The Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area error is a common Windows error that occurs when a program attempts to access a part of its memory that is not present. This error is often indicative of a more serious problem with system memory and can lead to crashes or data loss if not addressed promptly.
What Causes the Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area Error?
There are a few potential causes of the Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area error:
- Corrupt system files – System files like DLLs or drivers that have become damaged can cause this error when they are loaded into memory.
- Faulty hardware – Issues with RAM, hard drives, and other hardware can lead to memory errors.
- Incompatible applications – Some apps may attempt to access memory in an incompatible way, triggering this error.
- Insufficient memory – Too many programs running at once can overtax available memory and cause access issues.
- Virus infection – Viruses and malware may intentionally corrupt memory to cause this error.
The Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area error most often occurs due to either system file corruption or faulty RAM. When Windows attempts to access a part of memory that has been corrupted or damaged, it cannot find the data it is looking for, resulting in the error.
How to Fix Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area Errors
There are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area errors:
- Restart your computer – A simple restart will clear out any memory issues and refresh system processes.
- Check memory diagnostics – Use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to scan for RAM issues.
- Update drivers – Update any outdated drivers, focusing on graphics, motherboard, and HDD/SSD drivers.
- Uninstall problematic apps – If the error seems tied to a particular app, uninstall and reinstall it.
- Run SFC and DISM – These system file checkers can find and replace corrupt Windows files.
- Remove unnecessary programs – Uninstall any unused apps to free up system resources.
- Update Windows – Install the latest Windows updates to fix potential OS bugs.
- Clean out malware – Run a full virus scan to detect and remove any malware.
- Test and replace RAM – If other steps don’t work, test RAM with MEMTEST86+ and replace faulty sticks.
For the average Windows user, following these troubleshooting steps should resolve most instances of the Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area error. However, if the issue persists or causes serious system instability, you may need to seek help from a professional repair service to fully diagnose and fix the problem.
How to Prevent Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area Errors
While not every instance of this error is avoidable, there are some preventive steps you can take:
- Install updates promptly – Keep Windows and drivers updated to prevent bugs.
- Use compatible programs – Avoid apps known to conflict with each other or Windows.
- Monitor resources – Don’t overload your RAM; close unused programs.
- Use disk cleanup – Regularly clear out old files to free up hard drive space.
- Clean out temp files – Empty your temp folders frequently to clear out clutter.
- Install antivirus – Use a reputable antivirus program to detect and block malware.
- Use surge protectors – Protect hardware from electrical spikes that can corrupt files.
- Handle components carefully – Avoid physical damage to hardware like RAM sticks.
While not foolproof, being cautious about what programs you install, keeping the system maintained and clean, and avoiding hardware damage can reduce the chances of a Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area error occurring.
Conclusion
The Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area error indicates that a program cannot access a part of its allocated memory. This is often caused by corrupted system files or faulty RAM. A few troubleshooting steps like scanning for malware, updating drivers, and testing memory can resolve the issue in most cases. While frustrating, this error can usually be fixed with a bit of time and effort. With proper system maintenance and prevention tips, Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area errors can often be avoided as well.
