If you’ve encountered Windows Error Code ERROR_136, you know how frustrating it can be. This error usually indicates a problem with your system’s hardware or software configuration, causing certain operations or programs to fail unexpectedly. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, this guide will walk you through detailed, easy-to-follow steps to resolve ERROR_136 and get your Windows PC back to smooth operation.
What is Windows Error Code ERROR_136?
Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand what ERROR_136 signifies. In most cases, ERROR_136 corresponds to the status message:
ERROR_INVALID_DATA
This means that the data being processed or requested by certain Windows functions is invalid or corrupted. This can surface due to corrupted system files, faulty hardware, outdated drivers, or misconfigured system settings.
Why Does ERROR_136 Occur?
Common causes include:
- Corrupt or missing system files
- Hard disk errors or bad sectors
- Incompatible or outdated device drivers
- Malware or virus infections
- Conflicts with recently installed software or updates
Now, let’s get hands-on with practical solutions!
Sometimes, the simplest step can work wonders.
- Save any open work.
- Restart your computer to clear temporary glitches.
- Try to reproduce the error to check if it persists.
If it does, move on to more advanced steps.
Corrupted system files often trigger ERROR_136. Windows provides built-in tools to check and repair these files.
How to Run SFC:
- Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
-
In the command window, type:
sfc /scannow
- Press Enter and wait patiently while Windows scans and repairs system files.
- If SFC finds errors but cannot fix all, proceed to the next step.
How to Run DISM:
- Open the elevated Command Prompt as above.
-
Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - This process can take several minutes; do not close the window.
- After completion, reboot your PC and check if the error is fixed.
Disk issues can cause corrupted data and trigger ERROR_136.
How to Run CHKDSK:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
-
Type:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Replace
C:with your main system drive letter if different. - Press Enter.
- You’ll be prompted to schedule the scan on the next reboot. Type Y and hit Enter.
- Restart your computer to allow CHKDSK to scan and fix disk errors.
Outdated or faulty drivers often cause system errors.
Update Drivers:
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand all categories where you suspect problems (commonly Display adapters, Network adapters, Disk drives).
- Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Repeat for all critical devices, then restart your PC.
Roll Back Drivers (If problem started after update):
- In Device Manager, right-click the device.
- Select Properties → Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver if available.
- Follow on-screen prompts and restart.
Malware can corrupt files and interfere with Windows functions.
- Use Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus.
- Run a full system scan to detect and quarantine threats.
- After cleanup, reboot your PC.
Some third-party applications or services may cause errors.
Steps to Clean Boot:
- Press Win + R, type
msconfig, hit Enter. - In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items.
- Close Task Manager and click OK on System Configuration.
- Restart your PC and check if ERROR_136 persists.
If the error stops, re-enable services and startup apps one by one to isolate the culprit.
If the error began recently, restoring your system to an earlier point may help.
- Press Win + R, type
rstrui, and Enter. - Follow the wizard to select a restore point before the error started.
- Proceed with the restoration and restart.
If none of the above work, a clean Windows installation might be necessary.
- Back up important data.
- Navigate to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
- Choose Reset this PC and select whether to keep files or remove everything.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
Final Thoughts
Encountering Windows Error Code ERROR_136 can disrupt your workflow, but don’t worry—most cases are fixable once you identify the root cause. By carefully following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to troubleshoot like a pro and restore your PC’s health.
If you’re still stuck after trying all these steps, consider reaching out to a professional technician or the Microsoft Support team for deeper diagnostics.
Additional Tips for Staying Error-Free
- Regularly update Windows and drivers.
- Keep your antivirus active and updated.
- Avoid uninstalling critical system files.
- Create periodic backups or system restore points.
If this guide helped fix your ERROR_136, please share it with others in need! Got questions or want to share your experience? Drop a comment below — let’s troubleshoot together.
Keywords: Windows error code ERROR_136, ERROR_136 fix, how to fix ERROR_136, Windows system error, Windows troubleshooting guide, ERROR_INVALID_DATA fix
Happy computing! 😊
