How To Fix Page Fault in Nonpaged Area Error? [2023]
Page Fault in Nonpaged Area is a type of blue screen error seen on Windows OS that occurs when Windows is unable to access some of the memory it needs.
This kind of error typically appears with an accompanying message stating “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart,” and it can cause system performance issues, crashes or even renders the system unusable.
To better understand this error and how to fix it, let’s take a closer look at its causes, symptoms as well as customary solutions.
Read on if you have been experiencing this issue on your computer; there may be good news ahead!
Definition And Explanation
A page fault in nonpaged area is a serious Windows error indicating an invalid memory reference. It occurs when an application or the operating system (OS) references a specific memory page that is not resident in RAM, leading to a “page fault” status.
Memory management on computers with modern OSes works by dividing addressable memory space into fixed-sized blocks of 4K bytes each, called ‘pages’. These pages can be located either reside in RAM for rapid access – known as ‘resident pages’ – or stored on disk and swapped out as needed – called ‘non-resident pages’.
If program code requests data from any location on the computer, but the requested page isn’t yet resident in RAM, a process called ‘memory paging‘ kicks off to bring it from storage into main memory.
The typical PC with 32GB of physical RAM has some amount of its most critical memory divisions locked permanently into place and are never available for swapping out to free up additional main memory; these locations form the ‘non-paged pool’.
When working correctly this enables faster execution speeds since these required sections don’t need reloading like regular programs do. A PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA BSOD signals a condition where the OS has requested one of its “locked” data sets and got rejected due to no new instructions being present at that location (a “page fault”).
Understanding The Causes
The page fault in nonpaged area error can be caused by various factors, such as issues with RAM, corrupt or damaged system files, faulty hardware components and outdated or problematic drivers.
Issues With RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a crucial resource for any computer as it stores programs and data which the processor needs to access quickly. Whether your PC runs on Windows or MacOS, RAM holds important information about what’s running on the system – if something goes wrong with it, problems can arise such as PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error.
Issues with RAM can be caused by anything from too many unnecessary background processes to faulty hardware components and memory leaks.
When there’s insufficient RAM available to run a program properly, performance drags down significantly and system crashes become more common.
Additionally, issues with the size of virtual memory that RAM allocates between software and swap files may cause this error.
Corrupt Or Damaged System Files
Corrupt or damaged system files are a leading cause of the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error in Windows. System files often get corrupted due to virus infections, failed updates, improper shutdowns, and other issues.
If the operating system can’t read its necessary files correctly, it may crash with a BSOD when attempting to access certain memory pages. Corrupted system file errors such as this can lead to instability and other performance issues if not addressed promptly.
To repair corrupt system files manually in Windows 10 OS users need to use command prompt tools like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing & Management).
These commands allow users to scan for any anomalies in their copy of Windows systems functions and replace them with correct versions from their installation media or repair drive image if available .
Additionally , users may wish install anti-virus software solutions on their machines , which will help prevent malicious file attacks by scanning downloaded content as well as keeping updated definitions for new threats .
Faulty Hardware Components
Identifying faulty hardware components is an essential step in troubleshooting the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error. Issues with RAM, L1 or L2 cache on the CPU chip itself, or even video RAM on a graphics card can all cause this memory issue.
To detect and fix faulty hardware components associated with this issue, it’s important to run diagnostic tests like Memtest86+, which is a free open-source utility designed specifically for testing PC RAM.
Outdated Or Problematic Drivers
One of the leading causes for the error is outdated or problematic drivers. This type of stop code can occur if system services, file systems, drivers and user-mode programs access invalid data areas beyond their authorized range in memory.
Driver updates are a key part of maintaining a reliable computer system because these often come with additional features as well as security upgrades that protect your device from potential vulnerabilities.
Common driver development issues may include compatibility headaches between new software versions, bugs introduced during coding processes or subtle functional changes caused by newer models of hardware components.
Outdated video card drivers can result in game crashes or graphical artifacts appearing on screen while peripheral devices such as printers will not work correctly without updated driver files installed with them.
Symptoms Of Page Fault In Nonpaged Area Error
Common symptoms of this error are a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a Stop code, slow performance, system crashes, or freezes.
Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD)
The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is an error message that appears in Windows when a critical system failure occurs.
It typically signals invalid memory references, disk or file corruption issues, hardware incompatibilities, outdated device drivers or software malfunctions.
In the case of PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA errors, this BSOD indicates an attempt to access pages marked “nonpaged”; these highly privileged and important memory pages are allocated in the nonpaged pool rather than paging a part of them out to secondary storage such as hard drives or SSDs.
The causes for PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA range from faulty system services or driver code to RAM and disk errors.
Slow Performance
When this happens, it can lead to a considerable decrease in performance as RAM becomes overloaded with multiple tasks attempting to operate at once.
To fix these issues, users should check their hardware components for any errors and update drivers or software if possible. Additionally running memory diagnostic tests may help identify faulty components which might need replacing as well as checking the disk for errors using Windows Snap-in tool.
System Crashes And Freezes
System crashes and freezes often signify a problem with the computer’s system, especially when related to page faults in non-paged area errors.
When the OS requests (or ‘pages’) information from RAM which is locked in memory, or if information stored on disk cannot be accessed due to file integrity issues or hardware defects, then it can lead to an error being thrown – sometimes resulting in a blue screen of death and total system failure.
Troubleshooting Page Fault In Nonpaged Area Error
Check Hardware Components For Issues
Checking hardware components is an important step in troubleshooting the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error. Hardware issues such as RAM, L1 or L2 cache on the CPU chip itself, or even video RAM on a graphics card may cause memory problems and lead to this error.
Therefore, it is important to regularly maintain and check for any faults with these components.
Below are some suggested steps which can be taken to troubleshoot hardware components associated with such errors:
- Check physical RAM using Memtest86+, a free open-source tool used for checking PC RAM:
- Download and burn the ISO image onto a CD/DVD disc, double click setup file from CD ROM drive
- Select Memtest86+ V7 option when prompted and restart your computer after installation of memtesting software.
- The program will start automatically upon booting up your machine; press ESC twice before selecting Test from Option Menu Bar.
- Let the memtest run until you see any errors occur as indicated by red colored text that says “Err” next to each test result line displayed at bottom left corner ofscreen. Afterward, update driver or change faulty memory locations accordingly based upon module specific test results given along with corrupted address details under same area if needed , otherwise replace whole physiscal RAM with new one .
- Diagnose CPU cache issue related problems by entering BIOS screen (Press DEL button during system startup):Under Advanced tab , select MPS Version option then set ‘1-APIC’ value towards belowboundary choices ; save & exit settings page afterward in order to fully enable ACPI & APIC Supportability requirements successfully right way :-Auto ->Set Default Value Unchecked .
- Testing & Troubleshooting Graphics Card Problems using device manager of Windows OS :Open Run utility window( Press Win key + R key )> Type “devmgmt” > Access Device Manager directly thereafter > Find Display adapters displays section relative all configured installed videocards within there > Right-click onboard options including graphics controller devices right away > Click Disable choice so remove problematicly caused display drivers
Update Drivers And Software
Outdated or problematic drivers can cause this error as these issues may interfere with the system’s ability to allocate resources correctly.
This alludes directly to updating drivers; users should regularly check for any updates that are available for their hardware devices and install them if necessary.
Additionally, making sure Windows is up-to-date by checking for available patches via Windows Update can help prevent errors such as page fault in nonpaged area from occurring due to driver incompatibility or outdated files.
Overall regular maintenance of system components goes a long way towards resolving and preventing the page fault issue./
Repair System Files With SFC And DISM
The System File Checker (SFC) tool and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands are two powerful utilities that can be used to fix the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error. The SFC tool scans system files for corruption and replaces them with saved, intact copies if necessary.
To use it on Windows 10, 8.1, or 8:
- Press the Windows + X keys at the same time
- Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the drop – down menu
- Type ‘sfc /scannow’ into the command line box and hit enter to run a scan
- If any files need replacing during the process they will be replaced with restored clean versions
- Reboot your PC afterwards for best effect
The DISM commands are similar to SFC which performs functions such as repairing corrupted registry hives, etc., but can also repair problems arising from images associated with operating systems – including features stored within .cab cabinet/.esd encrypted files using external sources such as online repos/WSUS servers depending on configuration settings correctly adjusted through local policies – this is absent in SFC functionality.
It has several options available such as Cleanup Images (/Cleanup-Image option), Enable/Disable Features (/Enable-Feature & /Disable Feature). To run these check the below steps:
- Open Command Prompt window by pressing Win Key + R then typing cmd in Run Box press Okay
- Right click on CMD window select Run As Administrator
3 Enter Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
4 Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth 5 Dism /Online /CleanUp-Image /RestoreHealth 6 Reboot your computer when you’re done7 That’s it! You should now have repaired any corruptions that may exist related nonpaged area error using sfc & dism
Use Command Prompt To Repair Corrupted System Files
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is an in-built command line utility in Windows that can help you repair corrupted system files on your computer.
It works by accessing the Windows installation files present on your PC’s hard drive or a removable Media such as a USB drive, and checks for any damaged or non-functional components.
The syntax of the command is “DISM / Online / Cleanup -Image/ RestoreHealth” which instructs the tool to check the online DIssociated Standalone Windows Image (DSIM)— a repository of all windows settings, drivers, and applications— for any errors.
If found, it will replace them with working versions.
Additionally, DISM supports logging which you can turn on if you want to track its activities during the scan for any issues. Common use cases include repairing problems related to malware or virus infections, roll back faulty driver updates or Windows upgrades, fix BSOD errors like “Page Fault in NonPaged Area” error and speed up app installations or repairs within an image of a mounted system.
Disable Unnecessary Programs And Services
Unnecessary programs and services that are running in the background can cause unnecessary strain on system resources such as memory and CPU.
Disabling these programs and services is a surefire way to improve system performance, stability, and reduce the likelihood of experiencing this error.
To identify what programs may be taking up more resources than necessary, use Task Manager or a dedicated process monitor app like Process Explorer or Autoruns for Windows if it’s available on your computer.
The list of processes contain important details about each program running in the background such as its name, path from where it was launched, setup files used at startup (if any), description of its type (e.g., service, browser plugin etc.), impact on resource consumption relatively based on an average user’s usage patterns (CPU/RAM). Based on this information you can also check how essential or specific tasks are dependent on each particular process/service i.e whether to disable it or not?
Using Safe Mode
Entering Safe Mode to disable faulty software is an effective way of solving the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA Error.
Steps To Access Safe Mode
It is possible to access Safe Mode in Windows when running into the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that boots only the essential drivers and services needed to run Windows, allowing users to identify potential issues with third-party applications and services or hardware components.
There are two ways to access Safe Mode:
- Pressing F8 during startup: To access Safe Mode by pressing F8, users should reboot their system while continually tapping the F8 key until they see an “Advanced Boot Options” menu onscreen. This process may take several attempts due to setup speed differences between different machines. Once in Advanced Boot Options, users can select “Safe Mode” and hit enter.
- Using Advanced Startup options in Windows 10 or 11: Users running versions of Windows 10 or 11 can also use ALT+F4 from the desktop screen and selecting “Restart” once the Shut Down parameter screen appears; this will boot up Active Setup for accessing Advanced Startup Options where they can then select “Troubleshoot” followed by “Advanced Options”, then “Startup Settings”. Finally, choose from the given options which include both traditional or safe modes (with/without Networking) depending on specific needs such as internet connectivity.
Once started in Safe Mode, it is advised that any unnecessary third-party applications be disabled first before further troubleshooting steps are taken including restarting one’s PC if necessary – sometimes updates installed automatically after having entered this special mode!
Additionally, some graphics card drivers do not work correctly within safe so check whether installing/updating them outside of said environment resolves any problems experienced priorly.. Lastly keep important data backed up beforehand just as would be done with all major changes being made system wise!
Using System Restore To Fix Page Fault In Nonpaged Area
System Restore can be an effective tool in resolving page fault in nonpaged area error, but it is important to keep in mind that it will only resolve issues related to system and software changes rather than hardware or firmware problems.
Steps To Access System Restore
System Restore allows Windows users to revert back to a previous version of their system when it was working correctly. To access System Restore, right-click the Start button and select System from the menu. From there, select System Protection in the left pane, then click on the System Restore button on the right.
A list of restore points will be displayed where you can choose one to start rolling back your system configuration. Users should select the most recent point before any problem occurred for best results. Follow the prompts after selecting a restore point and wait until they are completed before restarting your computer and using as normal.
Using System Restore is not without its risks though – restoring files or settings could lead to compatibility issues or data loss if not done carefully. It is recommended that users choose “show more restore points” option so they can see all their available automatic restoration options, allowing them to identify which doesn’t contain virus infections or make significant changes to system settings with confidence before proceeding any further.
Advanced Methods To Fix:
– Manually replace faulty hardware components
– Reinstall your operating system
For more advanced methods to fix page fault in nonpaged area, please continue reading!
Manually Replace Faulty Hardware Components
- Identifying Faulty Parts: The first step involved in replacing faulty hardware components is properly identifying what needs to be replaced. A technician or certified professional should conduct this assessment and review if it’s worth replacing or repairing instead of buying a new piece of hardware.
- Installing Parts Properly: After obtaining the required components one should install wanted part carefully following included guidelines provided by manufacturers manual without making any kind of blunders while doing stuff instructions ensure proper functionality ie connecting cable between processor, power supply PSU with rest attached including fans heat sink software updates via CD/DVD disc Or Flash drive post installation before booting up newly installed unit check again all reconnected cables optically just look inside once visually undo & redo connections.
Reinstall Your Operating System
Reinstalling an operating system is often deemed as a last-resort solution to fix the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error. This process should be done only when other methods do not prove successful in resolving the issue. Doing a complete reinstallation of the operating system can get rid of any faulty software, viruses or hardware issues that are preventing your computer from working properly.
When reinstalling your OS:
- It is important to ensure all necessary data and files are backed up prior to starting the process.Using MiniTool ShadowMaker, select all important data you want to back up and store it in an external hard drive for safe keeping.
- Disable any automated updates so that they do not interfere with the installation process.
- Unplug any peripherals connected to your computer before starting the installation process for optimizing performance during the installation.
- Ensure you have enough disk space and RAM available on your device for a successful installation of the OS as running out of storage space midway through can jeopardize the whole operation.
- Have your original product key at hand so that it can be used quickly during setup when prompted by Windows Setup Manager during startup
- Before going ahead with this method, we suggest researching thoroughly about which version of Windows would be best suited for your machine’s specifications and model number or contact an expert technician to help you with this decision
Prevention And Maintenance
Regular preventive and maintenance measures should be taken to avoid the page fault in nonpaged area error, such as regularly maintaining system components, updating drivers and software, installing anti-virus programs and running regular scans, disabling Automatically Manage Paging File Size for All Drives, and running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
The Windows Memory Diagnostic is an incredibly useful built-in tool that can help identify memory issues such as page faults in nonpaged area. It works by testing your computer’s both physical and virtual memory to detect any errors or anomalies that might be encountered when running certain programs or when accessing data files.
The Test is capable of diagnosing random access memory (RAM) problems, as well as hardware malfunctions like faulty L1/L2 cache or incorrect voltage settings on RAM chips.
• Scanning physical system RAM for errors
• Testing virtual RAM used by applications
• Detecting any possible hardware malfunctions
• Checking device drivers configuration and accuracy
• Troubleshooting various anomalies with video RAM
• Providing detailed reports with full results analysis
Regularly Maintain And Clean System Components
Regularly maintaining and cleaning system components can help prevent corruption of the nonpaged area and therefore help prevent PFN errors. Here are some specific tips for keeping hardware and software components clean and functioning properly:
- Install anti – virus software that will detect malicious files on the computer, as viruses often cause PFN errors.
- Check hardware components for problems with bloated memory, segmentation faults, or errors in virtual memory.
- Remove temporary files from your computer by using built-in tools or third-party cleaners to free up disk space.
- Update drivers regularly by visiting manufacturer websites or using driver utilities such as Device Doctor or Driver Booster to ensure optimal performance of your PC’s OS and programs on it.
- Run memory diagnostic tests with Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool or other professional memory testing tools like Memtest86+ to detect any issues related to RAM modules installed on PC.
- Use command prompt to repair corrupted system files by running sfc /scannow command scans Windows for corrupt files.
- Uninstall programs you no longer use to reduce strain on your operating system’s resources that would slow down its process execution speed over time..
- Disable unnecessary startup programs completely as they occupy too much RAM space even after you’re done with them.
Keep Drivers And Software Up To Date
Updating your drivers and software regularly is important to reduce the chance of experiencing this type of error.
Install Anti-virus Software And Run Regular Scans
Installing anti-virus software and regularly running scans can help prevent erros.
It’s important to keep your antivirus up-to-date, as buggy versions may cause conflicts with Windows files; this could also result in a page fault in nonpaged area issues – so it’s always best to have the latest version installed and properly configured. Additionally, if you suspect some sort of malicious attack on your computer (like suspicious activity), run the antivirus scan immediately before doing anything else.
Disable Automatically Manage Paging File Size For All Drives
To resolve this problem and avoid further occurrences of it in the future, you can disable Automatically Manage Paging File Size for All Drives option located in System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced tab.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Conclusion
In conclusion, PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA errors can be quite common and happen due to issues with RAM memory, corrupt system files, faulty hardware components and outdated or problematic drivers.
It is important to take prompt action when facing symptoms of the error such as slow performance, blue screen of death (BSOD), crashes and freezes.
There are a variety of troubleshooting methods available from updating drivers and software, running a diagnostic test on your PC’s memory or repairing system files.
If these solutions don’t work it may be necessary to manually replace hardware components or reinstall your operating system entirely.
