FIX: The pipe state is invalid error

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Key notes

  • The ERROR_BAD_PIPE error code isn't that common, but you can easily recognize it because it comes with The pipe state is invalid error message. Follow the complete step by step guide below to fix this problem.
  • If you encounter any system errors, you will most likely find a solution in our System Errors hub.
  • One of the solutions to the ERROR_WRITE_PROTECT problem is to terform a System Restore. If you can't follow the steps in this article, check out our complete guide.
  • If you experienced any other Windows 10 errors we've got you covered. Check out our Windows 10 errors hub.
How to fix pipe state invalid

System errors such as ERROR_BAD_PIPE aren’t that common, but they can still occur on almost any PC. Speaking of which, you can easily recognize this error because it comes with The pipe state is invalid error message.

This error can cause some problems, and today we’re going to show you how to fix it on Windows 10.

How to fix The pipe state is invalid error?

1. Restart the PC

If you’re experiencing this error, one of the fastest solutions is to restart your PC. According to users, restarting your PC will temporarily fix this problem, so if you’re seeing this message once in a while, be sure to try this solution.

If this error is a constant problem on your PC, you should definitely try some other solution from this article.

2. Uninstall problematic applications

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Once the Settings app opens, go to Apps & features. List of all installed applications will appear. Select the problematic application and click on Uninstall.
    uninstalling applications

If you don’t want to use the Settings app, you can remove applications by following these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Select Programs and Features from the menu.
    programs and features
  2. Programs and Features window will now appear. Select the problematic applications and double click them to remove them.
    removing programs

This error is usually caused by third-party applications, and to fix it you need to find and remove the problematic applications. Few users reported that Adobe applications were causing this problem on their PCs, so you can try removing them.

Keep in mind that any other application can also cause this problem to appear. The problem can be caused by recently installed or updated applications, so you might want to try removing them.

3. Enter Safe Mode

  1. Open Start Menu and click the Power button.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard and choose Restart from the menu.
    restart your computer
  3. List of options will now appear. Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Click the Restart button.
  4. Once your PC restarts you’ll see a list of options. Select any version of Safe Mode by pressing the appropriate key.

When Safe Mode starts, check if the problem appears. If not, it’s possible that the issue is caused by third-party software or a bad driver.

Safe Mode is a special part of Windows that runs with default applications and drivers. As a result, Safe Mode is perfect for troubleshooting so you can use it to fix many problems.

4. Perform Clean boot

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig. Press Enter or click OK.
    open msconfig
  2. Go to Services tab. Check Hide all Microsoft services checkbox and click on Disable all.
    disable services
  3. Navigate to Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
    open Tasak Manager
  4. A list of startup applications will appear. Right-click each application on the list and choose Disable from the menu. After disabling all startup applications, close Task Manager.
    disabling applications in task manager
  5. Go back to System Configuration window and click Apply and OK.
    applying the modifications in task manager
  6. After doing that, restart your PC or log off and log back into your Windows 10 account.

Once you log back in again, check if the problem still persists. If not, it means that one of your startup applications or services is causing this problem.

To find out which service or app is the problem, you need to repeat these steps and enable disabled services and applications one by one or in groups. Keep in mind that you’ll have to restart your PC or log in to your Windows 10 account to apply the changes.

Once you find the problematic application, you need to remove it or update it to the latest version and check if that solves the problem.

5. Check your PC for malware

In some cases, The pipe state is invalid error that can appear due to malware infection. If you suspect your PC is infected by malware, we urge you to perform a full scan.

To be sure that all malware is removed, it might be a good idea to try using two different malware removal tools. If you find any malware on your PC, remove it and check if that fixes the problem.

There are various malware tools on the market but ESET Internet Security is the most trustful solution to eradicate advanced malware or prevent it from harming your system.

6. Perform System Restore

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter system restore. Choose the Create a restore point option from the menu.
    create a restore point
  2. System Properties window will now appear. Click on System Restore button.
    system restore option
  3. When System Restore window opens, click on Next. Check Show more restore points option and choose the desired restore point. Click Next to proceed.
    perform a system restore
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

After restoring your system, check if the problem is resolved.

7. Create a new user account

  1. Open the Settings app and go to Accounts section.
    create a new account on the PC
  2. Go to Family & other people section in the left pane. In the right pane, click on Add someone else to this PC button.
    adding another user
  3. Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    no sign in information
  4. Now choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    add a new user without a Microsoft account
  5. Enter the desired user name and click Next.

After creating a new user account, switch to it and check if the problem still persists. If not, you’ll have to transfer your personal files to the new account and use it as your main account.

ERROR_BAD_PIPE and The pipe state is invalid aren’t serious errors, and they won’t cause too much trouble on your PC. These errors are relatively simple to fix, and you can fix them by using one of our solutions.

More about the topics: System Errors