The Featured Image Of The Bad_pool_header Error

Fix The “Bad_Pool_Header” Error On Windows

You are probably here because your Windows PC just displayed the Bad_Pool_Header error in Windows 7/8 or 8.1. This error randomly appeared on your PC, and you were presented with the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), causing all of your unsaved work to be lost. 

If you are a Windows user, you may see a screen similar to the one in the picture. Windows and users will see a Blue Screen with less text and a sad smiley. Windows 10 users are also experiencing the Critical Process Died error, which we discussed recently.

Error CodeBad_Pool_Header
Error TypeBSOD
Error MessageYour pc ran into a problem that it couldn’t handle and now it needs to restart. You can search for the error online Bad_Pool_Header
Device Type​Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP
Error Causes​Corrupted system files Incompatible or outdated drivers Memory problems
Informational box

Reasons for Bad_Pool_Header error

Pop-up of Bad_Pool_Header Error
Bad_Pool_Header Error

Bad_Pool_Header error occurs due to the following reasons:

  • Corrupted device drivers
  • Faulty or corrupted registry entries
  • Damaged hard disk
  • Bad RAM
  • Corrupted Windows system files
  • Anti-virus or anti-malware software.

How to fix the Bad_Pool_Header error

Now that you know the possible reasons for the Bad_Pool_Header error, let’s list all possible ways to solve it. The solutions will be sorted in a basic to advanced format.

Method 1: Restart your PC

You may have already tried this step. This method doesn’t always work, but if a few drivers conflicted during startup, then simply restarting your PC can fix the Bad_Pool_Header error.

Method 2: Boot in Safe Mode.

“Safe mode is your go-to option whenever you’re unable to boot your PC,” they said.” Well said! So, try booting your PC in safe mode and see if it bypasses the ‘Bad_Pool_Header’ error message.

Boot Windows 7 in Safe Mode

  • Reboot your PC and press the F8 key before the Windows logo appears. 
  • On the next screen, you will see the Advanced Boot options
  • Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight the Safe Mode option
  • Press Enter and log in to your user account.

Boot Windows 8/8.1 in Safe Mode

  • Reboot your PC and press Shift + F8 before the Windows logo appears (note that this may not always work). 
  • Alternatively, insert your Windows 8/8.1 CD or flash drive and boot from it (you may need to change the boot priority in BIOS settings first). 
  • You will be given two options: ‘Install Now‘ and ‘Repair this PC.’ 
  • Click on ‘Repair this PC,’ then navigate to ‘Troubleshoot’ > ‘Advanced Options’ > ‘Startup Settings.’ Now, simply enable Safe Mode. You will see a screen like the one in the picture below.
Window of Windows startup settings
Windows startup settings

Uncheck fast startup in Windows 10

If you are getting the BSOD after upgrading to Windows 10, you first need to uncheck ‘Fast Startup.’ Follow these steps:

  • Search and open the Control Panel
  • In the Control Panel, search for ‘Power Button‘. 
  • Click on ‘Change what the power buttons do‘ under Power Options. 
  • Click on ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable‘ from the window that pops up. 
  • Scroll down and uncheck ‘Turn on fast startup‘ under the Shutdown settings. 
  • Now, reboot and see if you still get the ‘Bad_Pool_Header’ blue screen on your Windows 10

Method 3: Use Restore Point

One of the most useful features in Windows is the Restore Point. If you had already created a Restore Point earlier when your computer was working fine, then now is the time to utilize that restore point. If you are familiar with this feature, then this method should be fine for you. You can skip this method if you do not have a Restore Point.

For new Windows users, you need to open the Control Panel, and in the top right search bar, type “Recovery” and click on it. Then you will see the option to open System Restore, click Next, and choose your restore point.

Windows advanced recovery tools
Windows OS advanced recovery tools

This is a very useful feature as it allows you to take your PC back to the point where it runs perfectly. That is why creating a Restore Point on your Windows PC.

Method 4: Refresh your PC (For Windows 8/8.1 users only)

So, all of the above methods failed to fix the Bad_Pool_Header issue for you? No problem. We have a few more fixes to try.

Windows 8 and 8.1 users have a feature called Refresh, which will refresh your PC, solving various issues while keeping your personal data intact.

You will need a Windows installation disk or flash drive to perform this step. First, insert the Windows installation disk into your DVD-ROM and boot your PC. Now, as we did earlier, click on “Repair this PC,” then “Troubleshoot,” and then “Refresh your PC.” Now, sit back and relax while your PC is refreshed.

Once everything is finished, you can use your computer without any errors. Remember, this feature is only for Windows 8 and 8.1 users. Windows 7 users should skip to the last method mentioned below.

Method 5: Reinstall Windows

By now, Windows users should have fixed this error. However, if Windows 7 users have failed to eliminate the Bad Pool Header problem with the above methods, you will need to reinstall Windows.

It is said that reinstalling Windows fixes all problems. It will be a nice fresh start for you, and this time, avoid activities that cause your PC to slow down and become a home for various errors.

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