CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingMedium
A technician installs a new third-party antivirus suite on a Windows 11 laptop. Immediately after rebooting, the laptop displays a blue screen with the error 'DRIVER_VERIFIER_DETECTED_VIOLATION' and continuously reboots in a loop. Which of the following actions should the technician take FIRST to resolve this issue?
- APerform a System Restore to a point before the antivirus installation.
- BBoot into Safe Mode and uninstall the newly installed antivirus software.
- CReinstall Windows 11 from scratch to ensure a clean system.
- DRun 'sfc /scannow' from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Boot into Safe Mode and uninstall the newly installed antivirus software.
The 'DRIVER_VERIFIER_DETECTED_VIOLATION' error points to a driver issue, and given it occurred immediately after installing new antivirus software, that software's drivers are the most likely culprit. Safe Mode provides a minimal environment where these problematic drivers are not loaded, allowing for their uninstallation as the quickest and most direct fix.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. System Restore is a viable option, but uninstalling the problematic software in Safe Mode is often quicker and more targeted if the issue is clearly tied to a recent installation.
- C. Reinstalling Windows is a drastic step and should be a last resort, especially when a specific cause (new software) is evident.
- D. sfc /scannow checks for corrupted Windows system files, but the error points to a specific driver conflict introduced by new software, not general system file corruption.
Driver Conflict BSOD (Third-Party Software)
BSODs occurring immediately after installing new third-party software, especially security software, often indicate a driver conflict. Safe Mode is crucial for remediation.
- Common BSOD errors include 'DRIVER_VERIFIER_DETECTED_VIOLATION' or specific driver names.
- Boot into Safe Mode to prevent problematic drivers from loading.
- Uninstall the recently installed software or roll back its drivers.
Memory trick: New software, blue screen? Safe Mode's the scene!