ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR 0x80070251

Error code 593 · HRESULT 0x80070251

WINDOWS

NTVDM encountered a hard error.

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR is a Windows error code (system error 593, returned as HRESULT 0x80070251) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “NTVDM encountered a hard error.”

How to fix ERROR_VDM_HARD_ERROR

  1. Reboot once — many one-off system codes disappear with a clean restart
  2. Repair system files: 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  3. Find the source in Event Viewer → System: filter for this exact code and open its provider link

Related errors

ERROR_VDM_DISALLOWEDERROR_DATA_NOT_ACCEPTEDERROR_DRIVER_CANCEL_TIMEOUTERROR_SYSTEM_PROCESS_TERMINATEDE_FAILREGDB_E_CLASSNOTREGCO_E_SERVER_EXEC_FAILUREWININET_E_TIMEOUT

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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