
Windows operating system often gives errors like pfn list corrupt stop code error 0x0000004E on Windows 10.
Windows 10 Blue Screen Error occurs whenever your computer is encountered something it can not process. So the operating system locks you out to prevent file corruption and data loss.
pfn list corrupt is one of the very common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Errors on Windows 10 and also other versions of the Windows system
pfn (Page Frame Number) determines the location of files on a physical hard drive. And therefore, when this list is corrupted Windows operating system does not know how to deal with it. Thus, ending in the blue screen of death.
Why Does PFN LIST Corrupt Happen?
There could be numerous reasons why you are experiencing a stop code error. However, some of them are listed bellow
- Outdated device drivers
- Malware and viruses
- Hardware issues
- Outdated Windows OS
- Corrupt system files
- Issues with hard drive
- Third-party software issues
How To Fix PFN LIST Corrupt Error?
PFN list corrupt is a common problem but luckily there are many workarounds to get id fixed. Below are given the most efficient method to solve pfn list corrupt errors. It is advised to go through these solutions chronologically to avoid difficult ones if the problem gets solved by the easiest ones.
NOTE: To apply any of these solutions, you need to log in to Windows. If you face difficulty doing that, turn on and off your PC 3 times to perform a hard reboot and restart it in Safe Mode.
1. Update windows
Updating your window fixes bugs and upgrades your drivers to the latest version. So you might get rid of the stop code error simply by updating your windows. To update windows, follow these simple steps
- Type Setting in the search bar.
- Select Update & Security from the Settings list.
- Click on Check for updates to see for any new updates. If there are new updates, click on Download.
- Restart your PC once the update is completed.
The update resolves many hardware and software issues which are mostly the root cause of the error. It also improves stability, security, and new features. So they must be updated regularly.
2. Update Drivers
PFN LIST CORRUPT error may occur because you are using older versions of drivers. Another reason could be that your device is equipped with incompatible drivers. This issue can easily be fixed by updating your drivers either manually or automatically.
Manual Driver Update
You can update your drivers easily by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your website.
- Type Device Manager in the Windows Search Bar.
- Select the drivers you want to update from the list.
- Click on “Search automatically” for drivers to install drivers.
- Wait for the available drivers to be installed.
It is important to update your drivers on a regular basis because these issues may cause BSoD errors. You may have to repeat the process for all installed drivers.
3. Check Memory (RAM) Corruption
Check your RAM if it is working properly. It is one of the most common reasons behind pfn list corrupt error or BSOD. So check your memory (RAM) carefully for detecting the problem if exists there and then find a suitable method for the correction of the problem.
For checking, Follow the given steps
- Click on Windows key+R which will open the “Run” dialogue box then type “mdsched.exe” and then hit yes.
- Now Restart and check for the problems.
- It will open the “Window Memory Diagnostics Tools” screen, let verification of your RAM done and wait for a while.
4. Run SFC Utility
This SFC is another option for fixing the windows stop code pfn list corrupt problem. SFC is the command for scanning and it checks all files and afterwards replaces corrupt ones. This method can solve many problems:
- Do right-click on Start and open CMD (command prompt admin).
- Now enter the command i.e “SFC/scannow” and hit enter.
- Now, wait and then restart the system once it’s done and check if it is working properly.
5. Apply DISM Command
The DISM stands for Deployment Image Serving and Management. It is basically a tool that is made for network operators for deploying system images. This helps in solving Pfn list corrupt.
It has two methods.
Standard method
- Click right on Start and open CMD ( command prompt Admin )
- Now copy this command
"DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth"
then paste this on the command prompt. - Now, wait here until the scan stops.
- Restart the system and put an effort into repeating the same process once again.
With the help of the installation Media n median
- Now open the CMD same as uh did in the previous step, copy this command
"dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth" and "dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth"
- In this step, enter
"Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess"
- And now here change the value of X with the mounted drive letter by using windows 10/11 installation.
- Restart the computer when the process ends.
6. Run Device Troubleshooter
This is another way of solving the BSOD problem, this way can be effective if utilized properly. Troubleshooting is much easier than other ways of resolving the same problem. Follow the given steps for a start.
- Click on “Setting App” and go to “Update and Security”.
- Press “Troubleshoot” on the left menu.
- Now click BSOD from the right pane and press the “Run Troubleshoot”.
- Follow the coming instructions for completing the process.
7. Disable OneDrive
In this process, we use a local computer policy panel which is commonly present on every computer. Therefore, this method can solve the BSOD problem if done properly. Follow the given steps for starting this process.
- Click Windows key+R and enter “Group Policy” then press “Edit Group Policy”.
- When the editor opens, in the left pane navigate to the “Local Computer Policy” and afterwards access “Computer Configuration”.
- Now click on “Administrative Templates” and press “Windows components” and “One Drive”.
- At the right pane, find “Prevent the usage of one drive for file storage” and double-click on this.
- Now press “Enable” and click on “Apply” and “Ok” to do with disabling one drive.
8. Uninstall Problematic Software And Applications
Applications installed from unauthorized sources can cause BSoD errors. If the stop code error occurs after installing an app, then you need to uninstall it immediately. If you can not find the app causing the error.
However, if you can not find the app responsible for the blue screen error then you can go with the option of a clean boot. Performing a clean boot can assist in locating the conflict by locating Windows applications. Here is how to do this
- Open Search and type “MSConfig” and hit Enter.
- Afterwards, click on “Service”.
- Now click the “Hide All Microsoft Services” checkbox.
- Click “Disable All” to disable all third-party services and applications.
- Click the “X” to close the task manager.
- Now click OK in the System Configuration window.
- Finally, click on “Restart”.
If the pfn list corrupt error is fixed after performing a clean boot, then start the services and startup the app one by one to find the app causing the error. This process will eliminate BSoD errors permanently.
9. Check Windows 10 For Malware
A good malware tool is necessary for your PC to run smoothly. Otherwise, viruses and malware can destroy your PC to a great extent. You can perform a malware scan to eliminate any pests.
To do so, follow the steps below:
- Click the Start button and search for Windows Security.
- From here, go to Viruses & threat protection.
- Now click Scan options.
- Here you need to choose Quick scan and then click Scan now.
- Wait for the scan to complete. If nothing is found then run another scan using Windows Defender Offline Scan mode.
- Once it’s completed, restart your PC to check for the BSOD error.
You can also perform malware scans by third-party antivirus. Just adjust the steps above and you can do the malware scan easily.
10. Run Chkdsk Command
Windows 10 often shows the PFN list corrupt when there are corrupted files on the disk. You can check the disk for errors and fix them by using chkdsk Command.
- Open CMD with Administrator Privileges.
- Now type the command
chkdsk C: /f /x /r
- Press Enter to execute it.
- If your system drive is not C, then you can change the C letter in the command with the system drive letter.
- Now let the Windows Scan and fix the issue with the hard drive.
- You can Scan all drivers on your PC by changing the alphabet.
11. Disable Fast Startup
The fast startup feature provides a faster boot time when starting your PC. however, turning it off can greatly help in fixing the blue screen error. You can easily fix the blue screen error by following the given steps.
- Open Control Panel and hit Enter.
- Now click Power options.
- Here you click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Now click on Turn on fast startup so that the checkmark disappears.
- Finally, click Save changes.
12. Restore Your System To The Last Restore Point
If non of the above methods fix the blue screen error then you can go for the System Restore option. It must be your last option because it erases all data from your computer. You should back up your data before performing the restore. It is not a difficult process.
- Press Windows + S to launch the start menu’s search bar.
- Type Restore in the dialogue bar and select the first result that comes with the result.
- Now press System Restore at the beginning of the window under the tab of System Protection.
- Now a wizard will open navigating you through all the steps to Restore your system.
- Press Next and proceed with all the further instructions.
- Select the Restore point from the list.
- Now windows will confirm your actions for the last time before it starts the system restore process.
- After restoring, log into the system and check if the error got fixed.
13. Check your hard drive
Blue screen errors often occur because there is some issue with the hard drive. You should check the hard drive to see if it is the reason for the pfn list corrupt error. You can do this simply as guided below
- Enter the Advanced startup.
- Choose Troubleshoot then advance options.
- Select a command prompt from the list of options.
- When the command prompt appears enter the following lines and press Enter after each line.
- First, bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
- Second, bootrec.exe /fixmbr
- Third, bootrec.exe /fixboot
14. Check the Hardware
Faulty hardware can give stop code errors. Perhaps, you should check your hardware when you get the blue screen error. Sometimes. There is a problem with your computer’s RAM, motherboard, network cards, or graphic cards.
15. Uninstall Extra Anti Virus Software
Installing more than one third-party anti-virus software on your PC can cause harm to your computer. This can also lead to blue screen errors sometimes. All you need to do is simply uninstall anti-virus software and you’ll get rid of the pfn list corrupt error.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to the Apps section.
- Search for the anti-virus app you want to uninstall.
- Click on it to uninstall.
16. Repair Registry In Windows
Windows registry stores information about settings, hardware, and applications that use the registry. Viruses and malware can damage your window registry. A damaged registry can cause blue screen errors like pfn list corrupt. You can repair the registry by using SFC utility, running DISM command, and system restore. But the best way is to import the registry from the backup. Here is how you can do this
- Type Regedit in the start menu to open the registry editor.
- In the registry editor, navigate to the File from the menu bar and click on Import.
- navigate to the location where the backup is saved and click on the Backup file, followed by Open.
17. Uninstall the Recent Windows Update
If you recently updated your window and started experiencing a blue screen error, it means the update is incompatible with your windows. Uninstalling the window update can fix the stop code error on your PC.
- Open the start menu and search Control Panel.
- Click on Programs in the Control panel window.
- Now, click on View updates under Programs and Features.
- Check the installed on a column to see which are recent updates.
- Once you find the recent update, right-click on it and then click Uninstall.
- After uninstalling the update, restart your PC to see if you got rid of the pfn list corrupt error.
18. Roll Back Windows Drive
If your drivers are updated to any incompatible or unstable version, you can roll back the drivers to the previous version.
- Open Device Manager and right-click on the driver that was recently updated.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Driver tab in the Properties dialogue box and click on the Roll Back Driver button.
- Now, follow the instructions on your screen to complete the rollback process.
- If the button is greyed out, you don’t have the option to roll back the driver.
19. Update BIOS
Updating BIOS is a complex method but it’s efficient. If none of the methods fix the blue screen error then you can also for updating your BIOS. make sure to have the instructions handy while doing the update. Any mistake can damage your computer beyond repair. So make sure you proceed with caution.
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings and click on Update & Security.
- Go to Recovery from the left panel and click on Restart now under the Advanced startup section.
- Once the PC restarts and you see the Advanced Startup screen, click on Troubleshoot.
- Next, click on the Advanced options.
- Click on UEFI Firmware Settings to enter the BIOS settings.
- On the next screen, click on Restart.
Alternative Method
If you cannot see UEFI Firmware settings in the Advanced Options, then you can try a manufacturer-specific way to enter the BIOS settings mentioned below. The function keys can be used to enter the BIOS settings.
The mentioned function keys should be pressed immediately when you see the black screen after the restart. If the Windows logo appears, you need to redo the process again. Below is a list of the function keys mentioned for different manufacturers.
- Lenovo: F2, (Desktop: F1), (Thinkpads: Enter +ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for motherboards)
- Dell: F2 or F12
- HP: ESC or F10
- Acer: F2 or DEL
You can opt for any of the ways you find it convenient to enter the BIOS.
20. Reset Your Computer
If the above-mentioned methods do not fix the blue screen error, then the last option is to reset your computer. It will reset all the settings on your computer and uninstall all third-party applications. There is an option of securing your files before performing the reset. So you should save any important files before resetting your computer.
- Go to Settings and “Update & Security” option.
- Go to Recovery on the left side of the windows.
- Now under Reset this PC, click “Get started”.
- Now you will see two options: “Keep my files” And “Remove everything”.
- Click on “Keep my files” to refresh the windows. If you click on it, you will be informed that your apps will be removed but your data in these apps will b secured.
- Otherwise, click on “Remove everything” to initiate the restart option for windows.
TIP: Disconnect all external devices such as printers, scanners, external HDD, and USB flash and reboot your PC. This will fix the problem if any device driver compatibility causes the issue.
WRAPPING UP
We hope that the above-mentioned methods will help you solve the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT Error easily. These are simple steps and do not require an expert-level understanding of the operating system. So anyone can perform the tasks to fix their Windows stop code error. However, a basic level of understanding of computer operating systems is required to apply these methods. Enjoy your time using your PC smoothly and eliminating blue screen errors with the help of this article.