ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR: 5 Ways to Fix it

The ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR Windows system error, with code 593 (0x251), appears when NTVDM (NT Virtual DOS Machine), requred for the execution of 16-bit applications, runs into an an error.

This happens due to compatibility issues, misconfigured user environment variables, incorrect Registry settings, and improper app installation. The message for Error Code 593 reads, NTVDM encountered a hard error.

Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the PC, install pending Windows and software updates, and switch to Windowed Mode from Full Screen Mode within the affected program. For most, these basic checks should do the trick!

How can I fix ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR in Windows?

1. Run the affected app in compatibility mode

1. Right-click on the affected app’s launcher (.exe file), and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab, tick the checkbox for Run this program in compatibility mode for, and select an older iteration of Windows from the dropdown menu.
3. Click Apply and OK to save the changes and then check for improvements.
4. If ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR still appears, choose another Windows iteration for compatibility mode.

2. Reconfigure the user environment variables

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type View advanced system settings, and click on the relevant result.
2. In the Advanced tab, click on Environment Variables.
3. Double-click on the TEMP entry here.
4. Enter C:\TEMP in the Variable value text field, and click OK.
5. Similarly, change the user variable for TMP to C:\TEMP and click OK to save the changes.
6. Finally, reboot the PC and check for improvements.

When facing ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR Win32 system error in Windows Server while running commands or apps, fixing the invalid user environment variables will get things up and running. This solution helps 3 out of 5 users!

3. Check the Registry

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers
4. Look for the VDD key and check if there are any incorrect entries in it, especially any pointing to DLLs that are not present on the PC.
5. If any such entries are found, right-click on them individually, select Delete, and confirm the change.

System errors like ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR often arise when DLLs related to recently uninstalled software are still linked to in the Registry Editor. You can also fix things by using a top-rated software uninstaller, as it clears all traces of the program.

4. Reinstall the affected app

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select the application that is throwing the system error, and click on Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and restart the PC.
4. Finally, reinstall the app from the developer’s official website and check for improvements.

5. Reinstall Windows

When nothing else works, the last option is to reinstall Windows. Before you do, move any critical files to an external storage drive to prevent data loss.

To reinstall Windows, connect a formatted flash drive to the PC > go to Microsoft’s official website > download the Media Creation Tool > use it to create a bootable Windows USB > access the BIOS > change the boot order to the bootable USB drive > run the Windows setup > install the OS.

If the ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR Win32 system error somehow persists, contact the affected app’s support team for more help because, at this point, the problem most likely lies with the app.

Before you leave, discover the common Windows errors and expert solutions to enjoy a seamless experience!

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.