Common blue screen errors and their solutions.

Windows XP - Blue Screen Errors (STOP Errors)

A STOP error (commonly called a Windows blue screen error) is an error displayed by the Microsoft Windows Operating System, after encountering a critical system error. STOP errors can be caused by poorly written device drivers, faulty memory, a corrupt Registry, or incompatible DLLs.
In Windows XP, a STOP error occurs when the kernel or a driver running in kernel mode encounters an error from which it cannot recover. The only safe action the operating system can take in this situation is to restart the computer. As a result, data may be lost, as users are not given an opportunity to save data that has not yet been saved to the hard drive.
STOP error messages are identified by an 8-digit hexadecimal number, but also commonly written in a shorthand notation; e.g., a STOP 0x0000000A may also be written Stop 0xA. Four additional 8-digit hex numbers may appear in parentheses, usually unique to your computer and the particular situation. In addition, a specific "Stop Error" may be displayed after the hex number, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.
These procedures give information on:
1. How to turn off "Automatically Restart" on system failure.
2. What information to obtain from the Blue Screen for proper troubleshooting.
3. What to do for common Windows STOP Errors (Blue Screen).
Following is a list of common blue screen errors and STOP codes:
1> PAGE FAULT IN NON PAGED AREA (STOP 0x00000050)
2> INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE (STOP 0x0000007B)
3> UNMOUNATBLE BOOT VOLUME (STOP 0x000000ED)
4> MEMORY MANAGEMENT or IRQ NOT LESS OR EQUAL (STOP 0x0000001A)
5> IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL (STOP 0x0000000A)
6> DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL (STOP 0x000000D1)
7> KERNEL MODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (STOP 0x0000008E)
8> KERNEL DATA INPAGE ERROR (STOP 0x0000007A)
9> SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (STOP 0x0000007E)
10> KERNEL STACK INPAGE ERROR (STOP 0x00000077)
Turn off automatic restart
By default, Windows XP automatically restarts on a system failure.
The option to "Start Windows Normally" will be highlighted.
Press ENTER, so the computer restarts and try to start normally.
If the computer reboots to the "We apologize" screen, cursor up and select "Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)" and press ENTER.
Once again, the computer restarts.
If Windows starts successfully
Turn off the Automatic restart on system failure in Windows.
Click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
Select the Advanced tab.
In the Startup and Recovery section, click Settings.

In the System failure section, click the checkbox in front of Automatically restart to remove the check.
Restart computer.
If computer starts Windows normally, inform customer that using the "Start Windows Normally" option fixed the error.
If computer does not start Windows normally, and shows the Stop error again, refer to the following troubleshooting steps.
If Windows does not start successfully
Disable automatic restart at the Advanced Options Menu.
Restart the computer by selecting Start Windows Normally.
The computer errors and restarts.
When the computer restarts, start pressing F8 repeatedly.
At the Advanced Menu Options screen, select Disable automatic restart on system failure, then press ENTER.

Next, select the Windows XP as the operating system to start, then press ENTER.
The computer tries to start into Windows. A blue screen appears. Write down the error message title and STOP error code.


PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (STOP 0x00000050)

Below are some examples of programs that may cause this error, along with a link for more information.
14 Roxio Easy CD Creator 5.0 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310628/en-us
15 Lexar USB Universal Reader - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/817197/en-us
16 Programs that may not work properly under Windows XP Service Pack 2 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/884130/en-us
To uninstall a program that may be causing a problem, follow the instructions below.
Click Start, click Control Panel, then click Add or Remove Programs.
Click on the program to be removed, then click Remove.
Follow any prompts that may appear.
Restart the computer. If the error does not reappear, the problem is resolved. If the error reappears, repeat the process to remove another program.
If removing programs does not resolve the problem, reload the computer, using the recovery partition (preferred) or the backup disks.


INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE (STOP 0x0000007B)

This error can be caused by a boot sector virus. Boot sector viruses are pretty rare, but the computer should still be checked. Use the following steps to resolve the issue:
Use antivirus software to remove a boot sector virus. Consult the antivirus software documentation for instructions.
If a boot sector virus is indicated by the antivirus software, but the software cannot remove it, reload the system using the recovery partition (preferred) or backup disks.
Note: Refer to the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324103/en-us


UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME (STOP 0x000000ED)

Use the following steps to resolve the issue:
Run CHKDSK. The procedure to use is dependant on the type of media for your operating system, the blue OS CD or a medialess recovery partition.
Using the Gateway System Recovery method
Insert the Operating System CD into the CD/DVD drive.
Start computer. The Gateway System Recovery application opens.
Pres down and hold the ALT key, then press the D key to open the Command Prompt window.
Note: Run a DIR command on each drive to determine which drive is the Windows boot drive (For example: DIR C:\). The most common location is c:\ or d:\ (look for common directories like Documents and Settings, Program Files, and Windows).
At the Command Prompt, type Chkdsk C: /R (where "C:" is the drive identified as the Windows boot drive). Depending on drive size, Chkdsk takes between thirty and sixty minutes to complete. The computer returns to the DOS command prompt when Chkdsk is complete.
At the Command Prompt, type: Exit, then press ENTER. The system exits the recovery console and restarts.
Using the Legacy Windows XP Operating System Disks - Blue CD
Insert the Blue Operating System CD into the CD/DVD drive.
Press the power button to start the computer. The Windows Setup screen opens.
Press the R key to select Repair Windows Using the Recovery Console. The recovery console application starts.
Press the 1 key, then press ENTER to log into the first Windows installation.
Type in your Administrator password if you have one, or leave it blank if no Administrator password was set.
Press ENTER. The recovery console opens.
At the Command Prompt, type: Chkdsk /r, then press ENTER. Depending on drive size, Chkdsk takes between thirty and sixty minutes to complete. The computer returns to the C:\Windows prompt when Chkdsk is complete.
At the Command Prompt, type: Exit, then press ENTER. The computer exits the recovery console and restarts.
Make sure the BIOS settings are set to the default settings.
Restart the computer.
When prompted, press F2 to enter the BIOS.
Follow the prompts in the BIOS to select the default settings for the computer. Reference Product pages for more information.
Save the settings, and then restart the computer.
Reload the computer using the recovery partition (preferred) or the backup disks.
Note: Reference the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555302/en-us


MEMORY_MANAGEMENT or IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (STOP 0x0000001A)

This blue screen error can be caused by the memory management process built into Windows XP. Microsoft has developed a hotfix for this problem. Follow the instructions given in the link below to fix the problem.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929338/en-us


IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (STOP 0x0000000A)

If a driver was recently installed, use the following steps to restore Windows:
Use the Last Known Good configuration.
Restart the computer.
When the Gateway splash screen appears, repeatedly press the F8 key until the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears.
Use the arrow keys to select Last Known Good Configuration, then press ENTER.
When prompted to select the operating system to start, select Windows XP, then press ENTER.
Note: For more information about the Last Known Good Configuration, reference the following link.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852/.
Use the Driver Roll Back feature
Device Driver Roll Back reinstalls the driver used previously and restores any driver settings that were changed when the new driver was added. It affects no other files or settings.
Note: Printer drivers cannot be restored with Device Driver Roll Back.
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
In Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
In Device Manager, select the device for which Roll Back Driver needs to be used. From the Action menu, click Properties.
Note: Most entries in Device Manager have the Roll Back Driver feature. In this example, the Display adapter is used.
In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click the Driver tab, and then click Roll Back Driver.
When prompted to roll back the previous driver, click Yes.
The driver is changed back to the previous driver. The Driver name, Driver Provider, Driver Date, Driver Version, and Digital Signer change to the corresponding driver. In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click Close.
In the System Settings Change dialog box, to restart the computer, click Yes.

Note: Reference the following Knowledge Base article for more information on the Driver Roll Back feature.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283657/
Use the Windows XP System Restore feature.
Remove the hardware device associated with the driver to see whether the STOP error stops occurring. If removing the device resolves the problem, check with the device vendor to see whether there are new drivers available.
Reload the computer, using the recovery partition (preferred) or the backup disks.


KERNEL_STACK_INPAGE_ERROR (STOP 0x00000077)

To resolve this error, perform the following steps:
Note: Upon restart, the Autochk process may run and resolve the error. Autochk is a version of CHKDSK that runs automatically. If Autochk does not run, or it runs and the error reoccurs, then proceed to the following steps.
Restart computer.
Run CHKDSK. Follow the steps given in the UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME troubleshooting section.
Run an antivirus program.
Reseat the system memory and adapter cards.
Note: You may not be able to reseat some of these components. For example, the video may be integrated on the motherboard in which case there will not be a separate video card.
From the Start menu, click Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Shut Down the computer, and then click Yes. When prompted, turn off the computer.
Open the case.
Note: Reference the Product pages for information on opening the computer case and locating memory and adapter cards.
Remove and reinstall the system memory.
Remove and reinstall the video card in the computer.
Remove, and reinstall the modem card in the computer.
Remove and reinstall any other adapter cards that may be present.
Restart computer. Make sure computer is working.
STOP Error code not listed
If the STOP error code showing on the monitor is not listed here, search the Microsoft Knowledge Base using the Stop error code.
Note: Microsoft has documentation on most Windows STOP error codes and how to troubleshoot them. Go to http://support.microsoft.com/search for information from Microsoft. Using the Search feature, search for the STOP code that appears on the display. For example, type 0x0000007B in the search box and press ENTER to search for the 0x0000007B error.


IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (STOP 0x000000D1)

If a driver was recently installed, use the following steps to restore Windows:
Use the Last Known Good configuration.
Restart the computer.
When the Gateway splash screen appears, repeatedly press the F8 key until the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears.
Use the arrow keys to select Last Known Good Configuration, then press ENTER.
When prompted to select the operating system to start, select Windows XP, then press ENTER.
Note: For more information about the Last Known Good Configuration, reference the following link.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852/.
Use the Driver Roll Back feature
Device Driver Roll Back reinstalls the driver used previously and restores any driver settings that were changed when the new driver was added. It affects no other files or settings.
Note: Printer drivers cannot be restored with Device Driver Roll Back.
Device Driver Roll Back Instructions
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
In Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
In Device Manager, select the device for which Roll Back Driver needs to be used. From the Action menu, click Properties.
Note: Most entries in Device Manager have the Roll Back Driver feature. In this example, the Display adapter is used.
In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click the Driver tab, and then click Roll Back Driver.
When prompted to roll back the previous driver, click Yes.
The driver is changed back to the previous driver. The Driver name, Driver Provider, Driver Date, Driver Version, and Digital Signer change to the corresponding driver. In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click Close.
In the System Settings Change dialog box, to restart the computer, click Yes.
Note: Reference the following Knowledge Base article for more information on the Driver Roll Back feature.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283657/
Use the windows XP system restore feature.
Remove the hardware device associated with the driver to see whether the STOP error stops occurring. If removing the device resolves the problem, check with the device vendor to see whether there are new drivers available.
Reload the computer, using the recovery partition (preferred) or the backup disks.

KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (STOP 0x0000008E)

If a driver was recently installed, use the following steps to restore Windows:
Use the Last Known Good configuration.
Restart the computer.
When the Gateway splash screen appears, repeatedly press the F8 key until the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears.
Use the arrow keys to select Last Known Good Configuration, then press ENTER.
When prompted to select the operating system to start, select Windows XP, then press ENTER.
Note: For more information about the Last Known Good Configuration, reference the following link.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852/.
Use the Driver Roll Back feature
Device Driver Roll Back reinstalls the driver used previously and restores any driver settings that were changed when the new driver was added. It affects no other files or settings.
Note: Printer drivers cannot be restored with Device Driver Roll Back.
Device Driver Roll Back Instructions
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
In Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
In Device Manager, select the device for which Roll Back Driver needs to be used. From the Action menu, click Properties.
Note: Most entries in Device Manager have the Roll Back Driver feature. In this example, the Display adapter is used.In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click the Driver tab, and then click Roll Back Driver. When prompted to roll back the previous driver, click Yes. The driver is changed back to the previous driver. The Driver name, Driver Provider, Driver Date, Driver Version, and Digital Signer change to the corresponding driver. In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click Close.
In the System Settings Change dialog box, to restart the computer, click Yes.

Note: Reference the following Knowledge Base article for more information on the Driver Roll Back feature.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283657/
Use the Windows XP System Restore feature.
Click start, all programs, accessories, system tools, system restore.
Now restore to a previous date when your computer was in good shape.
Remove the hardware device associated with the driver to see whether the STOP error stops occurring. If removing the device resolves the problem, check with the device vendor to see whether there are new drivers available.
Reload the computer, using the recovery partition (preferred) or the backup disks.

KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR (STOP 0x0000007A)

To resolve this error, perform the following steps:
Note: Upon restart, the Autochk process may run and resolve the error. Autochk is a version of CHKDSK that runs automatically. If Autochk does not run, or it runs and the error reoccurs, then proceed to the following steps.
Restart computer.
Run CHKDSK. Follow the steps given in the UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME troubleshooting section.
Run an antivirus program.
Reseat the system memory and adapter cards.
Note: You may not be able to reseat some of these components. For example, the video may be integrated on the motherboard in which case there will not be a separate video card.
From the Start menu, click Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Shut Down the computer, and then click Yes. When prompted, turn off the computer.
Open the case.
Note: Reference the Product pages for information on opening the computer case and locating memory and adapter cards.
Remove and reinstall the system memory.
Remove and reinstall the video card in the computer.
Remove, and reinstall the modem card in the computer.
Remove and reinstall any other adapter cards that may be present.
Restart computer. Make sure computer is working.

SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (STOP 0x0000007E)

To resolve this error, perform the following steps:
Run Windows Update to install Service Pack 2 if it is not already installed and to update the computer.
Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
On the General tab, in the System section, the words "Service Pack 2" will be displayed if Service Pack 2 is already installed.
Follow the instructions given in this link. http://source/tech_support/SOFTWARE/MICROSOF/7509594/FAQ2/750959421.shtml
Be sure to install all critical and recommended updates.
Run Device Driver Roll Back.
Device Driver Roll Back reinstalls the driver used previously and restores any driver settings that were changed when the new driver was added. It affects no other files or settings.
Note: Printer drivers cannot be restored with Device Driver Roll Back.
Device Driver Roll Back instructions
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
In Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
In Device Manager, select the device for which Roll Back Driver needs to be used. From the Action menu, click Properties.
Note: Most entries in Device Manager have the Roll Back Driver feature. In this example, the Display adapter is used.
In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click the Driver tab, and then click Roll Back Driver.
When prompted to roll back the previous driver, click Yes.
The driver is changed back to the previous driver. The Driver name, Driver Provider, Driver Date, Driver Version, and Digital Signer change to the corresponding driver. In the properties dialog box for the selected device, click Close.
In the System Settings Change dialog box, to restart the computer, click Yes.

For more information on Device Driver Roll Back, refer to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283657/.


courtesy- gateway-support.com

Cyclic Redundancy Check data error

What does 'cyclic redundancy check error' mean?

There are plenty of technical resources on the Web that discuss cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs). Most times you won't need to worry about this technobabble. That is, until one it day it suddenly appears and you think - what the hell does that mean? In simple terms, a CRC is bit of mathematics used to ensure that your data is OK when being transfered. It's a checking procedure that quickly identifies when data has been damaged. If you get this message, it means that the file being read by your PC or software is corrupted. However, it does not mean all the data is lost forever. When data is transfered, it is usually in small blocks and each block is given a CRC value. If something goes wrong with the data between the time it leaves the source and arrives at its destination, the CRC sent at the source will no longer match the one that is calculated when the data arrives - this is when the cyclic redundancy check error will appear.
The most common time you will see the cyclic redundancy check error message is when trying to read data from a damaged CD or DVD. Just before it appears, your CD/DVD drive will probably grind and whirl away - your PC may also become a little slugglish.

Less frequent causes are the result of system crashes, and buggy software (hello Microsoft), incomplete downloads (often identified by the misleading message 'This is not a valid Windows file', 'This is not a valid win32 application' or 'Corrupt Zip file'). If this problem happens frequently with downloads, try using a download manager.

For CDs and DVDs, the problem is a little different. Normally, when CD/DVD drives get a CRC message from a disc, they try to read the disc again - hence the grinding sound. After several failed attempts, they give up and display the redundancy check error. The problem can be hardware (loose cables, failing drive), software or damaged media. In most cases checking and cleaning the disc is the easiest way to overcome the problem. If different clean discs produce the same error, it is likely to be a hardware issue (check the discs in another drive). Another common cause of these errors is poorly burnt CDs and DVDs - especially those that had numerous or severe buffer underuns. USB burners suffer from this problem when the burn speed is too high (generally above 4X-8X)

If the discs are damaged, you'll probably need a recovery tool to get back your data. CDCheck 3 will work for CDs and DVDs. First it will check the media, and then you have the option to recover the files. It's free for personal use and has saved many people heartache when it comes to recovering lost digital images and videos from damaged CDs.

http://softwarepatch.com/software/cd-recovery.html (CD recovery tool)
courtesy- softwarepatch.com

About:Blank - adware pest removal

Here's the problem - Internet Explorer seems to have decided that the home page About:blank is what will greet you every time you open a new browser window. You try to change it back but either your Internet Options are greyed out or you change the page back, only to find next time you start Internet Explorer the dreaded About:blank has returned.

There are many possible causes for this behaviour and most are evil. One possible cause is a virus, but this is not very common. The most likely culprit is an adware/browser hijack program - in particular, CoolWebSearch.

The symptom that identifies the CoolWebSearch or a close variation is that About:Blank appears as the address, but in the background a window pops up stating that spyware, adware or something similar has been found on your system. CoolWebSearch is a browser hijack program - it takes over your home page, and keeps changing it back. Its purpose is to show you advertising, or flog you an over-priced piece of software to fix the issue CoolWebSearch has created. The About:Blank change is a trick designed to confuse users - regrettably, it is very successful!
The simplest way to remove the About:Blank adware is to use a specially designed tool and clean up your system. Step one is to flush out all the temp files on your system: Cookies, Temporary Internet Files and Temp files (you can do this via Internet Explorer's Tools-Internet Options or for a more thorough clean, use a privacy tool such as Tracks Eraser Pro 5). Next up, get a copy of CWShredder. This should kill CoolWebSearch and allow you to change your home page from About:Blank, plus it will kill those pop up windows.

If these options don't work, you may need a more in-depth tool .

The About:Blank deception is devious enough already - it may be altered in the future, so keep an eye out for other programs that contain it (main sources: free programs with adware files) - and stay clear. Finally, consider adding an anti-adware tool to work next to your anti-virus software.

http://softwarepatch.com/software/trackerase.html (Link for Track Eraser)
http://softwarepatch.com/software/cwshredder.html (Link for CW Shredder)

courtesy- softwarepatch.com

You tried to overclock your CPU but now your monitor does not start. Oops!!

So, you got the lesson. DO NOT OVERCLOCK your computer.

Overclocking results in change to the voltage profile within the circuitry. This can be minimized by increasing the voltages applied but too much increase can burn up the circuitry. A bigger problem is the heat generated due to overclocking. Which is why the boot frequency did not match and your monitor doesn't turn on. Even if your computer runs after overclocking, it will have a greater tendency to hang. The solution is just open your cabinet and look for the CMOS battery in your motherboard. Take it out and insert it after 15mins. BIOS settings are set to default and you are back in business.

Frequently you get a message "Windows is increasing your virtual memory" or "Your virtual memory is too low"

This may be the problem when your RAM is low and during memory taxing applications, windows has to increase the default setting of your virtual memory. So what you do is to tweak the virtual memory setting yourself to a higher value. Virtual memory is just a section of the hard disk which your operating system uses as a RAM. This is a critical feature because it allows the OS to use more RAM than it actually has, allowing users to use more robust programs without having to upgrade their memory.

Right click 'My Computer' and goto 'properties'.
Click the 'advanced' tab, and click 'settings' under 'performance' section.
Again click 'advanced' tab, and click 'change' under 'virtual memory' section.
Now change the max and min value in 'custom size'. Check with the recommended size. An increase of 200 MB is desirable.

If you get the message again, increase your size further or the time has come for an increase of your RAM.

All your desktop items are suddenly missing.

This is very rare and silly too. I don't know how it can happen without you doing it. Obviously, someone else might play a joke, but you can always ask him to undo it. I found this question on yahoo question and answers. And the person was frustated like anything. The solution??

Well, just right click on your desktop and under 'Arrange icons by' click 'show desktop icons'. It often goes unnoticed.

Drives do not open by double clicking, you get a message "Access is denied".

This is just another variant of the same Perlofga virus. Just download this tool and follow its instructions to remove the virus.

http://en.sergiwa.com/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?cid=2&lid=4