When users experience the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11 with the stop code “EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK” (0x000001AA), it indicates a critical system error where the kernel stack has been corrupted. This error typically occurs when the system attempts to handle an exception, but the process crosses into an invalid or corrupted kernel stack, leading to the crash.
The root causes of this error often include:
- Faulty Drivers: Corrupt or incompatible drivers can interfere with proper memory handling at the kernel level, triggering this error.
- Memory Issues: Corrupted system memory or problematic RAM can cause improper stack management, leading to system crashes.
- Overclocking and System Instability: Overclocking hardware can introduce instability, causing improper memory handling and stack corruption.
Many users have reported encountering the “EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK” error when attempting to launch games, especially those using kernel-level anti-cheat systems or driver-based anti-tamper mechanisms. Games like Vanguard in Valorant operate with high-level privileges to detect cheats and prevent tampering. Any incompatibility or bug within these systems can lead to serious crashes, such as a BSOD.
In this article, we will discuss solutions to solve this problem.
1. Run SFC and DISM
This problem could be caused by corrupted system files, which can be repaired by running the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). SFC scans and fixes corrupted system files, while DISM repairs Windows images.
- Press Windows + S to open the search box and type Command Prompt.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator to open it with administrative privileges.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After the commands finish, restart your PC.
2. Run CHKDSK
This issue might be caused by hard drive errors. The CHKDSK (Disk Error Checking) utility can scan and fix disk drive-related errors.
- Press Windows + S to open the search box.
- Type “Command Prompt” in the search box.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter. Note: Replace “C” with your current Windows drive if different.
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
- Once the scan is complete, restart your PC.
3. Check for Faulty Hardware Devices
Faulty RAM can cause this error. You can run Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for RAM issues. Also, check your GPU for problems as resource-heavy tasks might stress the GPU.
- Press Windows + S and type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search box. Click on the application that appears.
- Click on “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)“.
Note: Save all your work because your PC will restart.
- Allow your PC to restart and run the diagnostic. Wait for it to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
Additionally, you can use the Passmark MemTest 86 program to check your RAM as well. For details, check out our article here.
4. Perform a System Restore
If this issue started after a Windows update or a new driver installation, perform a system restore. Windows automatically creates restore points that allow you to revert to a previous state.
- Press Windows + S, type “Recovery options” in the search box, and hit Enter.
- Under Advanced Startup, click “Restart now”.
- Once your PC restarts and loads Windows Recovery mode, follow these steps:
- Click on Troubleshoot, then go to Advanced Options and select System Restore.
- Select your user profile and enter the password if prompted.
- Choose a system restore point from before you started experiencing issues and click “Next”.
- To start the restoration process, click the “Finish” button.
5. Clean Install Windows
If none of the solutions work, you can reinstall Windows. This will delete all your programs and files causing problems and install a fresh version of Windows. This should solve your issue.
You can check our detailed article on how to clean install Windows 11.
Hamza Mohammad Anwar
Hamza Mohammad Anwar is an intermediate JavaScript web developer with a focus on developing high-performance applications using MERN technologies. His skill set includes expertise in ReactJS, MongoDB, Express NodeJS, and other related technologies. Hamza is also a Google IT Certified professional, which highlights his competence in IT support. As an avid problem-solver, he recreates errors on his computer to troubleshoot and find solutions to various technical issues.
What is EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error on Windows 11?
If you are facing EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error, Exception on invalid stack Windows 11 while working on Windows computer or while trying to installing Windows 11 or perform Windows PC Upgrade to Windows 11, and searching for ways to fix, then you are in right-place for the solution. Let’s starts the discussion.
‘EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error’:
It is common Windows problem considered as Black Screen of Death (BSOD) error. This error is sometimes appeared with Blue Screen. The error is appeared with message saying ‘Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info and then we’ll restart for you’ along with some Windows Stop Codes like EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK. This error is usually appeared while working on your Windows computer, or after you upgrade to Windows 11, or while installing Windows 11 OS in your computer.
There could be several reasons behind the issue including the temporary bugs or issues in your Windows computer, corruption in system files or registry, corrupted BCD (Boot Configuration Data), bad sectors on hard drive, malware or viruses infections in computer, and other issues. This issue can be occurred due to improper installation of Windows OS or the issue with Windows 11 Installation media disk/USB itself. It is possible to fix the issue with our instructions. Let’s go for the solution.
How to fix Exception on invalid stack Windows 11?
Method 1: Restart your computer
Sometimes, this type of issue is occurred due to some issue in your Windows computer. You can try to fix temporary issue just by restarting your Windows computer, and then check if it works for you.
Method 2: Check if your PC is eligible to run Windows 11
This issue can be occurred if your Windows PC is not eligible to run Windows 11 OS. You should check minimum system requirements for Windows 11 through its official site, and check if your PC can run Windows 11 or not.
Method 3: Run SFC scan and CHKDSK scan
You can run SFC scan and CHKDKS scan in computer to repair corruption in system files and hard disk corruption.
Step 1: Press ‘SHIFT’ key on keyboard and click ‘Start menu > Power button dropdown> Restart’ to restart your computer and enter into Windows Recovery Environment
Step 2: Now, go to ‘Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt’
Step 3: Type the following commands and hit ‘Enter’ key after each to execute.
sfc /scannow
chkdsk c: /r
Step 4: Once executed, restart your computer normally and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 4: Rebuild BCD and Boot relating data
Another way to fix the issue is to rebuild Boot relating data or repairing boot sector.
Step 1: Follow ‘step 1 and step 2’ of above method to enter into Command Prompt in Windows Recovery Environment
Step 2: Now, type the following commands and hit ‘Enter’ key after each to execute.
bootrec/ fixmbr
bootrec/ fixboot
bootrec/ scanos
bootrec/ rebuildbcd
Step 3: Once executed, restart your computer normally and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 5: Perform System Restore
If the issue is still persist, you can try to fix the issue by performing system restore operation in computer.
Step 1: Press and hold ‘SHIFT’ key on keyboard and restart your computer to enter into Windows Recovery Environment
Step 2: Now, go to ‘Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore’
Step 3: Click ‘Next’, select a valid restore point according to date & time when there was no issue at all in computer, and then click ‘Next > Finish’ to start restoring, and once finished, restart your computer normally and check if it works for you.
Method 6: Uninstall problematic Windows update
This issue can be occurred due to some problematic Windows update installed in your computer. You can uninstall the problematic Windows update or latest update, in order to fix.
Step 1: Restart your computer and enter into Windows Recovery Environment using above method
Step 2: Now, go to ‘Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Uninstall updates’
Step 3: Select ‘Uninstall latest quality update’ option and click ‘Windows > Uninstall quality update’ and once done, go to ‘Uninstall Updates’ in windows recovery environment again, and select ‘Uninstall latest feature update > Windows > Uninstall feature update’ and confirm it.
Step 4: Once done, restart your computer normally and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 7: Perform Clean Windows 11 installation
If the above methods didn’t work for you, then you can try to fix the issue by performing clean Windows 11 installation in computer.
Step 1: Connect a bootable Windows 11 OS installation media USB into your computer and boot your computer with it
Step 2: Run the Windows 11 OS setup and follow on-screen instructions to finish installation and once installed, check if the issue is resolved.
Fix EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error Windows 11 with ‘PC Repair Tool’ [Recommended Solution]
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Conclusion
I am sure this article helped you on How to fix EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error, Exception on invalid stack Windows 11 with easy ways. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.
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This article focuses on the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK stop error. If you see EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK (0x000001AA) Black Screen when you try to install Windows 11, then here are some suggestions to help you resolve the issue. Some users have also encountered this error as a Blue Screen when using their Windows 11 PC.
The BSOD (Black/ Blue Screen of Death) is an error screen displayed by the Windows OS when it encounters a fatal system error, causing the system to shut down or restart unexpectedly. Technically known as a Bug Check, a Kernel Error, or a Stop Error, the Black Screen often shares useful information such as the error code and error name that allows users and administrators to look into the scope of that specific error and fix it accordingly.
The EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK bug check has a value of 0x000001AA. This BugCheck indicates that exception dispatch crossed over into an invalid kernel stack. This might indicate that the kernel stack pointer has become corrupted during exception dispatch or unwind (e.g. due to stack corruption of a frame pointer), or that a driver is executing off of a stack that is not a legal kernel stack.
If you see EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK (0x000001AA) error on Windows 11, then depending on your case, you may try the following suggestions:
- Check the Hardware Compatibility of your PC for Windows 11.
- Reset RAM and try.
- Use alternative methods to install Windows 11.
- Run Online Blue Screen Troubleshooter.
- Refer Windows Stop Errors Guide for more suggestions.
Let us see this in detail.
1] Check the Hardware Compatibility of your PC for Windows 11
Start by checking if your system is eligible for an upgrade to the Windows 11 OS. Microsoft offers a PC Health Check tool to check whether your existing Windows 10 PC or Laptop meets the necessary system requirements to run Windows 11.
- Click on the Search icon located in your taskbar area.
- Type ‘pc health check’.
- Select PC Health Check from the list of results.
- Click on the Check now button.
- PC Health Check will run a comprehensive eligibility check and show This PC meets Windows 11 requirements if it finds your PC compatible.
If you don’t see this message, then hardware incompatibility may be causing the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK stop error. In that case, you may upgrade your PC or stay with your existing Windows 10 OS.
2] Reset RAM and try
Your RAM may also cause the Black Screen to appear. Try clearing the memory cache to free up RAM on your system. Restarting your Windows 11/ 10 PC is the easiest way to reset RAM. Use the traditional way to shut down Windows. Remove the power plug, wait for a minute and when you start Windows back, the RAM resets to a fresh state.
Read: How to force Hard or Full shutdown in Windows to reinitialize it
3] Use alternative methods to install Windows 11
Try an alternative method such as the Media Creation Tool, Windows 11 Installation Assistant, or Bootable Media to upgrade your system. The Media Creation Tool allows you to upgrade to Windows 11 or create an installation media (USB flash drive/ DVD/ ISO file) to perform a clean installation of Windows 11. Another way to force download and quickly install the Windows 11 upgrade is to use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
Also Read: Purple, Brown, Yellow, Orange, Red Screen of Death explained.
4] Run Online Blue/ Black Screen Troubleshooter
Microsoft offers an online troubleshooter to fix Blue Screen errors and Black Screen errors on Windows 11. The troubleshooter work like a wizard to help novice users fix the Blue/ Black screen errors. Run the troubleshooter and follow the detailed step-by-step instructions. By knowing exactly when you first encountered the error, the troubleshooter may help resolve the issue for you.
5] Refer Windows Stop Errors Guide for more suggestions.
Last but not the least, refer to the Windows Stop Errors Guide to understand and fix the kernel error. The guide offers comprehensive information on some of the most common Windows stop errors. It not only describes the error but also suggests possible fixes while highlighting the causes behind the error.
If nothing helps, you may need to analyze the Stop Error Dump files using WhoCrashed or some Crash Dump Analyzer software for further troubleshooting.
Does Blue Screen of Death fix itself?
It is quite usual for your Windows to reboot automatically in case it encounters a Blue Screen. By restarting your PC, Windows tries to protect the hardware and try and fix the issue on its own. Though sometimes, it fails to do so and you keep getting the Blue Screen repeatedly. In that case, you must note down the error code to further investigate and resolve the issue.
Can I turn off my PC during Blue screen?
The blue screen generates helpful dumps that are used to analyze the root cause of the issue. So it’s better not to force shut down until after, say, a minute, the screen shows the error code. Once the error code is displayed, you can press and hold the power button for a few seconds to turn off your PC.
Read Next: Force Windows to display the Stop Error information on Blue Screen.
Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.
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Users have been excited to take advantage of Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system, but due to its complex system, issues can occur at any second. The Exception on Invalid Stack error is a great example.
Some Windows 11 clients reported that unexpectedly, their PC crashed and failed to boot up, after displaying the error Exception on Invalid File.
In today’s guide, we will show you three different methods to fix the error, as well as how to avoid it in the future.
What causes the Exception on Invalid File error?
➡ Corrupted system files are by far the most common reason why you get an invalid file type of error, yet there are still other possible reasons why you could be experiencing the current issue.
A corrupted file is one that is damaged and does not perform as it should. This can apply to any type of document, from program files to system documents. You will most definitely encounter issues as such at some point or another in time.
Before we jump into the solution list, we must understand why the error appeared in the first place. Amongst the many causes that can lead to the Exception on Invalid File error, here are the three most common reasons you might encounter:
➡ Corrupted boot-related data is another possible reason for your problem. In this case, you will have to perform a System File Checker scan from the Advanced Options Menu or write a few lines in the Command Prompt to fix the corrupted configuration data.
➡ Bad drive sector is the next possible reason why you get the error above. What this means is one of your drives is starting to fail. But don’t panic! If the damage is minimal, you can get away without changing the drive. Running the CHKDSK utility will replace all the sectors that went bad with unused sound equivalents.
We prepared for you a list of recommended solutions that you must try out before you decide to reinstall Windows 11 altogether.
How do I fix the Exception on Invalid Stack error in Windows 11?
1. Run a quick SFC Scan
-
1. Insert a compatible Windows 11 installation media, then press any key to boot from it.
-
2. After your PC boots from the installation media, click on Repair your computer in the bottom left corner.
-
3. When the Advanced Startup menu pops up, click on Troubleshoot.
-
4. Next, select Advanced Options.
-
5. Open the Command Prompt window.
-
6. Type or paste the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow
-
7. Wait until the operation is complete, then close the cmd prompt.
-
8. Allow your PC to boot normally.
-
9. Check if the Exception on Invalid File error is gone.
Given the fact that corrupted system files are the most likely cause for the exception on invalid stack BSOD error, scanning for them is the first thing you should do. You can perform a safe SFC scan via Command Prompt with a bootable Windows 11 installation media.
NOTE
If you don’t have a compatible Windows 11 installation media, you can create one by following this guide on how to make a bootable USB drive in no time.
In case you prefer an automated method to run thorough scans for your PC, we kindly suggest you use specialized software and fix Windows issues fast, without other technical knowledge.
2. Run a CHKDSK scan
- Restart your computer while holding the Shift button.
- After the Advanced Startup menu will open, click on Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced Options.
- Once you’re inside the Advanced options menu, tap on Command Prompt.
- Type or paste the following command then press Enter:
chkdsk c: /f /r /x
After you enter the command above, close the Command Prompt and return to the first screen in order to continue with the normal booting process. Then, check if the Exception on Invalid File in Windows 11 error has been solved.
- FIX: chkdsk got stuck in Windows 10/11
- Where are Chkdsk logs stored in Windows 10/11?
- FIX: Chkdsk.exe runs on every Boot
- Insert a compatible Windows 11 installation media and press any key to boot from it.
- Click on Repair your computer in the bottom left corner.
- After the Advanced Startup menu pops up, click on Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced Options.
- Once you are inside the Advanced Options menu, click on Command Prompt.
- Type or paste the following commands one by one and press Enter:
bootrec.exe /fixmbr
bootrec.exe /fixmbr
bootrec.exe /fixboot
bootrec.exe /scanos
bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
Once all the commands above have been processed successfully, close the prompt and allow your computer to boot up normally. The error should now be resolved.
What to do if the exception on invalid file error persists?
If your PC still fails to boot, it is pretty clear that you need to replace all the Windows files with new ones that aren’t corrupted.
To achieve this, you have to perform a clean install, which will definitely fix any underlying corruption issues that you have, but it will delete all of your personal documents as well. Unless you had backed up your data in advance, prepare to lose everything.
An alternative to losing your data is to perform a repair install which allows you to keep your personal documents on the same partition as your Windows installation.
How do I fix an Invalid File Name error?
Every file on your computer has a particular structure and content that it needs to comply with. When the information is in the right place and properly arranged, it will work normally.
But, if the wrong information is introduced voluntarily or involuntarily into a document, it will affect the way the data is used.
One aspect that you need to pay attention to is how you name your documents. When you try to save, create or rename documents, keep in mind a few rules in order to avoid errors such as an invalid file. Document names act as their ID and you can’t have two people with the same ID.
Another aspect to remember is the characters that you use. Control characters or forward slashes aren’t accepted in the name field of a document. The Windows operating system has additional rules that the filename needs to comply to:
- The filename can’t begin or end with a space or a period sign
- There are certain names reserved by Windows that can’t be used
- Any of the following characters must be avoided: double quote (“”), asterisk (*), less than (<), greater than (>), question mark (?), backslash (\), pipe (|), forward slash (/), colon (:)
To fix an Invalid File Name error, you simply have to rename it keeping in mind the rules above, especially the colliding aspect of names.
Booting errors can be cumbersome sometimes. If the above solutions don’t meet your requirements or if you consider the idea of reinstalling Windows 11, check out our thorough guide on how to perform a Windows 11 installation in the simplest manner.
Alternatively, rolling back to Windows 10 might be a solution for you. If you feel uneasy about which OS to choose, check out our article on the main differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
We also have guides on Invalid Cancel Of File Open error, and Unwind_on_Invalid_Stack, so don’t miss them to learn more.
Feel free to use the comments section below in case you have any further questions, and let us know which solution worked best for you as well as what triggered the error in the first place.
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
Lately, users on various Windows forums have complained about experiencing the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error. Many encountered the critical error when trying to upgrade to Windows 11 or while playing games that use kernel-level anti-cheat software.
In this blog, we will talk about the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error in detail, explaining what this error is, why it’s showing up, and what you can do to effectively resolve it on your Windows PC. Let’s get started!
What is EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK Error?
EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK is a type of BSoD error with a bug check value of 0x000001AA. It appears when Windows runs into a critical system error due to an invalid stack, causing the system to crash and display the blue screen of death.
This error occurs when a program attempts to access a part of the computer’s memory that it’s not supposed to. The “stack” is a specific area of memory used for storing temporary data, such as function calls and local variables. When a process tries to use more stack memory than is available, it leads to the “invalid stack” error.
Probable Causes Behind the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK Error
There can be several reasons why you’re experiencing this error:
Corrupted Stack: If the kernel stack pointer gets corrupted due to programming errors, it can cause invalid access.
Incorrect memory access: The error also occurs when a software or driver tries to access memory locations that are not part of the stack.
Stack overflow: When a program uses more stack memory than is available on the system, it can overwrite other parts of memory, causing this error.
Memory Issues: Problems with the system memory, overclocking the hardware, or faulty RAM can mess up the stack management and cause this error.
Troubleshooting the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK Error
Below are some manual troubleshooting methods that can help you effectively resolve the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error on your Windows PC. Follow the steps carefully.
Method 1: Repair System Files
The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) are powerful built-in utilities to repair corrupted system files in Windows.
SFC scans system files, including DLL files, and replaces corrupt files with a cached copy located in a compressed folder at: %WinDir%\System32\dllcache
The DISM tool repairs Windows image, including the Windows Component Store and fixes issues that the SFC can’t resolve by itself.
Here’s how to perform these scans:
Step 1: Search for Command Prompt in the taskbar and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Now, execute the following command for SFC scan: sfc /scannow
Step 3: Next, execute the following command for DISM scan: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Finally, restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Check for Disk Errors
As stated above, disk errors due to improper shutdowns, or wear and tear can also cause the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error on your Windows PC. You need to address the disk issues to resolve this error effectively.
For this, you can use the Windows built-in utility: CHKDSK command. It will scan your drive for errors and automatically fix them. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Search for Command Prompt in the Taskbar and click Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Inside the Command Prompt, type chkdsk, and press Enter.
Step 3: If the scan detects drive errors, enter chkdsk /r in the Command Prompt and press Enter to start an in-depth diagnostic scan, it will repair and recover damaged hard drive sectors.
Method 3: Repair Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
BCD is used by Windows Boot Manager to store information about the installed operating systems and the boot parameters required to start them. A corrupted BCD file can cause the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error on your system. To repair BCD, follow these steps:
Step 1: Restart your PC and press F8 to boot into Windows Recovery Mode.
Step 2: Click on Troubleshoot and select Advanced Options.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt.
Step 4: Now, execute the following commands, one after the other:
bootrec /RebuildBcdbootrec /fixMbrbootrec /fixbootStep 5: Exit and reboot your system to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 4: Check Your RAM
You can use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to identify any issues with your computer’s RAM, which could be causing the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error on your system.
Step 1: Open Windows Memory Diagnostic tool by searching for it in the Taskbar.
Step 2: Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
Your computer will display the diagnostic results immediately upon restarting. If you need to view them later, they are accessible in the Event Viewer.
How to Recover Lost Data Due to the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK Error?
When the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error occurs, it can abruptly terminate a running application, and any unsaved data in the program’s memory might get lost. Additionally, an invalid stack operation can overwrite memory addresses that store your crucial data and corrupt it.
If you have lost your data after encountering the EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error, we recommend using a Windows data recovery software – Stellar Data Recovery Standard to reclaim your files. It can recover lost or deleted data from various data loss scenarios, including accidental deletion, formatting, disk errors, system errors, and more.
Bottom Line
The EXCEPTION_ON_INVALID_STACK error can interrupt your Windows experience, but it’s fixable. In addition to performing the above troubleshooting methods, if you’re using an outdated software or a compiler, consider updating it to the latest version to avoid such issues in the future.
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