How to fix Event ID 161 Volmgr error on Windows 10/11

What is Event ID 161 Volmgr Error

Event ID 161 Volmgr error is logged in the Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System, indicating that the system encountered issues with creating or accessing the crash dump file. This error can hinder effective troubleshooting of system crashes, as it prevents the generation of valuable diagnostic data. Event ID 161 Volmgr errors can be perplexing and worrisome for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. Typically found in the Event Viewer, this error is related to the Volume Manager and often signifies issues affecting the system’s ability to create crash dump files during a system crash or blue screen of death (BSOD) incidents. This article delves into what Event ID 161 Volmgr error is, explores why it appears, and provides a comprehensive guide to resolving it.

Why Does Event ID 161 Volmgr Error Appear?

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of the Event ID 161 Volmgr error:

1. Incorrect System Configuration: Certain system settings might prevent the creation of crash dump files.
2. Disk Space Issues: Insufficient disk space on the system reserved partition or the partition where crash dumps are saved.
3. Corrupted System Files: Corruption in system files can affect the system’s ability to handle crash dumps.
4. Outdated or Faulty Drivers: Drivers that are outdated or malfunctioning can lead to system instability and errors in managing crash dumps.

Fixing Event ID 161 Volmgr error manually

Resolving the Event ID 161 Volmgr error involves checking and adjusting system settings, ensuring adequate disk space, and verifying the integrity of system files and drivers.

1. Check and Configure System Settings

Ensure that your system is configured to create crash dump files correctly:

1. Right-click Start, select System, and click on Advanced system settings on the right pane.
2. Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Startup and Recovery section.
3. In the Write debugging information dropdown, ensure it’s set to anything other than “None”.
4. Confirm the dump file path is correct (usually %SystemRoot%\MEMORY.DMP).

2. Ensure Adequate Disk Space

Check the system reserved partition and the partition designated for crash dumps to ensure there’s enough space:

1. Use Disk Cleanup to free up space on your system drive.
2. Consider increasing the size of the system reserved partition with third-party partition management tools, if necessary.

3. Check for Disk Errors

Run a disk check to look for and repair disk errors that might be causing the Event ID 161 error:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter. You might need to schedule the disk check on the next system restart.

4. Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can be a root cause of the error. To check and repair system files:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Windows 11 Start -> Terminal (Admin)

Windows 11 Terminal -> sfc /scannow

5. Update Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause a variety of system issues:

1. Go to Device Manager and check for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
2. Update drivers by right-clicking on the device and selecting Update driver. Alternatively, download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

You can also use IObit Driver Booster to perform automatic updates. It is way faster than going through the manual process because the utility will find aged or malfunctioned drivers and update them on its own. Here is the link to download it.

Driver Booster start screen

Driver Booster scan results

Driver Booster tools section

6. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with the creation of crash dumps:

1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
2. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
3. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click Save changes.

7. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Ensure that any BIOS/UEFI settings related to virtualization and memory protection (such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V) are enabled, as their configuration might impact crash dump generation.

Conclusion

Event ID 161 Volmgr error can impede the diagnostic process for system crashes but addressing it effectively involves ensuring proper system configuration, maintaining disk space, checking for disk and system file integrity, updating drivers, and adjusting power settings. Through these steps, users can resolve the error and restore the system’s ability to generate crucial crash dumps for troubleshooting. If issues persist, it might be advisable to consult with a professional or explore further diagnostic avenues.