How to Fix STOP 0x00000004 Errors

This article explains how to fix STOP 0x00000004 errors in Windows.

STOP 0x00000004 Errors

One of the errors below or a combination of both errors may display on the STOP message:

• STOP: 0x00000004
• INVALID_DATA_ACCESS_TRAP

The STOP 0x00000004 error may also be abbreviated as STOP 0x4 but the full STOP code will always be what's displayed on the blue screen STOP message.

If Windows is able to start after the STOP 0x4 error, you may be prompted with a Windows has recovered from an unexpected shutdown message that shows:

Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
BCCode: 4

How to Fix STOP 0x00000004 Errors

The 0x00000004 STOP code is rare, so there's little troubleshooting information available that's specific to the error. However, since most STOP errors have similar causes, there are some basic troubleshooting steps to help fix STOP 0x4 issues:

1. 
   Restart your computer if you haven't already done so. The STOP 0x00000004 could just be a fluke, and the blue screen error may not occur again after rebooting.

2. Did you just install or make a change to a device? If so, there's a good chance that the change you made caused the STOP 0x00000004 error. Undo the change and test for the 0x4 blue screen error.

   Depending on what changes were made, some solutions might include:

   • Removing or reconfiguring the newly installed device
   • Starting up with Last Known Good Configuration to undo related registry and driver changes
   • Using System Restore to undo recent changes
   • Rolling back the device driver to the version prior to your driver update

3. Update the drivers for your devices. If the driver to your hard drive or some other device is outdated or corrupted, it could be causing the STOP 0x00000004 error.

4. Scan your computer for viruses that could be causing the STOP 0x00000004 error.

   You should always have updated antivirus software to prevent these types of problems. See our list of the Best Free Antivirus Software if you need one.

5. Clear the CMOS. Sometimes the STOP 0x00000004 error is caused by a BIOS memory issue, so clearing the CMOS could solve that problem. 

6. Test the hard drive for errors. A physical problem with the hard drive could be what's revealing the STOP 0x4 error.

7. Test the system memory for errors. If the hard drive isn't at fault, faulty RAM might be what's causing the STOP 0x00000004 error.

   It might be a good idea to reseat the memory, too, either before testing it, to make sure they're fully inserted, and/or after if any problems are found.

8. Perform basic STOP error troubleshooting. These extensive troubleshooting steps aren't specific to the STOP 0x00000004 error but since most STOP errors are so similar, they should help resolve it.

Need More Help?

If you're not interested in fixing this problem yourself, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more.