1. Update or Roll Back Drivers
- Press Win + X → Device Manager
- Identify devices with yellow warnings or recently updated drivers
- Right-click → Update driver or Roll back if the issue started after an update
- Always download drivers directly from hardware manufacturers
- Proper driver management ensures safe handling of remove locks and prevents invalid references.
2. Run SFC and DISM Repairs
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run:
- sfc /scannow
- After completion, run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These tools repair corrupted system files that manage kernel-level synchronisation and locking mechanisms.
3. Test RAM for Faults
- Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter
- Choose Restart now and check for problems
- Replace or reseat faulty memory modules if errors are detected
- Bad RAM often corrupts lock tracking data, leading to BSODs.
4. Scan for Malware or Rootkits
- Go to Windows Security → Virus & threat protection
- Perform a Full Scan and an Offline Scan
- Use trusted rootkit removal tools if needed
- Malware can disrupt kernel operations and create invalid reference errors.
5. Check and Repair Disk Errors
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run:
- chkdsk C: /f /r
- Confirm the scan for the next reboot
- Repairing file system corruption restores stability in I/O operations.
6. Review Third-Party Software
- Temporarily disable or uninstall backup utilities, disk tools, or aggressive antivirus
- Reinstall compatible, updated versions
- Third-party tools often interfere with low-level I/O operations, causing lock-related instability.
7. Perform a System Restore
- Go to Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore
- Choose a restore point before the BSOD began
- Follow prompts to revert drivers and system changes
This is effective if recent updates triggered the error.
The 0x00000057 INVALID_REMOVE_LOCK_REFERENCE BSOD indicates improper handling of kernel-level remove locks, often due to faulty drivers, hardware issues, or corrupted system files.
To fix it:
- Update or roll back device drivers,
- Repair corrupted system files,
- Test memory and storage for errors,
- And scan for malware or registry corruption.
If issues persist:
- Perform a clean boot,
- Restore the system to a stable state,
- Or replace failing hardware components.
- Resolving this error restores system stability and prevents further crashes caused by invalid handling of kernel references.