The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most feared experiences for Windows users. Among the different error codes that can appear, the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE has become one of the most recurrent. This message usually alerts of hardware-related problems, but it can also have other underlying causes. If you have encountered this problem, don't worry, in this article we will guide you step by step on how to solve it.
We'll go over the possible causes behind this error, some of the most effective solutions, and then dive into the actions you can take to get your system working properly again. From faulty hardware to pending updates, we'll cover each step in detail.
What causes the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error?
The error code NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE can appear due to a variety of issues related to the hardware or system drivers. This error is linked to the failure of the non-maskable interrupt (NMI), a type of interrupt that cannot be ignored by the processor and is used to indicate serious hardware problems, such as memory or hard disk failures.
The most common causes of this error include:
- Outdated or incompatible drivers:Often after installing new hardware or upgrading a device, the driver may be outdated or have some conflict with the operating system.
- Problems with RAM or hard drive: Faulty components like RAM or hard drive can cause crashes during execution resulting in this BSOD error.
- Hardware failure: A physical failure on the motherboard, graphics card, or other component can trigger this problem.
- Malware infections: Some viruses and malware can corrupt system files or drivers which may also cause NMI hardware failure.
Update or reinstall the drivers
Most of the errors NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE are often linked to driver issues. It is important to make sure that all drivers are up to date, especially if the failure occurred after installing a new device such as a printer or graphics card.
The steps to perform the update are very simple:
- Click the Start button and type Device Manager.
- Within the manager, locate the hardware you suspect is failing, right click on the device and select Update driver.
- Let Windows automatically search for driver updates and follow the on-screen instructions.
If that doesn't work, you can also choose to uninstall the driver from the same menu and then restart your computer to have it installed automatically.
Check hardware status
Another important cause of the error may be in the physical condition of the hardware. Both the RAM memory like the hard drive may have bad sectors or have suffered some damage. To check if these components are in good condition, you can follow the steps below:
- Press Windows + Q and write cmd.
- Right click on the command prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Inside the window, run the command sfc /scannow to scan your hard drive for errors and follow the prompts.
In addition, within Windows we also find a tool called Windows Memory DiagnosticTo use it:
- Press Windows + R and write mdsched.exe.
- Select the option of Restart now and check for problems..
The system will reboot and show you any possible problems with your computer's memory.
Scan your PC for viruses
Another possible cause of failure NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE It is malware. Virus infections can corrupt critical system files, causing your device to stop working properly. If you don't have an antivirus installed, this is a good time to download one. You can find free options that offer excellent protection.
Make sure to run a full scan of your system to detect any hidden threats that may be causing this failure. If the system is clean and no infections have been found, then we can rule out this cause.
Restore Windows to a previous point
If the error appeared after a software update or recent system changes, you can try restoring your system to an earlier point in time. This will allow you to undo the changes and potentially restore your computer to working order.
- Press Windows + S and search System Restore.
- Select System Restore and choose a restore point before the error started appearing.
- Follow the instructions to complete the process.
Repair the Windows registry
One of the recommendations to correct errors of the type NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE is to repair the registry, as there may be corrupted system keys. The registry is an internal database in Windows, and any damage to it can lead to system instability.
Using tools like CCleaner o Wise Registry Cleaner could help you clean and repair the Windows registry automatically. However, be very careful when using these tools as incorrectly modifying the registry can cause other problems.
Conclusion
The mistake NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE It's frustrating, but by following the steps and solutions recommended in this article, you'll likely be able to resolve it without much trouble. The most common faults are usually related to outdated drivers or hardware issues. Updating your system, checking key components, and making sure your computer is clean of viruses can make a big difference in solving this problem.
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