How to Fix ILLEGAL_ATS_INITIALIZATION BSoD Error

The ILLEGAL_ATS_INITIALIZATION error represented by the code 0x000001E9 is a critical Windows error commonly known as a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). This error occurs when a driver attempts to improperly activate the Address Translation Services (ATS) on a device that is already configured for Shared Virtual Memory (SVM).

If you’ve recently introduced new hardware components, such as RAM, peripheral devices, or a hard drive, consider removing or disconnecting those devices temporarily.

How can I resolve the ILLEGAL_ATS_INITIALIZATION error?

1. Update or reinstall the device driver

1. Press Windows + R to access the Run dialog.
   

   

2. Enter devmgmt.msc and click OK to launch the Device Manager application.
3. Expand all categories in the system device list to identify any devices with a yellow triangle and an exclamation mark, indicating an issue.
4. Right-click the problematic device and choose Update driver from the context menu.
   

   

5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
   

   

Windows will attempt to identify the correct driver for your device. If unsuccessful, visit the hardware manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver. Alternatively, consider using a reputable third-party driver updater tool to ensure your device drivers are current.

If updating the driver does not resolve the issue, reinstall the driver using the following method:

1. In the Device Manager, locate the faulty driver, right-click it, and select Uninstall device.
   

   

2. Confirm by clicking Uninstall again.
3. After the device is uninstalled, go to Action and select Scan for hardware changes from the dropdown menu to reinstall the necessary drivers.
   

   

2. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

1. Press the Windows key, type windows memory diagnostic into the search bar, and select Open from the options provided.
   

   

2. Click on Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
   

   

3. Your PC will reboot and automatically check the memory for any errors.

If the diagnostics indicate RAM issues, try reseating the memory and rerunning the test. If errors persist, you may need to replace the RAM or memory modules.

3. Execute a CHKDSK scan

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search field, and select Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.
   

   

2. Enter the following command to check the health of your hard drive or SSD, replacing C with the appropriate drive letter, and hit Enter : chkdsk C: /f /r
   

   

3. If the drive is in use, you may need to schedule a scan for the next reboot by typing Y and pressing Enter.

4. Conduct an SFC scan

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search box, and select Run as administrator to elevate privileges in Command Prompt.
   

   

2. Type the following command to scan for and attempt to repair system files: sfc /scannow
   

   

3. Wait for the scanning process to finish. If the problem remains, execute this command to repair the Windows system image files using Windows Update: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. Allow the scan to complete, then restart your computer to apply the changes.

5. Perform a clean boot of your PC

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   

   

2. Type msconfig and hit OK to access the System Configuration menu.
3. Navigate to the Services tab, check the box marked Hide all Microsoft services, and then click on Disable all.
   

   

4. Switch to the Startup tab and click the Open Task Manager link.
   

   

5. In the Task Manager, individually select each startup program that is enabled and click Disable.
   

   

6. Once done, close the Task Manager, go back to the System Configuration window, click Apply, and then OK.
   

   

7. Finally, click Restart.
   

   

Your system will reboot with a limited selection of startup applications and services. You can gradually re-enable third-party applications to determine if any of them trigger the ILLEGAL_ATS_INITIALIZATION BSoD error. If none cause issues, revert the process to boot normally.

6. Restore BIOS to factory defaults

1. If your device is currently powered on, restart it, then press F2, DEL, Esc, F10, or F12 —utilize the appropriate key as per your device specifications—to access BIOS/UEFI settings.
2. Within the BIOS/UEFI interface, navigate using the arrow keys to find options labeled Load Optimized Defaults, Load Setup Defaults, Reset to Default, or similar, and select that option.
3. Confirm by choosing OK.
4. Look for an option to Exit or Save & Exit and make your selection.

Should resetting the BIOS not yield results, follow these steps to clear the CMOS:

1. Power down your computer, disconnect the power cable, and open the case.
2. Find and remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard, leaving it out for about 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Reinsert the battery, reconnect the power cable, and boot your PC.

7. Reinstall Windows (last option)

Create installation media

1. Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 11 on a different PC and click Download Now.
   

   

2. An executable file named mediacreation will be downloaded—double-click it to run, and confirm any User Account Control prompts.
3. In the Windows 11 Setup wizard, click Accept.
   

   

4. Next, insert your flash drive, select it, and click Next.
   

   

5. Select your desired language, edition, and architecture, and then click Next.
   

   

6. Choose the USB option and click Next.
7. Follow the prompts, click Finish, and safely remove the USB drive from your computer.

Reinstall Windows

1. Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
2. Access the USB drive, find the setup.exe file, and double-click it to proceed, confirming the UAC prompt.
4. Choose Change and select one of the following options based on your preference:

   • Keep personal files and apps – Retains all data, applications, and settings.
   • Keep personal files only – Preserves data and settings, deleting apps.
   • Keep nothing – Erases all data, settings, and applications.

5. Click Install to commence the reinstallation process to address the ILLEGAL_ATS_INITIALIZATION error.

During installation, ensure your laptop is plugged in. Your PC will undergo several reboots, following which the login screen will appear. Log in, install any Windows updates, and adjust device settings as necessary.

In summary, to resolve the ILLEGAL_ATS_INITIALIZATION error, consider updating or reinstalling the device driver, scanning for disk errors, restoring system files with an SFC scan, rebooting in a clean boot state, or resetting the BIOS to default settings. If all else fails, a Windows reinstallation may be the solution.

Have you encountered BSoD errors frequently on your device?

If you have questions or suggestions regarding this BSoD error, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.