Run a system diagnostic utility supplied by...

Microsoft has identified a problem with the OSes listed below that require updating to the current service pack to fix this issue:

In Windows XP pre-SP3 with Terminal Services, if more than 100 windows are open at a time, this problem can occur. You will need to install the current XP service pack (Microsoft article 814789).

Confirm the hardware is working correctly using a hardware diagnostic program. If you suspect a specific hardware item, such as memory stick or video card, try replacing it with known good hardware.

Don't overlook the possibility that hardware was not installed correctly, especially anything you installed just prior to the problems starting. Make sure all cards and memory are securely seated in their slots. Verify disk drive cables are properly connected and are not loose.

Several software products that offer an extensive range of hardware diagnostics includes Fix-It Utilities Professional and SystemSuite Professional. Other diagnostic products include Eurosoft's PC Check and Iolo's System Mechanic.

If you just installed new hardware, confirm it is really compatible with the Windows. Use Windows compatibility page for newer Windows. The XP compatibility page was removed from the Microsoft site in Nov-2010.

You may have a defective memory. This is even more likely if it only occurs when the system is cold or hot, but not all the time. Use a memory tester to confirm if it is defective or if you have spare memory, try replacement.

Windows 7 and Vista include a Memory Test program when booting from the Windows Installation DVD. Step-by-step instructions with screen shots are available at Using System Restore on 7/Vista/2008 as part of System Recovery.

Several software products that also provide memory and video diagnostics includes Fix-It Utilities Professional and SystemSuite Professional. Other diagnostic products include Eurosoft's PC Check and Iolo's System Mechanic.

Additional Memory Solutions:

• Confirm all the memory is of the same type and speed. Many motherboards only work correctly when the memory is installed with matched sets and matched speeds.
• If you added or changed your memory just before this problem occurred, try reverting to the prior memory configuration to confirm it's the source of the problem.
• Check that the memory is fully seated in the sockets. Memory sockets often have side latches that need to be upright to indicate the memory is correctly locked in place.
• Confirm the memory resides in the correct slots on the motherboard. You'll need to refer to the motherboard manual to confirm this. There is little consistency, even within a single vendor. Some systems require that memory is installed as matched pairs, but not always adjacent to each other!
• It's also possible the memory problem is on the video card, as they often contain additional memory. The video card should be tested and/or try a different video card to see if the problem goes away.

If you are unable successfully boot into Windows because of the fatal error, Windows has an option to reload registry information from the last successful boot. To revert to the last successful boot:

1. Reboot the computer.
2. Near the end of the BIOS messages or graphic, but well before anything appears from Windows, press the F8 key. You may only have a few seconds to get the right spot to press F8 before it attempts to go into Windows. If the BIOS complains about a pressed key or asks you to go into BIOS setup, you've pressed F8 too soon (Don't go into BIOS setup).
3. When successful, you should see a black screen with white text "Windows Advanced Options". Use the up or down arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration and press Enter.

Install the latest Windows software updates. Don't forget to check for non-critical updates too!

To manually get updates, open Internet Explorer (you can't use a non-Microsoft browser for updates).

For IE 8 and later: Click on Safety, then Windows Update. Follow the instructions.

For IE 7 and older: Click on Tools, then Windows Update. Follow the instructions.

Check if you are using the latest hardware drivers, especially the chipset and video drivers. Older drivers are a common contributor to BSoD issues.

You can use a product like Driver Genius or Radar Sync to verify you have the latest drivers and help keep all your drivers up-to-date. If you're comfortable with driver installations, you can individually find and install current drivers.

A some of the most popular driver download sites:

• CPU and Chipset Drivers: AMD, Intel, Via
• Video Drivers: ATI, Intel, Nvida
• Computer and other hardware manufacturers

Check with the PC manufacturer if you're using the latest BIOS or not. If not, update to the current version.

A few of the manufacture's download or support links for a motherboard/BIOS update:

If the BIOS is current, it's possible bad BIOS parameters are causing the problem, especially if the memory or CPU settings are overclocked. The BIOS parameters are stored in CMOS memory. The best way to reset the BIOS parameters is to remove the CMOS battery. To do this:

1. Unplug the PC, and open the case.
2. Locate the battery on the motherboard - typically a silver coin cell.
3. Remove the battery and note if the plus side is up or down, so you can reinstall it later the same way.
4. Wait at least 1 minute and reinstall the battery.
5. Attach power and power up. Typically a BIOS warning message will indicate CMOS was corrupted or changed and it may require you to go into the BIOS setup to set the time and date.
6. Proceed to boot Windows and see if this fixes the issue.

Some BIOSes have options to enable/disable caching and/or shadowing. If the options are available, disable caching and shadowing. Most newer (2005+) systems do not have these options. There are many BIOS makers and customized versions of the BIOS, so you may have to enter BIOS setup and look a bit to find these options. Typically you press a key like Esc, Del, F1, or F2 before Windows starts (almost right after you reboot) to enter BIOS setup. Consult your computer manual for details. The setup key can also be found in our BIOS access list.

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The CPU generated a trap and the kernel failed to catch this trap.

After the Stop code will be at least one hex value: {Parameter 1}.

Parameter 1 specifies the trap code. Common codes include:

0x00000000	Divide by zero. Hardware issues can cause this problem.
0x00000001	A debugger call was made.
0x00000003	A breakpoint instruction was encountered and not handled.
0x00000004	Overflow trap occurred.
0x00000005	Bounds range exceeded.
0x00000006	Invalid instruction - typically caused by a memory fault or software bug.
0x00000007	Device not available. This is unlikely to occur on PCs today.
0x00000008	Double fault - such as as a stack overflow. This often indicates a hardware problem.
0x0000000A	A corrupted TSS (Task State Segment). You are unlikely to see this code.
0x0000000B	An access to a memory segment not present.
0x0000000C	Stack exception by accessing memory beyond the limits of a stack.
0x0000000D	General protection fault - a protection fault that pertains to access violations for applications.