Windows error during startup after enabling the FIM driver

Overview

An error screen appears during startup of a Windows host after enabling the File Integrity Monitor (FIM) driver or connector.

Environment

• All LEM versions
• All Windows or Windows Server versions

Resolution​

Warning:

• Consult your System Administrator before performing the following procedure. 
• SolarWinds strongly recommends that you only edit the SWFsFltr.sys file as instructed. Any additional modifications may result in system performance issues or may create an error state.
• Save a copy of the original SWFsFltr.sys file to your local drive as a backup file, in case you need to roll back later.
   

1. Start Windows in Safe Mode. Refer to Microsoft Support on starting Windows in Safe Mode by version.
2. Log in to Windows with an administrator account.
3. Go to %Windir%\System32\drivers\ and delete SWFsFltr.sys‏.
4. Perform the following using the Registry Editor. Refer to How to Modify the Windows Registry. 
   1. Create a backup of the registry. 
   2. Delete the following registry key and all its entries:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\SWFsFltr‏
5. Restart Windows in Normal Mode.

Cause

The mini driver installed with FIM is in conflict with the Windows host.