How to Fix Bad Pool Header Error in Windows
Your PC displayed a bad pool header error – to be specific: did it present you with a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and you lost all your unsaved work? Yep, that is definitely a bad pool header.
A bad pool header is a problem associated with the Windows memory allocation. Device driver issues are the most common types of issues. These issues can, in turn, cause many other diverse issues that include bad sectors and router problems. RAM problems and many other reasons are what give way to bad pool header error.
Let me be more specific about the other reasons. If the device driver gets corrupted a bad pool header error can occur. Faulty or corrupt registry entries are just another source. A damaged hard disk is also responsible for causing this error. A bad RAM can also highly fuel the chances of a bad pool header. It can also be caused by corrupt Windows system files. Moreover, anti-virus or anti-malware software can also trigger the existence of a bad pool header error.
But, enough with the causes. If you’re witnessing this error, you might want to get right to the fix. So let’s not waste more time and move on to the possible ways of solving this error. Beginning from basic and ascending onto the advanced format, down under you’ll find the solutions.
METHOD 1: RESTART YOUR PC.
It can work if few drivers clashed while you were starting your PC. Restarting the PC can fix this issue very well. This is a very common solution, and chances are you might have already done it. But, if you haven’t, then go for it.
METHOD 2: REPAIR AND UNDO RECENT CHANGES.
Any recent changes you’ve done on your PC might be a cause of bad pool header, like installation of new software. The software can conflict registries on your PC. In Windows computer, registry entries are extremely important. It doesn’t matter if they are old or new. This is why it is important to keep your Windows registry organized and clean. If you keep the registry entries clean, a healthy and error-free PC can be ensured.
However, if this is the actual case, uninstalling any recently installed software might work just right, as it must’ve been causing the error all along. Also, sorting out the registry can fix the bad pool header error.
Once, you’ve uninstalled the software; you have to get correct drivers for your hardware. Considering a smooth and properly running PC, drivers hold equal importance. You will have to scan your PC and update or download the correct drivers for each hardware component.
After doing that, restart your PC and check if the error still appears. If you don’t see the BSOD with the Bad Pool Header message, then it’s solved, but if you still see the error, then you might want to skip to Method 3 below.
Antivirus software can also cause bad pool headers. It can consist of any software like Avast or Malware byte. Uninstalling software like these can rid you of the bad pool header issue. Once, you’ve uninstalled them, check if the problem still prevails or has solved.
METHOD 3: BOOT INTO SAFE MODE.
Whenever, you’re not able to boot your PC, go for the safe mode [http://web.archive.org/web/20170223093855/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_mode]. Try booting your PC in the safe mode. It might help bypass the Bad Pool Header.
Before the Windows Logo appears, press the f8 key. You will be directed to another screen where you will see the Advance Boot option. Once, you see this screen; use the arrows keys to go to the Safe Mode option. Once, the option is highlighted, press enter. Then you will only have to log in to your user account.
Before the Windows Logo appears, press shift + f8. (Or Google for another method, as it doesn’t always work) Once, you’ve done that insert your Windows 8/8.1 CD or Flash Drive. Use that to boot your PC.
Before all of this, you might want to go to Boot Priority in BIOS Settings and make sure it matches with this method.
After you insert the CD/Flash Drive, you will see two options on your screen: Install Now and Repair this PC. Click on the Repair this PC option. Then follow this navigation Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Settings. Enable Safe Mode when you get to Startup Settings.
If you just upgraded to Windows 10 and are getting this error, then, first of all, you have to Uncheck Fast Startup. To do that you will have to search for Control Panel and open it. When you get to Control Panel, look for Power Button. When you get there, under the power options, click on the option Change what the Power Buttons do. A window will pop up. On that window, click on the option Change Settings that are Currently Unavailable. Then scroll down, and you will see an option Turn on Fast Startup under Shutdown Settings. Uncheck that.
After you’ve done that, reboot your PC and see if the Bad Pool Header error on the blue screen stops appearing.
METHOD 4: USE RESTORE POINT.
Restore Point is a very useful feature in Windows. It takes your PC back in time to the point when it was working absolutely fine. Seeing an error like this is the right time to utilize this feature.
(Do this only if you HAVE the Restore Point. If not, move on.)
Open the Control Panel and click in the top right of the search bar. Then type Recovery. Once done typing, click on it. After clicking you will see a System Restore option. Click on it and then click next. Choose your restore point from there.
METHOD 5: REFRESH YOUR PC (WINDOWS 8/8.1 USERS ONLY).
A Refresh feature is available with Windows 8/8.1. It solves various issues in your PC while keeping your personal data intact. Insert the Windows Installation Disk/Flash Drive in your DVD-Rom and boot your PC: Repair this PC>Troubleshoot >Refresh your PC. Now, wait for the refresh to happen. Once finished, the error will go away.
METHOD 6: REINSTALL WINDOWS.
If nothing works, try Reinstalling Windows. That will act as a fresh start and will fix all the prevalent problems. Once you’ve reinstalled the Windows, make sure you avoid any activities that might slow your PC down or cause various other errors.