How To Fix The Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero Error

Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, When I start my computer, it keeps restarting and showing me the blue screen error. I’m think this code is the error ” DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO ”. How can I fix this!“- Brittney R., Canada

Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:

Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.

Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.

Wally’s Answer: The Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero error results from faulty drivers. Seeing this blue screen error for the first time can be a bit worrisome. This error causes the computer to crash and doesn’t give you a lot of hints about how to deal with it. Thankfully, as long as you know how to do it, you will be fine.

Problem

The computer shows a blue screen with the Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero error on it. The computer crashes after showing this error.

DEVICE_REFERENCE_COUNT_NOT_ZERO - Cover - BSoD -- Windows Wally

Cause

It is usually caused by corrupt device drivers.
Incompletely installed programs can trigger this error.
Unsuccessful termination of an application program can trigger it as well.
Sometimes the device tries to uninstall a driver and causes this error due to incompatibility issues between the hardware and Windows.

Solution

Here are some ways to fix the Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero error:

Use System Restore

You can use the System Restore feature to restore Windows to a previous state. Click here to learn more about how to use system restore to fix the computer.

Use The Last Known Configuration

This fix will most likely only work for Windows XP. After the Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero appears a few times, you should see the Advanced Boot Options screen automatically.

Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero - Advanced Boot Options -- WindowsWally

Here you can use the Last Known Configuration option to fix this problem.

Use Safe Mode To Start And Troubleshoot Windows

You can choose to run the computer in safe mode from the Advanced Boot Options screen shown above. In case the Advanced Boot Options screen won’t appear for you automatically, you can still start Windows in safe mode by using the Windows installation disk.

Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero - Windows DVD or USB - Boot -- WindowsWally

Boot the computer using a Windows installation disk and use the repair options. You can try to fix the Windows startup here using the option to Automatically fix startup issues. Its name will vary depending on what version of Windows you’re using.

**Update Device Drivers To Fix The Device_Reference_Count_Not_Zero Error**

Once you can start Windows in Safe Mode, you can try fixing it by updating device drivers. This error and most other blue screen errors are caused by problems with the device drivers. This can be fixed by updating and installing the correct device drivers from the computer manufacturer’s website. You can do this by identifying the make and model of your computer on the computer manufacturer’s website.

After downloading all the drivers, install them one-by-one. Make sure to restart the computer after installing each device driver to ensure a safe and complete installation. You can also choose to use a driver update utility such as DriverDoc to update device drivers effortlessly.

I Hope You Liked This Blog Article! If You Need Additional Support on This Issue Then Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Me On Facebook.

Is Your PC Healthy?

I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.

Happy Computing!

Wally's Answer Rating

Quick Solution (How fast can you do it?)

Easy Solution (How easy is it?)

Beginner-Friendly (Recommended for beginners?)

Summary: Every Windows Wally blog post is evaluated on these three criteria. The average of all three elements determines an "Overall Rating" for each blog post.

4.2

Overall Rating

Tags: device reference count not zero, device_reference_count_not_zero, direct3d 11, direct3d acceleration, direct3d device, dll repair tool, download direct3d, error 126, free registry repair, missing dll, repair dll

About the Author

Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.