Fix: DDE server window preventing shutdown

Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) server error can manifest in different ways, such as error messages during the shutdown process or when attempting to open specific applications that rely on the DDE system.

Some common error messages related to the DDE Server Window error include the following:

DDE Server Window: [Application name] Application Error
DDE Server Window: [Application name] – Application Error. The instruction at [memory address] referenced memory at [memory address]. The memory could not be [read/write]. Click OK to terminate the process.

The impact of DDE Server Window error can be significant. It can prevent you from shutting down your computer normally, leading to an inability to save work or close applications properly. Additionally, the error can cause instability, sluggish performance, and application crashes.

Fortunately, there are a few fixes that you can try to resolve the DDE Server Window error preventing the shutdown of your computer. Most of these fixes are easy and can be performed in just a few clicks. But before that, let us understand the reasons for the DDE Server Error.

DDE Server Window error: Possible reasons

DDE Server Window errors can occur due to various factors. Here are some common causes of the DDE server errors:

Incompatible or faulty applications: Certain applications installed on your system may have compatibility issues with the DDE system, leading to the error, When these applications try to communicate via DDE, conflicts arise, resulting in the DDR Server Window error.
Outdated or corrupted drivers: Outdated or corrupted device drivers can also trigger the DDE server error. When the DDE system tries to interact with specific hardware components through outdated or faulty drivers, it can result in the error message.
Misconfigured DDE settings: Improper configuration of the DDE settings can contribute to the DDR Server Window error. If the DDE settings are not set correctly, it can lead to communication problems and subsequently trigger the error.
Malware infections: Malware infections can affect various system components, including the DDE system. These malicious programs can disrupt communication channels, causing the DDE Server Window error to occur.
System File Corruption: Corruption in system files can also be a cause of the DDE Server Window error. If critical files related to the DDE system are damaged or missing, it can result in the error message during shutdown.
Windows Registry issues: If the Windows Registry files become corrupted or damaged, you can witness the DDE Server Windows error.

Also read: The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck: Quick Fix

DDE Server Windows error: Possible fixes

Now that we have understood the potential reasons behind the DDE Server Windows error preventing shutdown, let us now move on to the fixes.

Restart Windows Explorer using the Task Manager

Here’s how to do that:

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then click on the Task Manager option to open it.
Now, locate Windows Explorer and then right click on it.
Select the Restart option from the drop-down menu.

Easy right! Many users have resolved DDE Server Windows error which was preventing their device from shutdown with these easy steps.

Use these alternate methods to shut down your computer

Here are some alternate to the old Start Menu > Power > Shut down procedure:

Keyboard shortcuts: Press the Windows key + X to open the power user menu and then press U followed by U again to shut down the computer.
Shudown using the Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt and type shutdown /s or shutdown /p to initiate a shutdown or power off the computer, respectively.
Power button: Press and hold the power button on the computer or laptop for a few seconds until the system powers off.

Turn off the Automatically Hide Taskbar option

Many users have reported that turning off the Automatically Hide Taskbar option can resolve the issue at hand. Here are the steps to do so:

Right click on an empty screen and then select Personalise. You can also use Windows + I and then click on Personalise.
Now, go to Taskbar > Taskbar behaviours and then turn off the Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode option.

Tweak the Windows Registry settings

You can tweak several Windows Registry settings to resolve the error. However, you should avoid this step if you are a newbie and these settings are important for your computer and any minor mishap can cause a lot other errors too.

Press Windows + R to open the run program. Here type regedit to open Registry.
Now, go to the following address: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
Next, double click on the WaitToKillServiceTimeout file and change the value data to 2000 and click OK.

Create a new user account

Creating a new user account can also help in resolving the DDE Server Windows error. Follow the steps given below to create a new user account on Windows:

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
Now, go to Accounts > Other users.
After that click on Add account

A Microsoft login window will open where you will have to click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in formation tab. Finally, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account option. Enter the details and you’re good to go.