bad pool header

The bad pool header stop code 0x00000019 indicates a problem with memory allocation by the operating system. A “pool” is a memory space in Windows that stores objects for various tasks. The header refers to metadata about how the memory is allocated and used. If the metadata becomes corrupted, invalid, or inconsistent, it results in the BAD_POOL_HEADER error. There are several possible reasons behind this, Outdated drivers, corrupted system files, or hardware issues are common. Whatever the reason, Follow these simple methods in this article to fix the bad pool header blue screen error (0x00000019).

Bad pool header error usually occurs when the memory pool becomes corrupt because of driver issues, disk-related problems, software conflicts, etc

How to fix Bad Pool Header error

As discussed, the bad pool header error is caused by the Windows memory allocation problem. You may experience this error after installing new hardware or software like antivirus program. Problem with memory module, faulty drivers or other disk write issues can also lead to this error.

  1. Faulty Drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can lead to memory management issues.
  2. Corrupt System Files: Important Windows system files might be damaged or missing.
  3. Hardware Issues: Problems with RAM or other hardware components.
  4. Third-Party Software: Certain applications, particularly antivirus programs, can interfere with memory allocation.
  5. Disk Errors: Corruption in the hard drive’s file system can also trigger this error.

Restart windows or boot into safe mode

Whenever you experience blue screen of death error, this first thing we recommend is to restart Your Computer. Restart windows can resolve temporary glitches or conflicts in system processes. A reboot clears the RAM and reinitializes the system, which can sometimes fix BSOD issues.

In addition, External hardware, such as USB devices or external drives, may cause compatibility issues leading to the error. Disconnect these devices, restart your PC, and observe if the problem persists.

Boot Into Safe Mode: If the Blue Screen of Death occurs frequently, booting into Safe Mode can help isolate the issue. Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers and services, which makes it easier to identify faulty components:

  • Press F8 or Shift + F8 during startup (or follow Safe Mode instructions for your Windows version).
  • Select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking from the options.
  • Perform troubleshooting steps in this environment.

windows 10 safe mode boot option

Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Drivers act as a bridge between your hardware and the operating system. If a driver is outdated or incompatible, it can cause system instability, leading to errors like the “Bad Pool Header.” Updating or reinstalling drivers ensures compatibility and stability.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
  2. Expand the category for the device you suspect is causing the issue (e.g., Network Adapters, Display Adapters).
  3. Look for devices with a yellow warning sign, indicating a problem.
  4. Right-click on the device and choose Update driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search online and install the latest driver if available.
  6. If no updates are found, visit the manufacturer’s website, download the latest driver, and install it manually.
To Reinstall a Driver:
  1. In Device Manager, right-click on the problematic device and choose Uninstall device.
  2. Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall.
  3. Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver automatically.

Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Memory issues often cause the “Bad Pool Header” error. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, check your RAM for errors, such as bad sectors or misconfigurations, and suggest repairs or replacements if needed.

  1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic app.
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Your PC will be restarted and check for your memory problems.
  4. It may take some time to complete the scanning process.
  5. Wait until 100% complete the process Then after Windows will restart Windows.
  6. After the scan, review the results in the Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System.

Memory Diagnostic Test

Check and Repair Corrupted System Files

System file corruption can disrupt normal operations and lead to BSOD errors. Repairing these files ensures your operating system functions as intended. You can run built-in System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools, that can detect and fix missing or corrupted system files, improving overall system stability.

  • Open command prompt as administrator
  • Type the command SFC / Scannow, Then hit the enter key to execute the command.
  • This Will start scanning windows for corrupted/Missing important system files.
  • If any sfc utility will restore them from a special cache folder located on %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.
  • You only have to wait until 100% complete the scanning process then restart Windows.
  • In addition run DISM command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to check windows image health.
  • Then after check  BAD_POOL_HEADER blue Screen error was solved.

Run system file checker

Check HDD and Memory Errors

It is also possible that the bad pool header error could be related to bad hardware (e.g. bad memory or bad hard drive). Before assuming that either of these is bad, we suggest running a hard drive and RAM diagnostic test to check if either is bad.

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Then type chkdsk c:  /f /r  and press Enter.

Here command chkdsk is for check disk Drive for errors. /F Fixes errors on the disk, And /r Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

Check disk utility

You may be asked to restart your PC. Then press Y and press Enter. when Pc restarted this will scan your pc for Hard disk Errors and It will fix problems automatically. Now on the Next Start check, there is no more Blue Screen Error.

Disable Fast Startup

With Windows 10 Microsoft Add Fast Startup (hybrid Shutdown shutdown) Feature to Reduce the startup time and make Windows start faster. However several users report by disabling the Fast startup feature they fix most blue screen / Startup errors.

Check: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Windows 10 Fast Startup Feature

  • To Disable Fast Startup Feature on Windows 10:
  • Open the Windows power option, From the Control Panel
  • Search for and select the Power option.
  • Now on the left side Click on “Choose what the power buttons do
  • Then Click on “Change Settings that are Currently Unavailable” f
  • Now Scroll down and Uncheck Turn on Fast Startup Under Shutdown Settings.

Fast Startup

Make sure your system has the latest updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates to improve system performance and fix bugs. Installing updates ensures your system has the latest patches and drivers, minimizing the risk of errors.

  • Press Windows + I to open Settings
  • Click on Update & Security Then Windows update
  • Now click on the Check for updates button,
  • Let Windows check for and install available updates.
  • Restart Windows to apply the updates, check if this helps.

Check for windows update

Reset Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory acts as an extension of your RAM. Improper settings can cause memory management errors. Resetting virtual memory ensures it’s configured optimally, reducing the chances of memory-related issues.

  1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
  3. Switch to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual Memory.
  4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
  5. Select your system drive, choose System managed size, and click Set.
  6. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Perform System Restore

If the error started recently, reverting to a previous system state can resolve it. System Restore undoes recent changes to system files and settings, potentially eliminating the source of the problem.

  1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
  2. Select a restore point created before the issue began.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If software fixes don’t resolve the issue, the problem may lie in the hardware.

Diagnosing and replacing faulty hardware, such as RAM or a hard drive, can permanently fix BSOD errors.

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Robeg
I am Robeg founder of this blog. My qualification. completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications love write articles on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.) Cybersecurity, WordPress and more.