Intel Optane Memory is a form of non-volatile memory that you can add to your computer’s hardware to boost the speed of your HDD or SSD.
As far as the concept of memory pinning goes, this is essentially how Intel Optane can pick specific files, programs, and applications for acceleration and this is the function that Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error meddles in.
Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error – Everything that You Need to Know!
Our guide below takes a dig into everything regarding Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error, including what it is, its cause, and its fix.
So, let’s get started!
What is Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error?
The Intel Optane Memory Pinning error can occur anytime while you are busy using your PC. It can be either in the form as shown in the screenshot above or simply as an error code 0x8007007E.
This error is a bug in the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) driver, of version between 17.5.x and 17.8.x.
What causes Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error?
Beginning with the 17.5.0.1017 Intel RST driver, the way the Intel® Optane™ memory pinning components are installed was changed.
If you try to upgrade the Intel RST driver from an older version to a version within the range of 17.5.x to 17.8.x, the Operating System’ update attempts to use the removed files of that earlier version.
As a result, the Intel Optane Pinning Service Extension is unable to load the DLL – iaStorAfsServiceApi.dll, causing a compatibility issue that pops up on your screen in the form of an error message.
In simple words, this error is the representation of the failure of copying of files and libraries like the iaStorAfsServiceApi.dll while Windows tries to install the updated driver of Intel RST.
If you have a computer system with a fresh Operating System, having Intel RST drivers between 17.5.x and 17.8.x installed as the default, this issue won’t bother you.
How to Fix Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error
There are a total of five different methods of getting rid of the frustrating Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error. You should opt for them in the order we have detailed them below. If one doesn’t work, switch to the next one.
Look for the Missing DLL
It is one of the two most efficient ways to solving your problem. What you need to do is search your computer’s memory for iaStorAfsServiceApi.dll, and once you find it, make a connection between it and the Optane Pinning Service.
However, while this method may be very effective, it is certainly not the easiest which brings us to our other methods.
Update Your RST Driver
This is the second one of the most efficient methods. All you have to do is download and install Intel RST’s driver version 17.9.1.1009 or greater and not only will your matter get resolved, but you also won’t experience it again after a future Operating System Update.
Repair the Intel Optane Explorer Extension
Press (Windows + R) buttons on your keyboard to open the run dialog. Type in “Appwiz.cpl” and hit enter. You will be navigated to the Programs and Features Tab.
In these programs and features, search for the label named, “Intel Optane Pinning Explorer Extensions”. Once you find it, right-click on it and then select the option of “Repair” from the short menu bar.
This will prompt a repairing process to begin. After it ends, reboot your PC to apply the changes.
Uninstall the Driver
Finally, open the run dialog on your screen by pressing the (Windows + R) buttons on your keyboard. Type in “devmgmt.msc” in the space and hit enter.
You will find yourself in the Device Manager. Keep scrolling downwards until you located the label of Software components.
Once you do, expand it, and right-click on the Intel Pinning Shell Extensions field. From the short menu context that appears, tap on the “Uninstall Device” option.
On the resulting dialog, tick the checkbox next to the “Delete the driver software for this device” and proceed to uninstall.
After the process is complete, reboot your PC to apply the changes.
Uninstall the Intel Optane Explorer Extension
Follow the third method until you have reached the “Intel Optane Pinning Explorer Extensions” program. Right-click on it and select the “Uninstall” option.
Once it is uninstalled, you might be asked to restart the computer. Don’t. Instead, close the dialog and go over the list of remaining programs and see if you can find any application related to Intel Optane. If you do, uninstall it as well before restarting your PC.
Note that this method might cause your computer system’s Intel Optane to get disabled as a result of which, you will no longer be able to enjoy the acceleration it has to offer.
To re-enable it, you will need to download and install the relevant drivers from your manufacturer’s website, whether it’s Intel, Dell, or any other.
Conclusion
Following any of the problem-solving methods mentioned above, you should be able to rid yourself of the Intel Optane Memory Pinning Error.
However, if you want to steer clear of this hassle in the future, make sure that you turn off the Intel Optane module from your PC’s BIOS settings before upgrading your Windows next time around.
