The error message – “COM Surrogate has stopped working” is commonly reported by many Windows users. It is commonly encountered when one tries to browse files or folders containing media (photos and videos). After having learned about this nuisance, we did a little digging and found out seven comprehensive methods to fix this problem once and for all. Let’s just dive straight into the details.
Fix the Issue Surrogate has Stopped Working
In this article, we have discussed some of the solutions to fix the the issue surrogate has stopped working. All of these solutions are very effective. So let’s try out them.
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Method 1: Roll back to the Previous Display Adapter Driver
Step 1 – Tap Windows + R to open the dialogue box and type hdwwiz.cpl and click OK.
Step 2 – Navigate to the Display Adapter section. Right-click on it and choose Properties.
Step 3 – Choose ‘Rollback driver’ and simply follow the described instructions. If this option is not available then don’t worry, we have six other methods ready to help you out.
Method 2: Add dllhost.exe to the DEP Exception
Step 1 – Go to the Windows Search bar and open the control panel.
Step 2 – In the systems area, choose advanced systems and select Performance Settings. Then select the Data Execution Prevention
Step 3 – Now select “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select”. Choose ‘Add’.
Step 4 – If your Windows is of 32 bits then proceed to add C:\Windows\System32\dllhost.exe. If your Windows is 64 bits then go to add C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dllhost.exe.
Step 5 – Once these are in your exception list, apply the changes and tap OK.
Method 3: Re-register the DLL’s
Step 1 – Start up an escalated command prompt and type ‘cmd’.
Step 2 – From the search results, choose the ‘cmd’ option and go on to Run as administrator.
Step 3 – A command prompt window will open up. In it, type these commands.
regsvr32 vbscript.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
Step 4 – Tap on Enter after writing each command.
Method 4: Check disk for errors –
Step 1 – Tap Windows key and E simultaneously and choose the concerned drive.
Step 2 – Right-click on the concerning hard drive and go to Properties.
Step 3 – Select the Tools tab from the available options and opt for Check Now. This option should be under Error checking.
Step 4 – Make sure to go through both the options and once you are done click Start.
Method 5: Update Codecs
This is an old-school manual method that involves downloading and installing the latest codec version for your Windows system. It is applicable for Windows 7, 8, and 10 users. Although quite simple, this method deserves a shot.
For Windows 7 Codec Pack, download it from – http://www.windows7codecs.com/
For Windows 8 and 10 Codec Packs, download it from – http://www.windows8codecs.com/
Method 6: Reset Internet Explorer
The error message “COM Surrogate has stopped working” might be popping up because of certain corrupted cached files. We will therefore try and eliminate this possibility via this method by resetting Internet Explorer. Our mode of action would be based on deleting and then re-installing the application.
Step 1 – Tap the Windows key and hold R. This will open up a dialogue box.
Step 2 – In the dialogue box, type inetcpl.cpl and proceed with OK.
Step 3 – Browse for the ‘Advanced’ option and opt for
Step 4 – Tick the Delete personal settings box and proceed with the Reset
Step 5 – Now simply restart your PC and check if the problem persists. It should be solved by now.
Method 7: Performing a Clean Boot
When every other option fails, we go for the good old-fashioned clean boot. The clean boot has a high success rate because it prevents other applications from an unnecessary interruption in the process.
Step 1 – Tap Windows and the R button to open up a box.
Step 2 – Type msconfig in the box and click OK.
Step 3 – Now opt for the Service tab and proceed to ‘Hide All Microsoft Services’ and proceed to disable all. Apply these settings and click OK.
Step 4 – If you are prompted to restart your PC, choose restart later and again repeat Steps 1 and 2.
Step 5 – In the box, choose “Start up” and click on Open Task Manager.
Step 6 – You will now be able to view the Start-up impact Right-click and disable all high impact options.
Step 7 – Restart your PC (it will start in clean boot mode) and enable the settings which you had disabled.
Any meddling third-party application can be causing this error, by following these 7 steps, you should be effectively putting a stop to it.
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Conclusion
It can be very frustrating when any file/folder fails to work as you expect it to. That is why we have mentioned the above 7 methods in a compact, lucid manner to help you have a smoother computing experience. You can now solve the problem of “COM Surrogate not working” without being privy to any technical jargon. Our methods do not involve downloading any external app or tool and help you solve your issue in a plain yet effective way. The variation in these methods should help you overcome any problem you face.
