Solutions to Fix ERROR_SECURITY_STREAM_IS_INCONSISTENT – Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) Error

Step 1: Execute CHKDSK to Repair File System Issues

To repair file system issues, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select “Run as administrator” to open the Command Prompt with administrative rights.
2. Accept the User Account Control (UAC) prompt by clicking Yes.
3. Type the following command to check for file system errors: chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: with the letter of the affected drive) and press Enter.
4. If this command targets your system drive, you will be prompted to schedule a scan on the next restart. Hit Y and press Enter.
5. Restart your computer to initiate the CHKDSK scan during boot.

Pro Tip: The scan duration varies depending on the drive size and issues detected; ensure you allocate enough time for it to complete.

Step 2: Verify the Security Settings of the Drive

Ensure proper security settings by checking the drive’s properties:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the affected drive and choose Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab and click Advanced.
4. Review the listed user accounts and modify permissions as necessary.

Step 3: Utilize the icacls Command to Reset Drive Permissions

To reset permissions on the problematic drive, perform the following:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Confirm the UAC prompt by selecting Yes.
3. Type the command icacls "C:\path\to\folder" /reset /t /c /q (replace with the actual folder path) and press Enter.

Pro Tip: Adjust the path to reset permissions for specific files or directories as needed.

Step 4: Conduct SFC and DISM Scans

SFC and DISM scans help fix corrupted system files:

1. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Press Yes on the UAC prompt.
3. Execute the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. After the SFC scan, run Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows images, then hit Enter.
5. Restart your computer to apply any changes made.

Step 5: Revert Your System to an Earlier Version

To restore previous system settings that may resolve the BSoD:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type sysdm.cpl and click OK.
3. In the System Properties window, navigate to the System Protection tab and click on System Restore.
4. Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
5. Pick a restoration point before you encountered the issue and click Next.
6. Press Finish to start the restoration.

Step 6: Conduct a System Repair Using Windows Installation Media

Creating Installation Media

Follow these steps to create Windows installation media:

1. On another working computer, go to the Microsoft software download site and click Download Now.
2. Run the mediacreation.exe file and accept the UAC prompt.
3. Click Accept to agree to the licensing terms in the setup wizard.
4. Connect a USB drive, select the USB flash device option, and hit Next.
5. Choose your language, edition, and architecture, followed by clicking Next.
6. Select the USB device again and click Next, then follow prompts to create the media.

Executing Startup Repair

Use the created installation media to repair your system:

1. Restart your computer and boot from the USB media (adjust boot order if needed).
2. Select Repair your computer.
3. On the Choose an option screen, click on Troubleshoot.
4. In the Troubleshoot section, choose Advanced options.
5. Click Startup Repair and follow the on-screen instructions.

What causes the ERROR_SECURITY_STREAM_IS_INCONSISTENT BSoD?

How can I prevent this BSoD from occurring again?