DRIVER_CORRUPTED_MMPOOL” Demystified: How to Fix the 0x000000D0 Blue Screen of Death

Overview: What Is the 0x000000D0 BSOD?

The 0x000000D0 stop code—also known by the name DRIVER_CORRUPTED_MMPOOL—is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that occurs when a kernel-mode driver attempts to access invalid memory at an Interrupt Request Level (IRQL) that is too high. In simpler terms, a device driver tried to do something it shouldn’t have, at a time when the system couldn't handle it, resulting in a system crash.

This error is often abrupt and can seriously interrupt productivity, making it important to address immediately.

What Does “IRQL Too High” Mean?

IRQL (Interrupt Request Level) is a prioritization system in Windows that determines which tasks should be executed first by the CPU. When a driver runs code at a high IRQL, it's expected to only use non-paged memory (memory that always stays in RAM). If it tries to access memory that can be paged out (swapped to disk), it causes instability—hence the crash.

Main Causes of 0x000000D0

Here’s what typically triggers the error:

1. Faulty Device Drivers – Especially network, graphics, or storage drivers that haven’t been updated or are poorly written.
2. Incompatible or Corrupt System Updates – New Windows updates or security patches sometimes conflict with existing drivers.
3. Malware or Rootkits – Malicious software can corrupt memory pools or hook into kernel drivers.
4. Faulty or Overclocked Hardware – Defective RAM, overheating components, or improperly configured overclocking can destabilize memory access.
5. Third-party Antivirus or Firewalls – Security software hooking into low-level processes may cause access violations.

How to Fix the 0x000000D0 Error

1. Boot into Safe Mode (if Windows Won’t Start Normally)

• Restart and press F8 (or hold Shift + Restart) before Windows loads.
• Choose Safe Mode with Networking.

2. Update or Roll Back Drivers

• Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
• Look for recently updated drivers (display, network, or chipset drivers are top suspects).
• Right-click and choose Update Driver or Roll Back Driver.
• For persistent issues, uninstall the driver and restart the system.

3. Run Memory Diagnostics

• Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose to restart and scan for memory problems.
• Faulty RAM can be a root cause of invalid memory access.

4. Check for Windows Updates

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Install all pending updates or roll back a recent update if the BSOD began after it.

5. Scan for Malware

• Use Windows Defender Offline Scan or tools like Malwarebytes to detect rootkits and driver-level malware.

6. Disable Overclocking

• Enter BIOS/UEFI and reset all performance settings to default.
• Overclocked CPU or RAM can lead to timing issues and memory corruption.

7. System File Checker & DISM

Run the following commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

sfc /scannow

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These tools will repair corrupted system files and Windows images.

8. Use Driver Verifier (Advanced)

To pinpoint the faulty driver:

• Run verifier.exe from the Run dialog (Win + R).
• Select Create standard settings > Automatically select all drivers.
• Restart the system and let it monitor. If it crashes again, take note of the driver.sys mentioned in the BSOD.

To disable Driver Verifier later (if stuck in a boot loop), use Safe Mode and run:

verifier /reset

Prevention Tips

• Always download drivers from official sources (manufacturer websites or Windows Update).
• Avoid aggressive overclocking unless you have stable configurations tested over time.
• Use reputable antivirus software and schedule regular full-system scans.
• Keep Windows and device firmware updated regularly.
• Backup your data and create system restore points before installing new drivers or updates.

Final Thoughts

The 0x000000D0 DRIVER_CORRUPTED_MMPOOL error is a sign that something deep within your system—usually a driver—is misbehaving at a low level. While it can seem daunting, methodically updating drivers, checking hardware, and running diagnostic tools will usually uncover the culprit. Catching it early and following best practices will help prevent this BSOD from haunting your system again.

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