How to Fix Windows Error Code 0x00000098

Windows Error Code 0x00000098 is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that typically signals a problem with your computer's hardware or driver software. This error often appears with the message “Critical_Process_Died” and can lead to system instability or failure to boot properly. In this article, we will provide comprehensive solutions to resolve this error and restore your system's functionality.

Understanding Windows Error Code 0x00000098

Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the 0x00000098 error. This error generally indicates a critical process failure, where the operating system has detected that a vital system process has stopped unexpectedly. This issue can be caused by several factors, including:

Corrupted system files
Incompatible or outdated drivers
Hardware failures
Malware infections

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Windows Error Code 0x00000098

1. Restart Your Computer

The first and simplest solution to try is restarting your computer. This can sometimes resolve temporary issues or conflicts causing the BSOD error. Make sure to perform a complete restart rather than a quick reboot.

2. Boot into Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and resolve issues without interference from third-party software. To boot into Safe Mode:

Restart your computer.
As soon as your PC starts, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8) to enter Advanced Boot Options.
Select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking.

Once in Safe Mode, you can attempt to:

Run System File Checker (SFC)
Update or Roll Back Drivers
Uninstall Recently Installed Software

3. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) tool scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run SFC:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing “cmd” in the Start menu search bar, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

4. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Incompatible or outdated drivers can trigger the 0x00000098 error. To update or roll back drivers:

Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Locate the device with the problematic driver. This is often marked with a yellow triangle.
Right-click the device and select Update Driver. Follow the on-screen prompts to update the driver.
If updating the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to roll back to a previous version. Right-click the device, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and choose Roll Back Driver.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your Windows operating system is up-to-date, as updates can fix known issues and provide new drivers. To check for updates:

Open Settings from the Start menu.
Go to Update & Security.
Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.

6. Perform a System Restore

A System Restore can revert your system to a previous state before the error occurred. To perform a System Restore:

Type “System Restore” in the Start menu search bar and select Create a restore point.
In the System Properties window, click on the System Restore button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and restore your system.

7. Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware components can also cause the 0x00000098 error. To diagnose hardware issues:

Check RAM: Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu and follow the instructions.
Check Hard Drive: Run a CHKDSK scan. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type chkdsk /f and press Enter.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

A Clean Boot can help identify if background services or startup programs are causing the issue. To perform a Clean Boot:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

9. Reinstall Windows

If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary. This will erase all data on your drive, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding. To reinstall Windows:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Click on Get started under Reset this PC and follow the prompts.

Conclusion

Fixing Windows Error Code 0x00000098 requires a systematic approach to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue. By following the steps outlined above, from restarting your computer to performing a clean reinstall of Windows, you can address the critical process failure and restore your system’s stability. Regular updates, driver management, and hardware checks can help prevent future occurrences of this error.

How to fix Windows error code 0x00000098