Bad Pool Header Fixing Techniques Easy - Complete BSOD Fix Guide

Understanding BAD_POOL_HEADER Error

BAD_POOL_HEADER is a Windows memory management error that occurs when the memory pool header (data structure that tracks memory allocations) becomes corrupted. This corruption indicates that memory allocation structures have been damaged, preventing Windows from safely managing memory.

Where this error typically occurs:

• System startup - during Windows boot process
• During normal operation - when applications allocate or free memory
• After driver installations - when new drivers cause memory corruption
• After hardware changes - when new hardware causes memory issues
• Randomly - when RAM is failing and causing intermittent corruption

Common error messages you might encounter:

• "BAD_POOL_HEADER"
• "STOP: 0x00000019 (0x00000020, 0xXXXXXXXX, 0xXXXXXXXX, 0xXXXXXXXX)"
• "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We're just collecting some error info"
• Blue screen with BAD_POOL_HEADER error code
• System restarts automatically after blue screen

Why BAD_POOL_HEADER error occurs:

• Faulty RAM: Failing RAM modules cause memory corruption
• Incompatible drivers: Corrupted or incompatible device drivers write to incorrect memory locations
• Corrupted system files: System file corruption causes memory management to malfunction
• Hardware failures: Failing motherboard, CPU, or other hardware causes memory errors
• Software bugs: Application or driver bugs corrupt memory allocation structures
• Overclocking: Overclocked CPU or RAM causes memory instability
• Malware infection: Malware corrupts memory structures

Method 1: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (Recommended First Step)

Faulty RAM is the most common cause of BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. This method tests your RAM to identify if memory hardware is causing the issue.

1. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic:
   • Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter
   • Or search "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in Start menu
   • Windows Memory Diagnostic window will open
2. Choose diagnostic option:
   • Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
   • Or select Check for problems the next time I start my computer
   • Save any open work before proceeding
3. Wait for memory test to complete:
   • System will restart and run memory diagnostic
   • Test takes 15-60 minutes depending on RAM amount
   • Progress bar shows test status
   • Do not interrupt the test
4. Review test results:
   • After test completes, Windows will restart
   • Check Event Viewer for test results:
     • Press Windows + X → Event Viewer
     • Navigate to Windows Logs → System
     • Look for "MemoryDiagnostics-Results" event
     • Check if errors were found
5. If errors found:
   • RAM is faulty and needs replacement
   • Replace faulty RAM modules
   • If multiple RAM modules, test each individually to identify faulty one
6. If no errors found:
   • RAM is likely not the issue
   • Proceed to Method 2 to check drivers

Why this works: BAD_POOL_HEADER is often caused by faulty RAM causing memory corruption. Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM hardware and identifies failing memory modules. If RAM is faulty, replacing it resolves the error. If RAM passes, the issue is likely software-related (drivers or system files).

Method 2: Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

Incompatible or corrupted device drivers can cause BAD_POOL_HEADER errors by writing to incorrect memory locations. This method updates or rolls back drivers to resolve driver-related memory corruption.

1. Identify recently installed drivers:
   • Think about what drivers you installed before BAD_POOL_HEADER started
   • Common culprits: graphics drivers, network drivers, audio drivers, chipset drivers
   • Note the driver names and installation dates
2. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X → Device Manager
   • Or search "Device Manager" in Start menu
3. Update drivers:
   • Expand device categories (Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.)
   • Right-click device → Update driver
   • Select Search automatically for drivers
   • Install any available updates
   • Repeat for all devices, especially recently updated ones
4. Roll back drivers (if update doesn't help):
   • Right-click device → Properties
   • Go to Driver tab
   • Click Roll Back Driver (if available)
   • Follow prompts to roll back to previous driver version
   • Restart computer after rolling back
5. Test system stability:
   • After updating or rolling back drivers, use system normally
   • Monitor for BAD_POOL_HEADER errors
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 3

When to use this method: Use Method 2 when BAD_POOL_HEADER appeared after installing new drivers, when Windows Memory Diagnostic shows no RAM errors, or when error occurs with specific hardware operations.

Method 3: Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause memory management to malfunction, leading to BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. This method repairs corrupted system files that may be causing memory corruption.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X → "Command Prompt (Admin)"
   • Or search "cmd", right-click → "Run as administrator"
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts
2. Run DISM RestoreHealth:
   • Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter
   • This repairs the Windows component store
   • Process takes 15-45 minutes - do not interrupt
   • Requires internet connection to download replacement files
   • Wait for "The restore operation completed successfully" message
3. Run System File Checker:
   • Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter
   • This scans and repairs corrupted system files
   • Process takes 15-30 minutes - do not interrupt
   • Wait for scan to complete
4. Review SFC results:
   • "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations" → Good
   • "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them" → Fixed!
   • "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some" → Run DISM again
5. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to apply all repairs
   • After restart, monitor system for BAD_POOL_HEADER errors
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 4

Why this works: Corrupted system files can cause memory management functions to malfunction, leading to memory pool header corruption. DISM repairs the component store, and SFC repairs corrupted system files, restoring proper memory management functionality.

Method 4: Check Hardware Compatibility and Connections

Hardware issues can cause BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. This method checks hardware compatibility, connections, and identifies failing hardware components.

1. Check RAM connections:
   • Power off computer completely
   • Open computer case (desktop) or access RAM slots (laptop)
   • Remove and reseat RAM modules
   • Ensure RAM modules are properly seated in slots
   • Check for visible damage or corrosion on RAM modules
2. Test RAM modules individually:
   • If you have multiple RAM modules, test each one individually
   • Remove all but one RAM module
   • Boot system and test for BAD_POOL_HEADER errors
   • If error doesn't occur, that module is likely good
   • Test each module separately to identify faulty one
3. Check for hardware compatibility issues:
   • Review recently installed hardware
   • Check if hardware is compatible with your system
   • Remove recently installed hardware and test if error stops
   • Check motherboard manufacturer's website for compatibility lists
4. Check CPU and motherboard:
   • Check CPU temperature (use software like HWMonitor)
   • Overheating can cause memory errors
   • Ensure CPU cooler is properly installed
   • Check motherboard for visible damage or bulging capacitors
5. Disable overclocking (if enabled):
   • If CPU or RAM is overclocked, disable overclocking in BIOS
   • Overclocking can cause memory instability
   • Restore default BIOS settings
   • Test if error stops after disabling overclocking

When to use this method: Use Method 4 when BAD_POOL_HEADER appeared after hardware changes, when Windows Memory Diagnostic shows RAM errors, or when error occurs consistently with specific hardware operations.

Method 5: Perform Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

Third-party software or services can cause BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. Performing a clean boot disables non-essential software to identify conflicts.

1. Open System Configuration:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, press Enter
   • Or search "System Configuration" in Start menu
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts
2. Configure clean boot:
   • Go to Services tab
   • Check Hide all Microsoft services
   • Click Disable all to disable all third-party services
   • Go to Startup tab
   • Click Open Task Manager
   • Disable all startup programs
   • Close Task Manager
   • Click OK in System Configuration
3. Restart your computer:
   • System will restart in clean boot mode
   • Only essential Windows services will be running
   • Third-party software and services will be disabled
4. Test system stability:
   • After restart, use system normally
   • Monitor for BAD_POOL_HEADER errors
   • If error doesn't occur in clean boot, a third-party service or program is causing it
5. Identify conflicting software:
   • If error stops in clean boot, enable services and programs one by one
   • Enable one service/program at a time
   • Restart and test after each enable
   • When error returns, the last enabled item is likely the cause
6. Restore normal boot after fixing:
   • After identifying and fixing the issue
   • Open System Configuration again
   • Go to General tab
   • Select Normal startup
   • Click OK and restart

Why this works: Third-party software or services can cause memory corruption leading to BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. Clean boot mode disables all non-essential software, allowing you to identify which software is causing the issue. Once identified, you can update, reinstall, or remove the conflicting software.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check Event Viewer for Details

Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and check Windows Logs → System for errors related to BAD_POOL_HEADER. Look for error details, driver names, or application names that may indicate the cause.

Update BIOS/UEFI

Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware can cause memory management issues. Check motherboard manufacturer's website for BIOS updates. Update BIOS carefully following manufacturer's instructions.

Check Disk Health

Disk errors can cause memory corruption. Run chkdsk to check disk health: Open Command Prompt as Administrator, type chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: with your Windows drive letter), press Enter, restart when prompted.

Prevention Strategies

• Test RAM regularly: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic periodically to catch RAM issues early
• Keep drivers updated: Regularly update device drivers from manufacturer websites
• Don't overclock: Avoid overclocking CPU or RAM unless you know what you're doing
• Check hardware compatibility: Verify hardware compatibility before installing new components
• Keep system files healthy: Run SFC and DISM periodically to maintain system integrity
• Use reliable power source: Use UPS for desktop or keep laptop plugged in
• Install hardware properly: Ensure all hardware is properly installed and seated

When to Seek Professional Help

If all methods fail to resolve BAD_POOL_HEADER errors, consider these scenarios:

• Hardware failure: If RAM or other hardware is failing, professional hardware replacement may be needed
• Persistent errors after all fixes: If errors persist after all methods, deeper system issues may require professional diagnostics
• Enterprise environments: In business environments, consult IT support before attempting advanced repairs
• Data loss concerns: If you're concerned about data loss, consult professional data recovery services

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is BAD_POOL_HEADER error dangerous?

A: Yes, BAD_POOL_HEADER indicates memory corruption which can lead to data loss, file system corruption, or complete system failure. It should be addressed immediately. The error forces system restart to prevent further corruption.

Q: Can faulty RAM cause BAD_POOL_HEADER errors?

A: Yes, faulty RAM is one of the most common causes of BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. Failing RAM modules cause memory corruption that damages pool headers. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to test RAM. If RAM is faulty, replace it.

Q: Will updating drivers fix BAD_POOL_HEADER errors?

A: Yes, if the error is caused by incompatible or corrupted drivers, updating or rolling back drivers can resolve it. However, if the error is caused by faulty RAM or hardware, driver updates won't help. Always test RAM first (Method 1).

Q: Can overclocking cause BAD_POOL_HEADER errors?

A: Yes, overclocking CPU or RAM can cause memory instability leading to BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. If you're overclocking, disable overclocking and restore default BIOS settings. If error stops, overclocking was the cause.

Q: How do I know if my RAM is faulty?

A: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (Method 1). If the test finds errors, your RAM is faulty. You can also test RAM modules individually by removing all but one module and testing each separately. If error only occurs with specific modules, those modules are faulty.