Windows 2000 Stop Messages

This Stop message, also known as Stop 0x1E, indicates that a kernel-mode process tried to execute an illegal or unknown processor instruction. This error handler is a default error handler that catches errors not associated with other specific error handlers.

Interpreting the Message

The four parameters listed in the message are defined in order of appearance as follows:

  1. Exception code that was not handled

  2. Address at which the exception occurred

  3. Parameter 0 of the exception

  4. Parameter 1 of the exception

The first parameter is a Windows 2000 error code, which is defined by the type of error encountered in the file Ntstatus.h of the Microsoft Windows 2000 Device Driver Development Kit (DDK). For information about the DDK, see Additional Resources at the end of this chapter. The second parameter identifies the address of the module in which the error occurred. Frequently, the address points to an individual driver or piece of faulty hardware, which is generally listed on the third line of the Stop message. Always make a note of this address, as well as the link date of the driver or image that contains it. The last two parameters vary, depending upon the exception that has occurred. You can typically find a description of the parameters that are included with the name of error code in Ntstatus.h. If the error code has no parameters, the last two parameters are listed as 0x00000000.

Resolving the Problem

Hardware incompatibility. First, make sure that any new hardware installed is listed on the Windows 2000 Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). For more information about the HCL, see Additional Resources at the end of this chapter.

Buggy device driver or system service. In addition, a buggy device driver or system service might be responsible for this error. Hardware issues, such as memory conflicts and interrupt request (IRQ) conflicts, can also generate this error.

If a driver is listed by name within the Stop message, disable or remove that driver. Disable or remove any drivers or services that were recently added. If the error occurs during the startup sequence, restart the computer using Safe Mode to rename or delete the file. If the driver is used as part of the system startup process in Safe Mode, you need to start the computer by using the Recovery Console to access the file. For more information about Safe Mode and the Recovery Console, see Troubleshooting Tools and Strategies in this book.

If the problem is associated with Win32k.sys, the source of the error might be a third-party remote control program. If such software is installed, the service can be removed by starting the system using the Recovery Console and disabling the offending system service.

Check the System Log in Event Viewer for additional error messages that might help pinpoint the device or driver that is causing Stop 0x1E. Disabling memory caching of the BIOS might also resolve the error. You also need to run hardware diagnostics, especially the memory scanner, supplied by the system manufacturer. For details on these procedures, see the owners manual for your computer.

One type of this kind of error displays exception code 0x80000003. This error indicates a hard-coded breakpoint or assertion was hit, but the system was started with the /NODEBUG switch. This problem rarely occurs. If it occurs repeatedly, make sure a kernel debugger is connected and the system is started with the /DEBUG switch.

The error that generates this message can occur after the first restart during Windows 2000 Setup, or after setup is finished. A possible cause of the error is lack of disk space for installation and system BIOS incompatibilities. For problems during Windows 2000 installation that are associated with a lack of disk space, reduce the number of files on the target hard disk. Check for and delete any unneeded temporary files, Internet cache files, application backup files, and CHK files containing saved file fragments from disk scans. You can also use another hard disk with more free space for the installation. BIOS problems can be resolved by upgrading the system BIOS version.

For more troubleshooting information about the 0x1E Stop message, refer to the Microsoft Knowledge Base link, using the keywords winnt and 0x0000001E . For information about this resource, see Additional Resources at the end of this chapter.