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How to fix WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR?

The error WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR"stands for Windows Hardware Error Architecture. If you receive a blue screen error (also known as a stop code) with WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR, it means that a hardware issue has occurred on your computer. Issues could be related to such things as hard drives, processor, power supply, bad or corrupted memory (DRAM). It also could be that the device drivers are outdated or corrupted. Another reason could be voltage changes..




To fix it, try the following tips in order, as the first or any following step might resolve your issue


  • Reboot the system and enter BIOS settings, set the BIOS to its default settings, and reboot system

  • Remove any hardware or drivers that were installed recently to see if they are causing the issue.


  • If unable to start with normal mode, start Windows in safe mode.

    • Check if there are any driver errors in the device manager and update device driver for the devices that are showing errors.


  • Get the latest updates with Windows Update. Go to Settings Update & security Windows Update, and then select Check for updates. When done, reboot your system.


  • Check if there are any hardware issues.

    • Try to boot with minimal hardware settings (for example, one DRAM, less hardware components on your system).

    • Test DRAM: Try Windows 10 app called Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for memory issues.

    • Test the processor, using the Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool which can be downloaded here. For more information about the tool, see The Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool.

    • Check the power supply.

    • Try to test other hardware in the system. (For example, if another working hard drive is available, then use it instead.)

The WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR can appear due to various causes, most of which pertain to the hardware. Potential causes include:

  • Corrupt hardware (Motherboard, Processor, RAM, GPU, PSU (Power Supply Unit), etc)

  • Corrupt device driver

  • Damaged windows system files

  • Damage from Overclocking

Solution

1 – Examine The MiniDump File


To find a solution to the problem, we will first need to find its root cause.

One way to do this is to examine the MiniDump file located in the Windows partition, e.g.

C:/Windows/Minidump

You can use software like BlueScreenView to examine the MiniDump file.




2 – Use ChkDsk, DISM, and SFC to scan and fix errors

The ChkDsk command checks for and fixes filesystem errors on the hard drive. You will need to open the command prompt as administrator to execute these commands.

  1. Press Windows Key > type cmd

  2. In the search results Right-click Command Prompt and click Run as Administrator..

  3. In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk /f /r C: (here C: is the driver letter you want to scan)


As for the DISM and SFC commands, please click this link for instructions on how to use them. After running those commands, please come back to this article and continue with the next step.

3 – Run Hard drive and RAM diagnostic tests


Since this error is related to hardware issues, running hardware diagnostic tests on the Hard drive and RAM (the usual culprits) should help understand the root cause of why the WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR error occurred. Memory related issues usually manifest in Windows with the Memory_Management blue screen error. Memory related issues can cause sudden restarts as well. You can check to see if the problems are being caused by RAM by running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.

  1. Press Windows Key + R > type mdsched.exe > press Enter

  2. Click the first button to restart and scan the computer’s Memory / RAM

There are two ways to perform a Memory / RAM scan diagnostic scan when Windows is not working. You can boot the computer with a Windows installation disk and run the Memory Diagnostic tool from there.

The second way is to use a third-party tool like MemTest86. You can run MemTest86 from a bootable USB or a bootable CD (as well as use it from within Windows).


Check your hard drive’s S.M.A.R.T. log by using a command from the Windows command prompt. wmic

diskdrive get status

Every hard drive has a life in which it can function correctly before failing eventually. The hard drive can develop defects throughout its life. Luckily, there are warning signs and we can check before the hard drive stops working.

You can use software like CrystalDiskInfo to read the S.M.A.R.T. log which contains information about the health of the hard drive. This feature is normally included in all modern hard drives made in the last decade. Run CrystalDiskInfo, and it should tell you its health status.



4 – Update Device Drivers

Corrupt device drivers are another potential cause of errors like the WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR. You can update device drivers by visiting your computer manufacturer’s website and searching for your computer there.

Download the drivers designed for the version of Windows running on your computer




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