Hyper V – BSOD — addfilter.exe afamgt.sys removal tool for Dell PowerEdge Servers

I have been converting my older servers into Virtual Images with the Disk2VHD utility but ran across a problem with one that was utilizing a PERC 3/Di controller.  In the process of updating this Server 2003 R2 unit to Server 2008 an error is generated stating that you need to use the addfilter.exe tool from dell and remove the afamgt.sys from the computer before you can upgrade.

Interestingly the links given for this addfilter.exe tool no longer work on dell.

After some google searches and bit of hunting through forums I have found that the addfilter.exe tool is no longer used and instead the proper way to remove the offending driver afamgt.sys is to use the Filter_Driver_Removal_Tool.msi from Dell that automates the process removing the registry entries and the afamgt.sys file.

Here is the installer from Dell if you are looking for a direct link.  Filter_Driver_Removal_Tool.msi(Zipped)

Or Here is the Dell link where I found the utility – http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverid=G23XC

This utility will generate a message letting you know your system is safe to upgrade to Server 2008.

This utility also will make your system save to create a VHD or VHDX file without getting a BSOD.

—- Screenshot of Upgrade Message and KB Article ¬¨‚Ćreferring to addfilter.exe tool.