Please help resolve Issue event 161 volmgr BugCheckProgress was: 0x00040049

Resolving Event 161 Volmgr BugCheckProgress Error Causing Random BSODs and Restarts

Are you experiencing unpredictable Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors and random system restarts on your Windows PC? If so, you’re not alone. A common triggering event for such issues can be the Event 161 Volmgr BugCheckProgress error, often accompanied by system instability during activities like browsing or gaming. This article provides a comprehensive overview of troubleshooting steps and solutions to resolve this frustrating issue.

Understanding the Issue

The Event 161 Volmgr BugCheckProgress typically indicates underlying problems with volume management or disk-related components. When coupled with BSODs and spontaneous restarts, it suggests that the system’s volume or storage subsystem may be compromised or conflicting. Addressing this problem requires a systematic approach, checking hardware health, software configurations, and driver stability.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Verify Hardware Integrity

• Memory Diagnostics: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to detect potential RAM issues.

• Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.

• Choose to restart and check for problems.

• Disk Checks: Perform thorough disk health checks using chkdsk.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.

• Run chkdsk /f /r /x C: (replace C: with your drive letter).

2. Review and Update System Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can contribute to system instability. Ensure all drivers, especially storage and chipset drivers, are current.

• Use Windows Device Manager or dedicated driver update utilities to identify and update drivers.
• Visit hardware manufacturers’ websites for the latest driver downloads.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Keeping your system up to date fixes known bugs and security issues that could be causing instability.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Check for updates and install any available patches.

4. Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Improper virtual memory configuration can lead to system crashes.

• Open sysdm.cpl from Run dialog (Windows + R).
• Navigate to the Advanced tab > Performance section > Settings.
• Go to Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change.
• Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
• Select your system drive, choose Custom size, and set initial and maximum size to recommended values (typically 1.