Troubleshooting BSOD with dxgmms2.sys on Windows Server 2019 with GTX 1070: A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is always unwelcome, especially when servers are involved. The unexpected appearance of the BSOD related to dxgmms2.sys on your Windows Server 2019 using an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 can send anyone down a rabbit hole of potential causes and solutions. In this detailed blog post, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this issue, delve into related technical aspects, provide steps for analysis and resolution, and offer preventive measures to ensure a stable and efficient system.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into the solution, it’s crucial to comprehend the nature of your problem. The BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) is a stop error displayed on Windows computers following a fatal system error. This error causes the system to crash, and it requires a reboot to continue functioning. The message you’re seeing on the Event Viewer related to dxgmms2.sys refers to the Microsoft DirectX Graphics MMS system driver, which plays a vital role in graphic processing tasks. Understanding the messages in the Event Viewer logs will help us pinpoint the issue.

Event Viewer Log Details

Your Event Viewer log contains several cryptic entries:

• Fault bucket AV_dxgmms2!DXGAUTOPUSHLOCKEXCLUSIVE::DXGAUTOPUSHLOCKEXCLUSIVE: This suggests a memory access violation involving DirectX Graphics MMS driver.
• Problem signature codes (P1 through P10): These codes represent specific error parameters that can be used for diagnostic purposes. For example, P1: 1000007e typically indicates a system thread generated an exception that the error handler did not catch.

Understanding these logs can help identify whether the issue is Software (driver-related) or hardware.

Potential Causes

1. Driver Issues: One of the most common causes of BSOD errors involving dxgmms2.sys is outdated or corrupted graphics drivers. The GTX 1070 is designed for high-performance tasks, and any issues with its driver might manifest as a BSOD.

2. DirectX Conflicts: Since dxgmms2.sys is tied to DirectX, any glitches in DirectX or compatibility issues with Windows Server 2019 can lead to this error.

3. Software Conflicts: Certain Software or server roles might interfere with graphics operations, leading to unexpected system crashes.

4. Hardware Malfunctions: Although less common, physical issues within the GPU or incompatible hardware settings might trigger a BSOD.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Update Drivers

One of the first steps in troubleshooting is to ensure that all drivers are up-to-date. Visit the NVIDIA website to download the latest drivers for the GTX 1070 specifically for Windows Server 2019. Use NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience tool to automatically update drivers and ensure that beta drivers, which might not be stable, are avoided.

2. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases updates that include bug fixes for known issues. Ensure that your Windows Server 2019 installation is completely up-to-date.

3. Perform DirectX Diagnostics

Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool by typing dxdiag in the Run dialog box (opened with Win + R). This tool can help identify issues with your graphics card and DirectX. Review any errors noted and ensure DirectX is properly installed.

4. Review Recent Changes

Consider any recent software installations or updates that might coincide with the BSOD appearance. Uninstall any suspect software to test if the issue persists.

5. Analyze Memory Dump Files

Memory dump files provide detailed information about the BSOD and can be analyzed using tools like WinDbg or BlueScreenView. Look for references to dxgmms2.sys and note the error codes for further investigation.

Potential Fixes

1. Roll-back Drivers

If updating drivers exacerbates the problem, consider rolling back to a previous version known to be stable.

2. Adjust BIOS/UEFI Settings

Ensure that your BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to default values. Overclocking can often cause instability, so disabling any custom speed settings might help.

3. Disable Server Roles That Conflict

If your server has newly enabled roles that might interfere with DirectX or graphics functions (such as Remote Desktop Services), try disabling them to test if they are contributing to the problem.

4. Test for Hardware Failures

Tools like MemTest86 can be run to ensure that RAM is functioning correctly, while GPU stress tests can verify the GPU’s stability.

Preventive Measures

1. Routine Maintenance

Regularly update your Windows Server and driver software to the latest stable versions. This practice can help catch potential vulnerabilities before they lead to malfunction.

2. Structured Backups

Implement a robust backup system to ensure that you can quickly restore your system in case of future failures. Regular snapshots can preserve system states that are stable and functional.

3. Monitoring Tools

Utilize monitoring tools on your server to oversee GPU performance, temperature, and system health, aiding in early detection of potential failure points before they escalate into BSOD errors.

4. Environmental Considerations

Ensure that your server environment is controlled for optimal temperature and cleanliness, reducing the physical stress on your hardware components.

Conclusion

Encountering a BSOD related to dxgmms2.sys on Windows Server 2019 with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 can understandably be frustrating. By diagnosing the root cause, whether through updating drivers, checking for DirectX conflicts, or analyzing memory dumps, you can methodically approach and resolve this issue. Additionally, employing good digital hygiene by maintaining updates, backups, and monitoring will serve as a strong preventive strategy. Although these bluescreen errors may be cryptic, they provide valuable insights if interpreted correctly, leading to effective solutions and a smoother computing environment.