BSOD 170 (BOOTING_IN_SAFEMODE_DSREPAIR): causes and diagnosis

Status / error code:		Category:

Constant name:
Source:		Operating System:
Description: Windows recorded Safe Mode boot for Directory Services Repair.

Could be also:
Constant	Type	OS
ERROR_BUSY	Win32 error	Windows

BOOTING_IN_SAFEMODE_DSREPAIR

Directory Services Repair Mode marker

BOOTING_IN_SAFEMODE_DSREPAIR is bug check code 0x000000AA. This boot-state marker is meaningful on domain controllers or systems entering Directory Services Repair Mode. It changes which services and identity stores are expected to be active during diagnosis.

How to read it in a dump

Interpret the dump with the DSRM boot profile in mind.
Directory services, storage, security policy, and boot-critical drivers are more relevant than normal workstation logon behavior.
The marker is not itself a failing component.

What to check

Check whether the machine is a domain controller or was intentionally started in DSRM.
Review directory-service database, security policy, and storage health.
Compare with normal and minimal Safe Mode boot results.

References

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