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Tower ECT1250, blue screen error heck code : 0x00000164
Hi Everyone,
My Dell tower desktop ECT1250 has experienced several crashes/unexpected reboots since March 2026. Here is the error I got from Dell SupportAssist: Blue Screen Error Bug check code : 0x00000164.
Google search identified the problem as below:
Based on reports from early 2026, Dell desktop PCs running Windows 11 have been experiencing frequent crashes, blue screens (BSOD), and unexpected reboots due to a combination of Microsoft Windows updates and Dell driver/firmware updates.
Key Reasons for Crashes
- March 2026 Update (KB5079473) Conflicts: This update, designed for Windows 11 24H2/25H2, has been linked to
ATTEMPTED_WRITE_TO_READONLY_MEMORYerrors and general system freezes. - Dell Software/Firmware Updates: A specific bug reported in May 2026 on Dell systems resulted in constant BSODs and reboot loops shortly after new Dell software was installed.
- Secure Boot Certificate Refresh: Updates in March and April 2026 (including those for older machines) caused multiple, unexpected reboots due to a refresh of Secure Boot certificates, which can cause instability if the update fails or loops.
- Camera Initialization Freezes: Some February and March 2026 updates caused "hard freezes" (requiring a hard reset) on certain Dell systems when the camera was used in apps like Teams or Zoom
Recommended Troubleshooting Steps
- Uninstall the March Update: If your PC is crashing, try uninstalling the latest quality update. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates and remove KB5079473.
- Update Dell BIOS/Drivers: Visit the Dell Support website and update your BIOS, Chipset, and Video drivers to the latest versions. Firmware updates can resolve issues with new Windows updates.
- Check for "No Boot Drive" Errors: Some reports indicate the March update can cause boot issues. If your PC won't start, you may need to use the Windows Recovery Environment.
- Roll Back Drivers: If the crashes are caused by a new Dell driver, open Device Manager, find the suspected driver (e.g., Graphics/Storage), right-click it, and choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
I installed all Dell bios and driver updates. March 2026 Windows Update (KB5079473) is mandatory, so it cannot be uninstalled. I've tried everything I can, but the problem was still there. My desktop crashed again on May 8, 2026 ‐ Friday.
Will Dell/Microsoft release a new update to solve this issue?
Thanks for your help!
(edited)
GauravSyst
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Posted May 12th, 2026 09:34
Well you can checkout the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6_IjtMOXXA
Thanks @Tesla1856 and @GauravSyst ,
I contacted Dell support and installed a few firmware updates.
It will take a month to tell whether the problem is solved.
Tesla1856
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Posted May 12th, 2026 00:18
@jc6789 ,
Good detailed post.
I don't have any additional info on the KB5079473 or SecureBoot problems. I have a feeling one or both were just coincidental.
The problems with webcams on Dell laptops and UltraBooks was been reported by other owners. Dell and Intel are working on a fix.
Your 2nd item (Dell Software) might be related to this:
https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/xps/xps-15-9530-bsod-criticalprocessdied-caused-by-dellsupportass-supportassist-remediation-55160/6a0010e052786a36cb345dcc
Dell Rockstar
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