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.
