Quick Summary
The error code 0x0000007E, also known as SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED, indicates that a system thread generated an exception that the error handler didn't catch. This usually points to a problem with device drivers, system services, or sometimes, faulty hardware.
Common Causes
- Incompatible or Corrupted Device Drivers: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible device drivers, especially graphics card drivers or network adapter drivers, are a common cause. These drivers can cause exceptions that the system struggles to handle.
- Faulty Hardware: Hardware problems, such as a failing hard drive, memory (RAM) issues, or an unstable power supply, can trigger unexpected exceptions. These errors can lead to data corruption or system instability.
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged or corrupted system files, including DLLs or other essential Windows components, can lead to unhandled exceptions. This corruption might be caused by incomplete installations, malware, or disk errors.
- Software Conflicts: Conflicts between newly installed software and existing system components can lead to instability and unhandled exceptions. Especially problematic are poorly written or incompatible programs.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Update or Roll Back Device Drivers
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode. Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F8, Shift+F8, or Esc) repeatedly during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select Safe Mode.
Step 2: Once in Safe Mode, open Device Manager (search for "Device Manager" in the Start Menu).
Step 3: Look for devices with yellow exclamation marks. Right-click on the device and select "Update driver". You can choose to search automatically for updated drivers or browse your computer for driver software.
Step 4: If updating doesn't work, try rolling back the driver to a previous version. Right-click the device, select "Properties", go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver" (if the option is available).
Step 5: Restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
Step 2: Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
Step 3: Allow the scan to complete. This process will scan for and attempt to repair corrupted system files. It may take some time.
Step 4: Restart your computer after the scan is complete.
Method 3: Check Memory (RAM) for Errors
Step 1: Open the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. Search for "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start Menu and run the tool.
Step 2: Choose whether to restart now and check for problems or schedule the check for the next restart. It's recommended to restart immediately.
Step 3: The computer will restart and perform a memory check. The results will be displayed after the check is complete (sometimes after the next boot).
Step 4: If errors are found, consider replacing the RAM modules.
Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot
Step 1: Press Windows key + R, type `msconfig`, and press Enter to open System Configuration.
Step 2: On the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services" and then click "Disable all".
Step 3: On the "Startup" tab, click "Open Task Manager". Disable all startup items.
Step 4: Close Task Manager and click "Apply" and "OK" in System Configuration.
Step 5: Restart your computer. This will start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. If the problem is resolved, enable services and startup items one by one until you identify the culprit.