FIX: CLOCK WATCHDOG TIMEOUT BSOD in Windows 10
The "Clock Watchdog Timeout" blue screen error, was encountered at the end of a clean installation of Windows 10 (Version 1703), on an ASUS G10AC desktop computer. When the "Clock Watchdog Timeout" BSOD error appeared, the PC froze and the only way to get the PC working again was to Turn Off (or to Reset) the PC and start over.
According to Microsoft, the CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT bug check, indicates that an expected clock interrupt on a secondary processor, in a multi-processor system, was not received within the allocated interval. Typically, this occurs when the processor is nonresponsive or is deadlocked.
In this tutorial, you will find detailed steps in order to solve the "Clock Watchdog Timeout" BSOD issue in Windows 10 OS.
How to FIX How to FIX: "CLOCK WATCHDOG TIMEOUT" BSOD in Windows 10
Notes: Before continuing to troubleshoot BSOD problems by following the steps mentioned below:
1. Disconnect all unnecessary USB connected devices from your system (e.g. USB Disk, Flash Disk, Printer, USB WIFI Adapter, etc.)
2. Ensure that you haven't changed your Software or Hardware: If you have recently changed your hardware on your machine (e.g. you added more RAM, or you have replaced the VGA card), or you have installed a new hardware device driver or new software (e.g. Antivirus), then, probably, this is the reason for the BSOD problem.
3. Check and install all available Windows Updates.
Step 1. Reset BIOS Settings to Default Values.
1. Launch CMOS Setup and reset the BIOS Values to to DEFAULT. *
3. Save and Exit from BIOS Setup.
2. Try to use the computer normally. If the BSOD issue persists, then continue to step-2.
* Note: If you own a desktop computer, try to reset the BIOS settings to Default manually, by shorting the "CLEAR CMOS" jumber on the motherboard or by pulling out the CMOS battery for at least 60-90sec. (See Motherboard's manual to locale the CLEAR CMOS jumber).
Step 2. Update Device Drivers.
The next step to resolve the "CLOCK WATCHDOG TIMEOUT" issue is to update essential devices drivers, on your system, in this order:
1. Chipset Drivers.
2. VGA Drivers.
3. Network Drivers.
Step 3. Check CPU Temperature.
Ensure that your computer doesn't overheat. Check that your system's hardware temperature (CPU, Memory, GPU) is normal and not overheating. For this task you can use the CPUID HWMonitor utility. If your system is overheating, then clean your computer from dust remaining inside to avoid high temperatures and operational problems. The best way to do this is to use a powerful air blower. Also ensure that the air flow outwards is not prevented.
Step 4. Diagnose Memory for Problems.
The second step to resolve the "CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT" blue screen issue, is to diagnose the installed memory (RAM) for problems. To accomplish this task, follow the instructions at this article: How to Test & Diagnose RAM Memory problems. If your memory is OK, then continue to the next step.
Step 5. Diagnose your Hard Disk for Problems.
The next step, is to diagnose the HDD for damages. To accomplish this task, follow the instructions at this article: How to Test and Diagnose Hard Drive (HDD) for hardware problems.
Step 6. Update System BIOS.
The final step to resolve the "Clock Watchdog Timeout" issue, is to update the BIOS on your system. In my case, the BIOS Update * was – finally – the solution to the BSOD CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT problem.
Important: The BIOS Update is the last solution to solve computer problems, because if you incorrectly update the BIOS, you 'll make your computer unbootable and useless. So, be very careful when updating your BIOS and do not power off your PC during the BIOS update process.
How to Update the BIOS:
1. Enter BIOS Setup and find out the current BIOS version. Additionally, you can find out the BIOS version, from Windows GUI. To do that, open Command Prompt and type this command:
- wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
2. Find out the exact model of your motherboard. The Motherboard model is shown on the motherboard chassis. Additionally, you can find out the motherboard model, from Windows GUI. To do that, open Command Prompt and type this command:
- wmic baseboard get product,Manufacturer,version
3. Navigate to the manufacturer's support site and download the latest BIOS Version, according to your motherboard model.
4. Follow – exactly – the instructions provided, by the manufacturer on how to update your BIOS.
Other methods to resolve the BSOD CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT issue.
1. Backup your files and perform a clean Windows installation, by using the latest Windows 10 installer.
2. Replace the RAM on your system, even if the Memory test result was fine. Additionally, If you have 2 installed sticks of RAM, on your system, test Windows stability by using the one of them.
3. If you 're a more advanced user and you want to continue the BSOD troubleshooting, then follow the instructions on this article to find out which file, module or driver causes the BSOD Crash Error: How to Resolve Blue Screen Problems by reading BSOD & MiniDump information.
That it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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