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How to Fix the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD
You might also need to replace the boot drive
5 min. read
Published onSeptember 10, 2024
published onSeptember 10, 2024
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Fix all BSoD events and keep computer safe and clean:
Fortect will find the cause of BSoD and fix it. Here is how to do it with 3 easy steps:
The RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED bug check usually comes with the value of 0x000000F8. The error points out that that an initialization failure occurred while booting from the RAM disk. It typically indicates a storage drive hardware error, but it may also be triggered by a corrupted system or a driver problem. Before anything else, disconnect all external drives and try to boot the PC normally. If that works, reconnect them one by one to see which one is causing this issue.
How do I fix the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED?
1. Use Automatic Repair Mode to boot in Safe Mode
If your PC is unable to boot in Safe Mode, try to use aUSB installation mediaand follow the next solution to run Command Prompt and perform the scan below or to reset your Windows system.
2. Replace the SMSS.exe file (bootable media required)
3. Scan your drive and system for errors
If you’ve managed to boot the PC in Safe Mode, you will be able to start Command Prompt and execute the chkdsk command. If not, as mentioned in the first solution, use a bootable media or System Recovery to use CMD. This method will find and fix potential problems with your drive.
4. Uninstall any problematic drivers (if the OS boots in Safe Mode)
Look especially at the IDE controllers section because they are most likely to cause the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD. You may also selectUpdate driverinstead of uninstalling and selecting Search automatically for drivers or Browse my computer…in case you already have a driver you downloaded straight from the manufacturer’s website.
We also have a list of thebest driver updater toolsthat will automatically refresh all your drivers with only a few clicks.
5. Restore the OS to a previous point
If none of this works, the last resort would be toreset your systemor reinstalling Windows entirely by using the bootable media you have used before.
We would also recommend trying the bootable drive on another system and check it for any connection or physical damage if possible.
We remind you that BSoD error typically point to a hardware error, but you can look further into thecauses of Blue Screen bug checks. If possible, you may alsouse a BSoD viewerto find more information about the crash.
Hopefully, by using the solutions above you were able to fix the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD. Let us know in the comments below if it worked for you.
More about the topics:BSoD error codes,BSoD errors
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
