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PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT Bug Check 0x1C: 5 Working Fixes
This BSoD error is pretty rare
4 min. read
Published onAugust 7, 2024
published onAugust 7, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
Dealing with the dreaded PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT error often leads to the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), disrupting your workflow and causing potential data loss. It has the value of 0x0000001C and it can be caused by counter overflows, underflows, or an object that is used after it has been freed.
How do I fix the PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT error?
1. Roll back or update the network drivers
If you installed a new network driver recently, try to roll back to the previous one first. If that doesn’t work, update it instead.
Updating or rolling back your network drivers can resolve issues caused by incompatible or outdated drivers, potentially preventing the PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT error.
2. Scan the system for malware
Malware infections can corrupt system files, leading to BSOD errors like PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT. Running a full system scan can help identify and remove harmful software.
3. Run the System File Checker (SFC)
If the error persists, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM):
Running SFC and DISM can repair corrupted or missing system files, which may resolve the PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT error.
4. Check the disk for errors
Checking for disk errors can identify and resolve issues with your hard drive, which could be causing the PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT error.
5. Check the RAM
This tool will diagnose and report any issues with your RAM. If it finds errors, consider replacing the faulty RAM.
Additional possible fixes
Perform a Windows Restore
Check for Windows Updates
Perform a Clean Boot
Performing a Windows restore, checking for updates, and doing a clean boot can help resolve underlying software issues causing the PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT error.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PFN_REFERENCE_COUNT error and get your system back to normal. To avoid future issues, keep your drivers updated and regularly scan your system for malware.
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
