7 Effective Solutions to Fix INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED BSOD Errors

Key Notes

  • Identify and address outdated drivers, corrupt files, and hardware conflicts.
  • Perform regular system maintenance to prevent BSOD errors.
  • Use diagnostic tools to isolate hardware issues.

Fixing the INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED BSOD Error 0x0000003C

Experiencing the horrifying blue screen of death (BSOD)? The INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED error, identified by the code 0x0000003C, may appear infrequently, yet it can be difficult to rectify due to the limited resources available for a fix. This guide aims to provide actionable strategies that will help you tackle this challenge effectively.

Troubleshooting the INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED BSOD Error

Step 1: Update All Drivers

Begin by ensuring that all your device drivers are up-to-date:

  1. Press Windows + X to access the Power User menu, then select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on the graphics adapter, and choose Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers and allow Windows to install the most suitable version.
  4. Repeat this process for all other drivers on your system.
  5. Once done, reboot your PC.

Pro Tip: If Windows notifies you that the best version is already installed, go to the manufacturer’s website for manual updates.

Step 2: Roll Back Recent Driver Updates

If you suspect that a recent driver update caused the BSOD, consider rolling it back:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Expand the relevant categories, right-click on the device(s) affected, and select Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab and click on Roll Back Driver.
  4. Choose a reason for the rollback and confirm your choice by clicking Yes.
  5. If the option to roll back is not available, check other devices that might have received updates.

Step 3: Repair Corrupt System Files

Corrupted system files can lead to various errors, including BSOD occurrences. Follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, then type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Confirm the UAC prompt by clicking Yes.
  3. Execute the following DISM commands one by one: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Perform a System File Checker scan using the command: sfc /scannow
  5. After the scans complete, restart your PC.

Pro Tip: Running DISM and SFC scans can often resolve underlying issues that lead to BSOD errors.

Step 4: Uninstall Conflicting Programs

Programs that conflict with your operating system may trigger BSOD errors. To remove them:

  1. Open the Run dialog ( Windows + R ), type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Select recently installed applications that could cause issues and click on Uninstall.
  3. Follow the prompts to uninstall them, then restart your PC.
  4. If the issue persists, consider removing additional recent applications one by one.

Step 5: Increase the Virtual Memory

Sometimes, insufficient memory can lead to blue screen errors. Follow these steps to adjust your virtual memory settings:

  1. Open Search by pressing Windows + S, type View advanced system settings, and select the relevant result.
  2. Click on Settings under the Performance section.
  3. Switch to the Advanced tab and select Change under Virtual memory.
  4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select No paging file, and click Set.
  5. Choose the Custom size option, entering these values:
    • Initial size (MB) : 1.5 times your physical RAM in MB.
    • Maximum size (MB) : 3 times your physical RAM in MB.
  6. For example, with 4 GB of RAM, set:
    • Initial size: 6144 MB (1.5 x 4 x 1024).
    • Maximum size: 12288 MB (3 x 4 x 1024).
  7. Finally, click Set and OK, then restart your PC.

Step 6: Perform a System Restore

If errors started after a recent change, a system restore may help:

  1. Open the Run dialog again ( Windows + R ), type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
  2. Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
  3. Pick the oldest restore point available and click Next.
  4. Review the details, then click Finish to start the process.

System Restore can revert your system to a stable state without affecting personal files.

Step 7: Visit a Repair Shop

If troubleshooting fails, it may be time to consult a professional:

Disconnect any unnecessary external devices and check if that resolves the issue. If the problem continues, reach out to the manufacturer’s support service or take your PC to a certified repair shop for inspection of internal components. Poor connections and faulty hardware can often lead to BSOD errors.

Summary

In this guide, we unpacked the steps to troubleshoot the INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED BSOD error (code 0x0000003C).By methodically addressing driver issues, repairing system files, and updating your PC’s settings, you can effectively resolve the challenges associated with this blue screen error.

Conclusion

The INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED error may bring your Windows PC to a halt, but understanding how to address the problems it creates empowers you to regain control. By keeping your drivers updated and proactively managing your system, you will minimize the risks of encountering such BSOD errors in the future. If issues persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What causes the INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED BSOD error?

The INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED error can be triggered by outdated or faulty drivers, corrupt system files, memory issues, or incompatible software.

Can I fix the BSOD error by myself?

Yes, many users can resolve BSOD errors by following troubleshooting steps such as updating drivers, checking system files, and uninstalling problematic applications.