Do not panic if you see the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error message or the Error 0x00000156 on your computer screen. It is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error for Windows 10 devices, and there are several methods available for resolving it. Basically, when this STOP error code appears, it means that Winsock detected a hung transport endpoint close request while processing a closesocket request. When Windows generated a live dump for analysis, the closesocket request was finished without waiting for the hung transport endpoint close request to complete.

Indeed, this issue is quite complicated. If you do not fix the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error soon, it may cause irreparable damage to your operating system. As such, we’ve put together this article to share a list of solutions that will help you address the issue. We will teach you how to troubleshoot the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error. Expect to see basic to professional-level resolutions in this post.

What Causes the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP Error?

To gain an edge in solving the error, it is ideal that you understand what causes it in the first place. In this way, you will know how to fix the Windows Error 0x00000156 effectively, preventing it from reoccurring. Here are some of the reasons why this issue shows up:

  • It is likely that you have corrupted, outdated, or incorrectly configured device drivers in your Windows 10 PC.
  • You recently installed a new software program which corrupted entries or keys in the Windows Registry.
  • Some Windows system files or program files were deleted after a serious virus attack.
  • While you were uninstalling a program, the Windows Registry got corrupted.
  • Some crucial DLL files are missing from the system.
  • The drivers of a recently installed software program are conflicting with the existing or old drivers in your computer.
  • You have installed drivers in your computer that are incompatible with the Windows 10 operating system.
  • There was a conflict between the drivers while you were installing a new piece of hardware.
  • You installed an incompatible or damaged firmware or BIOS.
  • Your RAM has been corrupted.

What are the Common Signs of the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP Error?

Of course, the most common symptom of the problem is the Blue Screen of Death with the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error code. Aside from that, here are some of the signs you should look out for:

  1. You cannot access the desktop successfully because your operating system keeps on restarting.
  2. You notice that your computer is operating slower than usual, especially when you are using external hardware like a keyboard, mouse, or printer.
  3. Applications keep on crashing and displaying the error message.
  4. You will see the following message on your screen:

“A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. The problem seems to be caused by the following file:”

If you see these symptoms, do not throw your computer out of the window just yet. Keep on reading this article, and we will teach you how to troubleshoot the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error.

Before Anything Else…

As we’ve mentioned, the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error will prevent you from accessing your desktop. In most cases, you will be able to open files or programs before your computer shuts down again. Your system restarts automatically to prevent further damage. So, if you want to be able to troubleshoot the issue, you need to disable the automatic restart feature first. Here are the steps:

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows Key+E on your keyboard.
  2. Now, go to the menu on the left, then right-click This PC.
  3. Select Properties from the context menu.
  4. Click the ‘Advanced system settings’ link on the left.
  5. Once the System Properties window is up, go to the Startup and Recovery section, then click the Settings button.
  6. Deselect the Automatically Restart option under the System Failure section.
  7. Click OK to save the changes you’ve made.

Solution 1: Booting your System into Safe Mode

Once you’ve disabled the automatic restart feature, the next thing you need to do is boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode. By doing this, you are launching your operating system with the default apps and services only. This is one of the easiest ways to determine the exact cause of the issue. If the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error does not show up after booting into Safe Mode, then you have confirmed that third-party software programs are the culprit. Consequently, you can take proper measures in getting rid of the problem permanently. To boot into Safe Mode, you need to follow the instructions below:

  1. The first thing you need to do is launch the Settings app. You can do this by pressing Windows Key+I on your keyboard
  2. On the Settings app, select Update & Security.
  3. On the next page, go to the left pane and select Recovery from the options.
  4. Now, move to the right pane, then click the Restart Now button under the Advanced Startup section.
  5. Before your system restarts, it will show you several options. Select Troubleshoot.
  6. Once you are in the Troubleshoot menu, choose Advanced Options, then Start-up Settings.
  7. You will be notified that you can restart your computer, using one of the available settings on the screen. Click Restart to proceed.
  8. To enable Safe Mode, press F4 on your keyboard.

Solution 2: Use the Blue Screen Troubleshooter on Windows 10

One of the great things about Windows 10 is that it has built-in troubleshooters designed to fix common problems affecting the operating system. So, we recommend that you take advantage of the Blue Screen troubleshooter on your PC. Using this tool is one of the easiest ways to get rid of the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error. To proceed, follow the instructions below:

  1. Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
  2. Type “Settings” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  3. Once the Settings app is open, select Update & Security.
  4. On the next page, go to the left-pane menu and select Troubleshoot from the options.
  5. Now, move to the right pane and select Blue Screen. Click the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button to begin the procedure.

If the tool recommends additional troubleshooting steps, make sure you perform them as well.

Solution 3: Disconnecting Your External Hardware Devices

Faulty external hardware devices are among the primary culprits behind the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error. As such, we recommend removing them temporarily to get rid of the issue. Follow the steps below to determine which hardware device is causing the error:

  1. Disconnect all external hardware devices.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. If your system boots successfully, connect an external hardware device, then restart your PC again. Repeat this step until you determine which item is causing the error.

Solution 4: Ensuring that Your Drivers are Up to Date

As we’ve mentioned, drivers from a newly installed software program or hardware can come in conflict with existing drivers in your computer. So, it is advisable that you keep your drivers updated to avoid problems like the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error. You can accomplish this in three ways:

  1. Use the Device Manager
  2. Download the Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website
  3. Update All Your Drivers at Once with Auslogics Driver Updater.

Use the Device Manager

One of the ways to update your drivers is by using the Device Manager in your computer. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows Key+R on your keyboard.
  2. Inside the Run dialog box, type “devmgmt.msc” (no quotes), then click OK.
  3. Click the first category on the list to expand its contents.
  4. Right-click one of the devices under that category, then choose Update Driver from the options.

Keep in mind that you need to perform the last step for all the devices under all the categories on the list.

Download the Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website

While the Device Manager is relatively convenient for updating your drivers, it can still miss the latest versions of the drivers in your PC. So, you still need to visit the manufacturer’s website to download the correct drivers. Remember to find the driver versions that are compatible with your operating system and processor type. If you install the wrong drivers, you might end up dealing with system instability issues down the road.

Update All Your Drivers at Once with Auslogics Driver Updater

As you can see, there are risks involved when you choose to manually update your drivers. What’s more, it will take a significant amount of effort and time before you can install all the latest drivers for your computer. Why suffer when there is a more convenient and safer solution? With Auslogics Driver Updater, you can update all your drivers to the latest versions recommended by their manufacturers. You do not have to worry about making mistakes because after installing this program, you will have your operating system version and processor type automatically recognized. With a click of a button, you will be able to install the right drivers for your computer.

Solution 5: Removing Recently Installed Programs

If the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error appeared after you installed a program, then that application is likely causing the problem. It is possible that its files or drivers are coming in conflict with existing items in your computer. As such, we suggest removing this program to fix the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error. Follow the steps below:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+R. Doing so will launch the Run dialog box.
  2. Inside the Run dialog box, type “appwiz.cpl” (no quotes), then click OK. You will see the Programs and Features window.
  3. Now, look for the program that you recently installed.
  4. Right-click it, then select Uninstall from the options.
  5. Complete the uninstallation process by following the on-screen directions.

Solution 6: Performing a Full Virus Scan

When viruses or malware find their way into your computer, they will corrupt your OS and delete crucial system files. Attacks like this are endemic around the world. So, as a PC user, you must be vigilant, ensuring that you perform a full scan of your system on a regular basis. You can use the built-in anti-virus in your computer to do this. Simply follow the instructions below:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+S.
  2. Inside the Search box, type “Windows Defender” (no quotes).
  3. From the results, choose Windows Defender Security Center.
  4. Select Virus & Threat Protection from the options on the left pane.
  5. On the right pane, click the ‘Run a new advanced scan’ link.
  6. Make sure that Full Scan is selected.
  7. Click Scan Now to proceed.

Pro Tip: If you want to prevent the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error from reoccurring, then you should reinforce your computer’s security. While Windows Defender is reliable enough, it can still miss high-level malware and viruses. As such, we suggest that you install Auslogics Anti-Malware. This tool can detect threats no matter how stealthily they operate in the background. You can use it alongside Windows Defender to ensure optimum protection for your PC.

Solution 7: Using the System File Checker (SFC)

As we’ve mentioned, missing DLL files and corrupted system files can cause the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error to show up. One of the best ways to address this issue is by using the System File Checker to repair damaged system files or replace the ones that are missing. To perform an SFC scan, you need to follow the steps below:

  1. Click the Search icon on your keyboard, then type “cmd” (no quotes).
  2. From the results, right-click Command Prompt.
  3. Select Run as Administrator from the context menu.
  4. Once Command Prompt is open, type “sfc /scannow” (no quotes).
  5. Press Enter on your keyboard to run the command.

The System File Checker should begin scanning your system. Keep in mind that the process will take a couple of minutes to complete. It is crucial that you avoid interfering with it. Once the process is done, you need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect. If the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error persists, then try the solution below.

Solution 8: Performing a DISM Scan

When there are corrupted or damaged system files in your computer, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair them. So, if you want to fix the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error, we suggest running a DISM scan. You can do that by following the instructions below:

  1. On your keyboard, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Doing so should launch the Task Manager.
  2. Now, click File and select Run New Task.
  3. Inside the box, type “cmd.exe” (no quotes).
  4. Select the ‘Create this task with administrative privileges’ option.
  5. Click OK to proceed.
  6. Once Command Prompt is up, run the command below:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Keep in mind that this process will take even longer than the SFC scan. However, once it is done, the damaged or missing DLL files will be fixed.

Solution 9: Fixing Bad Sectors in Your Drive

Bad sectors in your drive can also cause Blue Screen of Death errors like the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP issue. So, if you want to get rid of the BSOD error, you need to repair these bad sectors. You can do that by using the CHKDSK utility. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, you need to perform Steps 1 to 5 from Solution 8.
  2. Once Command Prompt is up, run the command line below:

Chkdsk /f /C:

Remember to replace “C” with the appropriate drive letter if Windows 10 is installed in a different drive.

Solution 10: Getting Rid of Junk Files in your Hard Drive

Letting junk files sit in your hard drive for a long time can make it vulnerable to issues like the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP BSOD error. So, you should make it a habit to run the Disk Cleanup utility to remove unnecessary files and processes. Before we provide the instructions, you have to ensure that there aren’t any essential files in the Recycle Bin. Keep in mind that this method involves emptying that folder. Once you are ready, you can proceed with the steps below:

  1. Press Windows Key on your keyboard.
  2. Type “cleanmgr” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  3. If you have multiple drives attached to your computer, a dialog will appear, asking you to select which drive to clean. Select the C: drive, then press Enter. Disk Cleanup will begin calculating how much space you can reclaim.
  4. Once the Disk Cleanup wizard appears, click the ‘Clean up system files’ button.
  5. Now, select all the options except Downloads.
  6. Click OK.

Solution 11: Installing the Latest Updates from Windows

If there are outdated system files in your computer, the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error may appear. So, it is advisable to install the updates for Windows as soon as Microsoft releases them officially. To do that, you simply need to follow the instructions below:

  1. Click the Windows icon on your taskbar.
  2. Scroll down until you find Settings on the list. Click it to launch the app.
  3. Select Update & Security from the options.
  4. Now, go to the left pane and select Windows Update.
  5. Click the ‘Check for updates’ link on the right pane.
  6. Let your system download the updates, and once they are available, restart your computer to initialize the installation process.

Solution 12: Repairing Your Corrupted RAM

If your RAM gets corrupted, your system may crash and show the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error message on the screen. You can use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to address this issue. Before we share the steps, you need to save all your files and close all active apps first. Once you’re ready, you can proceed with the instructions below:

  1. Click the Windows icon on your taskbar.
  2. Type “Windows Memory” (no quotes), then select Windows Memory Diagnostic from the results.
  3. A new window should appear. Make sure that you select the ‘Restart now and check for problems (recommended)’ option.
  4. Once the memory testing is complete, your system will restart automatically.

If you want to see the results of the test, you can click the notification icon on your taskbar.

Solution 13: Rolling Back to a Previous Restore Point

If the error has something to do with changes made on your operating system, then you can get rid of the problem by rolling your computer back to a previous restore point. Don’t worry about using System Restore because it won’t affect your personal files or data. Here are the steps:

  1. Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
  2. Type “System Restore” (no quotes) inside the box.
  3. Select Create a Restore Point from the results.
  4. Once the System Properties window is up, click the System Restore button.
  5. Click Next to proceed.
  6. Select the ‘Show more restore points’ box to see more options.
  7. Choose a date wherein the error did not exist.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Start the process by clicking Finish.

Which solution helped you remove the WINSOCK_DETECTED_HUNG_CLOSESOCKET_LIVEDUMP error?

Share your answer in the comments section below!