Fix: ERROR_DBG_COMMAND_EXCEPTION (Error Code 697)

The ERROR_DBG_COMMAND_EXCEPTION Win32 system error, with code 697 (0x2B9), is seen when the debugger fails to interact effectively. The message for it in Windows error logs reads, Debugger command communication exception.

The Error DBG Command Exception system code appears due to missing permissions, corrupted system files, malware infection, and the presence of conflicting apps.

Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the computer, install pending updates for Windows and the affected program, and disable any active third-party antivirus.

How can I fix ERROR_DBG_COMMAND_EXCEPTION in Windows?

1. Run the affected program as an administrator

1. Right-click on the affected app’s launcher (.exe file), and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab, and tick the checkbox for Run this program as an administrator.
3. Click Apply and OK to save the changes, then reboot the PC and check for improvements.

2. Repair the system files

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Now, run this command for the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
5. Finally, restart the PC to apply the changes.

Corrupted system files are a common reason behind ERROR_DBG_COMMAND_EXCEPTION 697 (0x2B9) Debugger command communication exception. So, running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans will fix things by replacing all problematic system files with their cached copies!

3. Scan the PC for malware

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Scan options.
4. Select the Full scan entry and then click on Scan now.
5. Wait for the malware scan to complete. It usually takes 10-30 minutes.

4. Uninstall conflicting apps

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select any app installed or updated around the same you first encountered the system error, and click Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, then reboot the PC and check for improvements.

If a quick removal doesn’t work, use an effective software uninstaller for Windows to wipe all traces of the app, including leftover files and Registry entries that might conflict with the OS, before moving to the reinstallation part!

5. Perform a restore restore

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point, and click on the relevant result.
2. Click the System Restore button.
3. Select the Choose a different restore point option, if available, and click Next.
4. Pick the oldest restore point from the list and click Next.
5. Verify the restore details, click Finish, and confirm the change.
6. Wait for the restore to complete. It may take up to 45 minutes.

A system restore will revert any recently introduced misconfigurations on the PC. You just have to pick a restore point created before the Win32 system error first appeared!

In case a restore, too, fails to fix ERROR_DBG_COMMAND_EXCEPTION, your last option is to reinstall Windows from scratch. Since this is a software-related error, a reinstall will, in all likelihood, fix things.

Before you leave, learn about the common Windows problems and their expert solutions to prevent such issues from reappearing!

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.