Encountering the SrtTrail.txt error in Windows 10 or 11 can be frustrating. This overview will delve into why it happens and how to fix it effectively.

It’s never fun to run into an error on your computer, especially when it’s a blue screen of death (BSOD). And since you’re reading this—let me guess—you are seeing something like “Log file: C:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txton your screen.

I’ll just keep guessing: it has probably popped out of the blue when you were trying to turn on your PC, or maybe even when the computer was already running.

I know it hurts, and I share your pain, but the bad times are about to pass, as I’m going to show you what this error is and what you can do to fix it for good.

What Is SrtTrail.txt in Windows, and Why Is It Important?

The SrtTrail.txt file (short for Startup Repair Trail) is a log file generated by the Windows operating system when a startup error occurs, and you can find it here: C:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt.

In this file, you can find info about the actions taken by the Startup Repair tool, so you can diagnose and get the problem that caused the error fixed.

Here are some reasons why SrtTrail.txt is important:

  • Troubleshooting: You can use SrtTrail.txt logs to troubleshoot startup issues. There’s a detailed report of the actions taken by the Startup Repair tool, which can help you understand what went wrong during startup.
  • Identifying the root cause of the problem: The log file can help you get to the core of the startup issue, which can be anything from a corrupted system file to a hardware failure.
  • Communication: The SrtTrail.txt file can be shared with tech support personnel, so they could do their own check to understand the problem better and provide more accurate solutions.
  • Prevention: Analyzing SrtTrail.txt logs can help you avoid future startup errors since you’ve figured out and fixed the root causes.

The SrtTrail.txt log file is a great instrument for diagnosing and getting startup issues fixed in Windows. However, it’s quite common to get the SrtTrail.txt error when booting. 

It is also known as the “Automatic Repair loop” or “Windows 10/11 Automatic Repair failed.” The most frequent reason for this error is corruption or damage to the operating system files, which don’t let your system start up properly.

What Is the SrtTrail.txt BSOD Error on Windows 10/11?

Both Windows 10 and 11 come with the Automatic Repair utility, which is built to fix startup failure errors. However, the repair might fail, and you’ll get the SrtTrail.txt blue screen of death error (also known as the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSOD error) as a result.


Also read: What to Do if Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC


When the error occurs, you’ll be presented with two options: “System shutdown” and “Advanced repair.” Choosing the latter should boot the computer in Safe Mode. But instead, it leads to an endless startup-shutdown loop.

The boot loop of death (BLoD) is not that uncommon in Windows operating systems. That’s when your system gets stuck in a cycle of restarting and failing to boot up. It can be caused by tons of reasons, like corrupted system files, malware infections, hardware failures, or unsuccessful software updates.

When the SrtTrail.txt boot loop occurs, getting inside your operating system and troubleshooting the issue can become a real challenge. However, there’s still one solution that may help—the Windows Automatic Repair tool.

Windows Automatic Repair is a built-in feature that can help you diagnose and fix problems that won’t allow your system to boot up properly. When Windows realizes that there’s something wrong during the startup, it will automatically launch the Automatic Repair tool, which, in turn, means that Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC.

What Causes the SrtTrail.txt BSOD Error on Windows 10/11?

The SrtTrail.txt error typically occurs when there is a problem with the Windows startup process. More specifically, it happens when Automatic Repair can’t repair the issue that it encountered on startup and creates the SrtTrail.txt log file to document the diagnostic and repair process. The causes of the SrtTrail.txt error can vary, but here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Corrupted system files. The SrtTrail.txt error can be triggered if some important system files get corrupted and don’t let Windows start up properly.
  • Hard drive issues. If the hard drive where the operating system is installed (it is usually drive C) is damaged, the SrtTrail.txt error may pop up.
  • Malware infections. Malware or viruses can mess with system files and cause the SrtTrail.txt error.
  • Power failures. Unexpected power failures or surges can damage system files and trigger the SrtTrail.txt error.
  • Failed Windows updates. Sometimes, when a Windows update fails, it can corrupt some system files or cause conflicts with other software, resulting in the SrtTrail.txt error. A large number of users have also reported this error after installing Windows 10 version 1809. Microsoft then fixed it in a later update.

You’d also need to know that the SrtTrail.txt error is often a symptom of something bigger, meaning there’s a deeper issue with the system. To resolve the SrtTrail.txt error, it is typically necessary to identify and deal with this underlying issue causing the startup problem, and that may require further troubleshooting or even professional assistance.

But enough beating around the bush, let’s get started with SrtTrail.txt Windows 10/11 fixes.

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How to Fix the SrtTrail.txt BSOD Error on Windows 10/11: Before Anything Else

If you are experiencing the SrtTrail.txt error with an Automatic Repair loop, you can attempt the fixes presented below to get it resolved:

PRO TIP
Before we begin, we advise that you run a backup so you don’t risk losing your files.

First, try this simple SrtTrail.txt Windows 10/11 fix:

All the fixes to the SrtTrail.txt BSOD provided in this article work for both Windows 10 and 11.

Fix 1: Disconnect your USB devices

If you have external USB devices connected to the PC, unplug them all and restart the computer. See if that resolves the issue.

Fix 2: Remove and replace your laptop battery

Removing your battery and placing it back after a while may help get rid of the BSOD error. This tweak worked for some users and may work for you as well.

Put back the battery, connect the power cable, and then boot your system to see if the error has been resolved.

Fix 3: Perform a system restore

When your computer restarts several times, you’ll get loaded into the Boot menu. Once there, follow the steps below to restore your system to a point when it was functioning without problems:

  1. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
  2. Select System Restore from the window that opens.
  3. Provide administrator credentials if requested.
  4. Click Next to use the current restore point or select Choose a different restore point and then click Next.
  5. If you went for the latter option, select a point to which you’d like your system to be restored, and then click Next to initiate the restore process.

Can be helpful: [FIXED] System Restore Not Working in Windows 10


Fix 4: Load in Safe Mode and update your drivers

There’s a chance that one or several drivers got somehow corrupted, which may be the cause of the issue you are facing.

If you boot up in Safe Mode with networking, you can browse the Internet and update your drivers.

Follow the steps below to see if you can get the error resolved this way:

  • From the Boot menu, click Troubleshoot, and then click Advanced options.
  • Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
  • Select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
  • After the system boots in Safe Mode, you have to update your device drivers. You can do this manually for each driver by visiting the website of your PC manufacturer.
PRO TIP
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All that’s required of you is just a click of a button, and it will automatically download and install the latest manufacturer-recommended version of your drivers.

How to Fix the SrtTrail.txt BSOD Error on Windows 10/11 using Command Prompt

If the 4 fixes above didn’t work out, well, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and dig deeper. Running CMD commands like bootrec, CHKDSK, and a few more is a proven SrtTrail.txt Windows 10/11 fix that has helped a lot of users, so try each of them in the presented order to see which one will resolve the error in your case.

Fix 5: Run bootrec commands in Command Prompt

Try fixing the error by running these few commands via Command Prompt:

Fix 6: Run the CHKDSK command

CHKDSK is a repair tool that scans for and fixes faults in your hard disk drive that may be causing the SrtTrail.txt error. To run it, you have to know the letters of your hard disk partitions (for instance, C: or D:, etc.).

  • Follow the steps in Fix 5 to open Command Prompt.

In the window, enter the following commands and press Enter after each one:

chkdsk /r C:
chkdsk /r D:
  • Restart your computer and see if the error has been resolved.
Command Prompt cannot lock current drive

Fix 7: Disable Automatic Startup Repair

This solution is an easy one for resolving the SrtTrail.txt error. Follow these simple steps to get it done:

  1. From the Boot menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
  2. Click Command Prompt.
  3. In the window that opens, type in or copy and paste the following command and then press Enter to execute it:
    bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
  4. Wait for the process to finish, and then try booting your computer.

Fix 8: Run DISM and SFC scans

In case you get the error due to your image or system files being corrupted, another SrtTrail.txt Windows 10/11 fix you should try is running DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans.

Fix 9: Repair the corrupted Windows Registry

A corrupted Windows Registry could be the cause of the error in discussion. Follow these easy steps to fix it:

  • Select Command Prompt under Advanced options in the Boot menu.
  • Copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt window and press Enter:
    copy c:windowssystem32configRegBack* c:windowssystem32config
  • Close the window, and then restart your computer.

Fix 10: Delete the problematic file

Here’s what you have to do:

Fix 11: Fix your device partition

You could be experiencing the SrtTrail.txt error due to your device partition having incorrect values. Follow the steps below to fix it:

  • Under Advanced options in the Boot menu, select Command Prompt.
  • Now, copy and paste Bcdedit into the window and press Enter.

In the result that appears, check if the device has “partition=C:” as the value. If the value is different, copy and paste the following commands. Press Enter after each one:

bcdedit /set {default} device partition=c:
bcdedit /set {default} osdevice partition=c:
  • Restart your computer.

How to Fix the SrtTrail.txt BSOD Error on Windows 10/11: Advanced Methods

Fix 12: Disable Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection

Follow these easy steps:

  1. In the Boot menu, click on Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  3. Your computer will restart and then you’ll get a list of options. Select Disable early launch anti-malware protection.
  4. Restart your computer.

If you’ve completed these steps and the issue persists, uninstall any third-party antivirus software from your computer and then repeat the procedure again. The issue will likely be resolved.

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Fix 13: Perform some tweaks in the BIOS

Set boot priority

Follow these steps to set the right boot priority in your BIOS:

  1. Enter the BIOS. Look up how to do that for your PC model. It usually involves pressing one of the following keys repeatedly when your computer is about to boot: F1, F2, F3, F8, Del, or Esc.
  2. Locate the Boot section option and then see that the hard drive on which your Windows 10 (or 11) is installed is set as First boot device.
  3. Save the change you made and exit the BIOS.

Enable XN, XD, or NX

  1. Go to the Security tab in BIOS.
  2. Locate XD-bit, XN, or NX and enable it.
  3. Save the changes and restart your computer.

Change the disk (SATA) controller mode

  1. Enter BIOS.
  2. Locate the SATA Controller Mode option and change the setting from AHCI or RAID to Standard.
  3. Save the changes and reboot your computer.

If you still get the error, repeat these steps again. If it still doesn’t work, set the value for disk controller mode back to its default (AHCI or RAID).

Fix 14: Reconnect your hard disk

You may be able to get rid of the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSOD error by unplugging your hard disk and then plugging it back in. This fix has worked for some users and may do the trick for you as well.

I only recommend proceeding with this method for tech-savvies who know their way around hardware. Otherwise, you’re better off asking for the help of an expert to avoid doing permanent damage to your computer.

Here’s what you have to do:

  1. Turn off your computer.
  2. Disconnect the power cable and—if you’re using a laptop—remove your laptop battery.
  3. Open the computer casing and detach the hard drive.
  4. Reconnect the hard drive once more and make sure it sits properly. Secure all loose screws and cover up the computer (and if needed, place back the laptop battery).
  5. Now plug the power cable back in.
  6. Boot the PC and see if the error has been resolved.

If there is more than one hard disk on your computer, disconnect and reconnect all of them.

Fix 15: Remove and reconnect your memory modules

Removing and reconnecting your RAM may be another useful SrtTrail.txt Windows 10/11 fix.

Follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your computer.
  2. Remove the laptop battery (if needed) and unplug the power cable.
  3. Open up the computer casing and detach all your memory modules.
  4. Reconnect the modules and cover the computer casing.
  5. Place back the laptop battery (again, if needed), reconnect the power cable, and boot the computer. See if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 16: Refresh or reset your system

Refreshing or resetting your PC can help you get rid of this error. You may want to perform a backup before attempting this fix to avoid losing important personal files and apps.

Follow these steps to reset or refresh your PC:

  • In the Boot menu, select Troubleshoot.

Here, you have two options, namely: Refresh this PC and Reset this PC. Selecting the former will likely remove your installed apps. However, your settings and apps that came with your PC will not be affected.

Choosing to Reset this PC will give you a choice between keeping your personal files and removing all files and settings. Decide on the matter and click on the appropriate option.

Reset this PC choose an option
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Keep your Windows installation media handy, as it may be required during the fix.

Fix 17: Perform a clean install

If the blue screen of death error persists after you’ve attempted all the fixes presented above, then the last option you have is to perform a clean install of your Windows 10 or Windows 11 OS.

How to Check if the SrtTrail.txt Error Is Fixed

As you already know, the SrtTrail.txt error usually shows up during startup. To check if the error has been fixed, you can follow these steps:

  • Restart your computer and check if the Windows SrtTrail.txt error message appears again. If the error message is gone, the issue has likely been resolved.
  • If the error message reappears, you can try booting your computer into Safe Mode (as shown in Fix 4). If the error message does not appear in Safe Mode, a third-party program or driver may be causing the issue.
  • If the error message still appears in Safe Mode, you may need to perform a system restore or use the System File Checker tool to repair any corrupted system files.
  • Once you have performed these steps, restart your computer and check if the error message still appears. If the error message is gone, the issue has likely been fixed. However, if the error message persists, you may need further assistance from a computer technician or Microsoft support.

Impact of the SrtTrail.txt Error on Windows OS

The SrtTrail.txt error can significantly impact the Windows operating system, as it can prevent the system from starting up properly and cause data loss or system instability.

When the SrtTrail.txt error occurs, it typically results in an Automatic Repair loop. It means that your system works hard to start up but fails, then reboots and tries again, but fails again, and so on and so forth, until it finally enters the Automatic Repair mode.

If the SrtTrail.txt error is not resolved, here’s what you get:

  • When the SrtTrail.txt error occurs, it can prevent you from accessing your files and programs.
  • In some cases, the SrtTrail.txt error can result in data loss or corruption, as important files may become inaccessible or damaged during the repair process.
  • The SrtTrail.txt error can also cause software crashes, freezes, or other issues that make it difficult to use the system.
  • When the SrtTrail.txt error occurs, it can cause the system to slow down or become unresponsive.

Tips for Preventing the Windows SrtTrail.txt Error

Here are some tips for preventing the SrtTrail.txt error from occurring:

  • Keep your operating system up to date by regularly installing Windows updates. Those updates come with patches for bugs and security vulnerabilities.
  • Use reliable antivirus software and don’t forget to keep it updated.
  • Only download and install software from trusted sources, and carefully read the installation instructions before proceeding.
  • Avoid making changes to system files or registry settings unless you know what you are doing. Making incorrect changes to these files can cause serious system errors.
  • Regularly back up your important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This can help ensure that you don’t lose important files during a system error or other issues.
  • And finally, if you do encounter the SrtTrail.txt error, don’t panic. You can find all the answers you need to troubleshoot and fix the issue in this article.
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The SrtTrail.txt BSOD Error on Windows 10/11: Fixed

We hope this guide has helped you in resolving the SrtTrail.txt BSOD error.

To avoid facing such issues in the future, ensure you have a strong antivirus program on your PC and also run regular system maintenance checks.

If you have any comments or a better SrtTrail.txt Windows 10/11 fix, please don’t hesitate to share them in the section below.

We’d like to hear from you!

FAQ

What is SrtTrail.txt?
SrtTrail.txt is a log file that is generated when you run into a startup error.
Where is the SrtTrail.txt file located?
You can find the SrtTrail.txt file at C:WindowsSystem32LogfilesSrtSrtTrail.txt.