Are you encountering the dreaded Windows ERROR_90 on your PC? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and more importantly, this problem is solvable! In this detailed, easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to diagnose and fix ERROR_90 on your Windows system, ensuring you get back to smooth, uninterrupted computing.
What is Windows ERROR_90?
ERROR_90, also known as ERROR_SHARING_BUFFER_EXCEEDED, corresponds to the message:
"The sharing buffer is exceeded."
This error usually occurs when Windows encounters an issue managing shared resources, such as files, devices, or network connections. It indicates that the system’s sharing buffer — a temporary storage area used to handle shared accesses — is overloaded or misconfigured.
Common scenarios for ERROR_90 include:
- Network drives or file shares not accessible
- Failure when trying to open certain files or devices
- Problems with printer or scanner sharing
- Issues during software installation or updates
Why Does ERROR_90 Happen?
Before fixing ERROR_90, it helps to understand the underlying causes:
- Excessive number of open shared files or connections: Your system might be reaching the maximum allowed simultaneous shared accesses.
- Faulty or outdated network drivers: Improper communication with shared network resources.
- Corrupted system files or registry entries: Which can confuse the sharing buffer.
- Third-party software conflicts: Antivirus or security tools blocking shared access.
- System resource limits: Low system memory or configuration restrictions limiting sharing buffers.
Knowing these causes will help you better troubleshoot and fix the problem permanently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix ERROR_90 on Windows
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart clears temporary resource locks.
- Save your work.
- Click Start > Power > Restart.
- After rebooting, try to reproduce the error.
If the problem persists, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Close Excessive Shared Connections or Applications
Too many shared connections can overload the buffer.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look under the Processes tab for apps using file/network shares.
- Right-click and End task on unnecessary apps, especially those with open network connections.
- Close any open mapped network drives:
- Open File Explorer.
- Right-click network drives and select Disconnect.
Then, retry the operation triggering ERROR_90.
Step 3: Check and Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers often cause sharing issues.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click your network card and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updates.
- Follow any prompts to install drivers.
If no update is found, visit your PC manufacturer’s support website to download the latest drivers manually.
Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) Tool
Corrupted system files can affect sharing buffers.
- Type cmd in Windows search, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
-
Enter this command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- The tool will scan and repair corrupted files. Wait for completion.
- Restart the computer and check if ERROR_90 still appears.
Step 5: Adjust the IRPStackSize Registry Value
One common fix is increasing the IRPStackSize value, which controls buffer size for network shares.
Important: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Please back up your Registry before proceeding.
How to Backup Registry
- Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter.
- Click File > Export.
- Save the backup with a recognizable name.
Modifying IRPStackSize
-
In Registry Editor, navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters
- Look for a DWORD value named IRPStackSize.
- If it exists, double-click it.
- If not, right-click the Parameters key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it IRPStackSize.
- Set the value to 15 (Decimal). The default is usually 15; you can try increasing it up to 50 if issues persist.
- Click OK and exit the Registry Editor.
- Restart your PC for changes to take effect.
This increases the sharing buffer size and often resolves ERROR_90.
Step 6: Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily
Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software interfere with network sharing.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software.
- Retry your operation causing ERROR_90.
- If it works fine, adjust your security software settings to allow sharing or consider switching to another product.
Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Conflicts
If ERROR_90 continues, you may have conflicting startup programs.
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
- Select the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items.
- Close Task Manager and click OK on the System Configuration window.
- Restart your PC and test.
If the error disappears, enable services and startup apps one by one to find the culprit.
Step 8: Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases patches that fix bugs:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any pending updates and reboot your PC.
Step 9: Seek Professional Help if Needed
If none of these steps work, there may be a deeper system issue.
- Contact Microsoft Support.
- Consult a trusted IT professional.
- Consider reinstalling Windows as a last resort after data backup.
Final Thoughts
Windows ERROR_90 can be frustrating, but with patience and the right troubleshooting steps, it’s often easy to resolve. Start with simple fixes like restarting and closing apps, then gradually move to driver updates, registry tweaks, and system scans. Most importantly, always back up important data before making significant changes.
If this guide helped you remove ERROR_90, share it with friends and family who might be struggling too! Got questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below—we love hearing from you.
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By following this step-by-step, SEO-optimized, and user-friendly guide, you’re well on your way to a smoother Windows experience without the ERROR_90 interruptions. Happy computing!
