer.
   2. Navigate to your Drivers directory, which is usually at C:WindowsSystem32Drivers and search for atikmpag.sys or the atikmdag.sys file and rename it as atikmpag.sys.old or atikmdag.sys.old respectively. Your C:drive should contain an additional folder called atikmpag.sy_. Copy the atikmpag.sy_ file to your desktop.

Note: On Nvidia cards, it will be listed as either at the nvlddmkm.sys or igdkmd64.sys file. Rename the files as nvmlddmkm.sys.old or igdkmd64.sys.old respectively. Copy the nvlddmkm.sy_ file to the desktop. If you are having any issues, the original “blue screen of death” should list the file fault.

1. Go to Windows Start and type CMD.
2. Type chdir desktop to change the directory to the desktop.
3. Type expand.exe atikmdag.sy_atikmdag.sys or expand -r atikmdag.sy_atikmdag.sys. On Nvidia cards type expand.exe nvlddmkm.sy_nvlddmkm.sys or expand -r nvlddmkm.sy_nvlddmkm.sys.
4. When the process completes, copy the new atikmdag.sys or nvlddmkm.sys file to the driver folder they were originally located in (back in step 2).
5. Restart your computer.

Driver Support Can Help with Video TDR Failure

Since 1996, Driver Support has been trusted by many to help alleviate common issues that plague computer users. As times change, users find that they need a little extra help keeping everything up and running smoothly, and when something like video TDR failure occurs, we’re here to help.

During the initial running, Driver Support will inventory a user’s computer for all active device types, and after they fully register with our services, our technology will update any drivers that are missing or out of date. Give DriverSupport | ONE a try today! to get started.