ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER 689 (0x2B1): How to Fix it

The ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER Windows system error, with code 689 (0x2B1), appears due to issues with the debugger. This happens due to low available system resources, corrupted system files, and conflicting apps and services.

The message for Error Code 689 reads, Debugger will reply later.

Before you proceed to the slightly complex solutions, restart the PC, install all pending Windows updates, and scan the PC for malware using Windows Security or an effective antivirus solution.

How can I fix ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER in Windows?

1. Terminate non-critical apps

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager and identify the non-critical apps.
2. Individually select each such app/process and click on End task.
3. After terminating the non-critical apps, verify whether ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER 689 (0x2B1) reappears.

2. Repair the system files

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

Since corrupted system files remain a common reason behind ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER, you must run the DISM (Deployment Imag Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans to replace all such problematic files with their cached copies!

3. Perform a clean boot

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type System Configuration, and click on the relevant result.
2. Go to the Services tab, tick the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services, and then click on Disable all.
3. Go to the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.
4. Look for any non-critical apps that read Enabled under the Status column, select them individually, and click on Disable.
5. Head back to System Configuration, and click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
6. Click Restart in the confirmation prompt.
7. After the PC restarts, verify whether the system error is fixed.

A clean boot environment allows you to identify whether an app, service, or driver is conflicting with Windows and triggering ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER 689 (0x2B1) Debugger will reply later.

In case the error is fixed after performing a clean boot, one of the disabled components is the underlying cause. Now, re-enable them one at a time. As soon as the error reappears, the component last reconfigured is the problematic one. If it’s a service or driver, disable it!

4. Uninstall conflicting applications

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select any conflicting app or one installed around the same the error first appeared, and click Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and then restart the PC.

In case the ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER Win32 system error persists after a quick removal, it’s likely the leftover files to blame. For this, I recommend using a top-rated software uninstaller to wipe all traces of the app.

5. Perform a system 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 system restore to complete. It typically takes 15-45 minutes.

A system restore will fix ERROR_DBG_REPLY_LATER, given that the system error is triggered by a recent change to the PC and the chosen restore point was created before the problem first appeared.

If all else fails, the last option is to reinstall Windows. Since the system error is a software-based problem, reinstalling the OS will, in all likelihood, fix it.

Before you leave, discover the common Windows errors and expert solutions for each to enjoy a streamlined, error-free experience! We also have a guide on ERROR_REPLY_MESSAGE_MISMATCH that might come in handy, so don’t miss it.

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