PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (0x00000050): How to identify and resolve this critical Windows error step by step

The error PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, identified by the arrest code 0 x 00000050, is one of the most common causes of the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD) across OS Windows. This error occurs when the system attempts to access an unavailable or invalid memory address. Although it may seem alarming, with the right tools and a systematic approach, it's possible not only to fix it, but also to prevent it in the future.

In this article, you'll find a detailed explanation of what this error is, why it occurs, how to identify its specific cause using system diagnostic tools, and, most importantly, how to effectively resolve it. We've compiled all the most relevant and up-to-date information from official, technical, and specialized sources to provide you with a comprehensive and useful guide.

What does PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (0x00000050) mean?

This error occurs when the system tries to access a part of the system memory that should always be available (i.e., not paged), but for some reason, that address turns out to be not valid or points to an already existing memory area releasedThis causes the Windows kernel to take immediate action, interrupting the process to prevent further damage.

In technical terms, it represents a invalid reference to an address in memory that cannot be protected using try-except statements. Most often, the failure is related to faulty or incompatible device drivers, damaged RAM modules u incorrect operations of antivirus software. To dig deeper into how to fix these specific errors, you can check out our guide on resolve related errors in Windows.

Main causes of the error

The sources of this failure can be very varied. The most common are:

• Corrupt or incompatible drivers, especially those related to hardware newly installed.
• Faulty RAM or physically incorrectly seated on the motherboard.
• Antivirus software interfering with critical memory addresses.
• Corrupted system files or misconfigured.
• Recent hardware changes, including graphics cards, SSDs or even processor heatsinks.
• Error in paging file configuration.
• Malware or viruses that corrupt system components.

When does this error appear?

Typically, error 0x00000050 appears in situations such as:

• When starting the computer after a hardware or software upgrade.
• During demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing programs.
• After starting Windows after applying operating system updates.

Technical error identification: parameters and diagnosis

When this bugcheck occurs, Windows generates up to four parameters that can help you determine exactly what happened:

1. Memory address that was attempted to be accessed.
2. Operation Type: read, write or execute.
3. Address of the instruction that referenced the memory.
4. Type of page error: for example, if it is a non-canonical address, a missing page table entry, or memory that has already been freed.

These addresses can be analyzed with tools such as:

• !analyze -v in WinDbg to examine the error in detail.
• !address y !pte to examine specific areas of memory.
• dx KiBugCheckDriver to identify the controller involved.

How to fix PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error?

1. Review recently installed hardware

If the error appears just after installing a new piece of hardware, there may very well be a conflict or physical failure. Make sure that:

• All components are correctly installed and have not come loose when handling the equipment.
• The RAM or processor has not been moved when changing the heatsink or during cleaning.
• The cables are firmly connected and without any slack.

2. Check RAM

Memory is one of the most critical and error-prone components. To test it:

• Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool running mdsched.exe.
• Allows Windows to restart and automatically perform the test.
• Check the results through the Event Viewer (searching for “MemoryDiagnostics-Results").

If errors are detected, try replacing the RAM module or its slot.

3. Boot into safe mode

If the system does not boot normally, enter safe mode with networking to work with the minimal system environment without loading problematic drivers. To do this:

1. Press F4, F5, or F8 repeatedly when you turn on your computer, depending on your version of Windows.
2. Select the corresponding option.

From here, you can uninstall drivers or run tools without being interrupted by the BSOD.

4. Temporarily disable antivirus

Many 0x00000050 errors are caused by misbehaving antivirusTo check if this is the case:

• Accede to Safe Mode y disable or uninstall your antivirus.
• Reboot normally and check if the error disappears.
• If the problem disappears, check for an antivirus update or consider replacing it with another one.

5. Run system and disk file check

From a window with administrator privileges (PowerShell o Symbol of the system):

• sfc /scannow: Scans and repairs system files.
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth and then /RestoreHealth: Analyzes and repairs the operating system image.
• chkdsk /f /r: to check and fix bad sectors on the hard drive.

These steps help to solve problems arising from corrupt files or damaged sectors on the disk.

6. Disable or modify the paging file

Although it is not very commonErrors in the paging file configuration can cause this BSOD. To modify it:

1. Go to System > Advanced Settings > Performance > Configuration.
2. In the Advanced > Virtual memory, click on Change.
3. Uncheck the option that automatically manages size and adjusts custom values ​​or disable it temporarily.

7. Remove recently installed software

Identify programs installed just before the error. To remove them:

1. Accede to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Uninstall suspicious programs.
3. Restart your computer and evaluate whether the error has disappeared.

8. System Restore

If the system was working fine previously, you can return to a previous point:

• Run rstrui.exe from the Run box.
• Select a restore point prior to the crash.

9. Update drivers and system

Outdated drivers are often the cause of these types of errors. To update them:

• Use the Device administrator to check for updates.
• Visit the manufacturer's website, especially for drivers graphics, chipset or network.
• You can use tools like SupportAssist (on Dell), Driver Booster or similar.

10. Driver Verifier

To perform an advanced driver scan for abnormal behavior:

• Run verifier from Run.
• Follow the instructions to select specific drivers.
• If there are any errors, BSODs will be forced which you can analyze.

When to format or reinstall Windows

If after trying all these steps the error persists, there may be a major corruption or undetected hardware failures. It is recommended:

• Make a full backup of your files.
• Reinstall Windows from scratch.

Before this, make sure you exhaust all of the above options.

Other useful tools for analysis and diagnosis

• BlueScreenView: simply shows which file caused the crash.
• WhoCrashed: interprets dump files in non-technical language.
• Events viewer: to identify critical inputs in the system just before the failure.

Good practices to avoid BSOD errors

• Update drivers and operating system regularly.
• Keep the equipment clean and ventilated to avoid overheating.
• Do not install two antiviruses simultaneously; can generate conflicts.
• Avoid unofficial installations of drivers or programs.
• Be wary of unsigned updates from unrecognized manufacturers.

This type of blue screen, although alarming, can often be resolved and doesn't imply an irreparable failure. With patience, the right tools, and following the correct steps, you can identify the root of the problem and eliminate the error to ensure your system's stability in the future.