How to Fix PFN LIST CORRUPT, Blue Screen Error

The pfn list corrupt error or Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is an unwelcome sight for any Windows user. One common BSOD error is the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error, which can lead to crashes and restarts on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of troubleshooting and fixing the pfn list corrupt, BSOD error, covering the most common causes and providing effective solutions.

Table of Contents

Understanding pfn list corrupt Error

The PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error occurs when the Page Frame Number (PFN) list in Windows 10 or Windows 11 becomes corrupt. This corruption can cause limited PC performance and eventually result in a blue screen error. The error can be attributed to several factors, including corrupt drivers, malware, and outdated Windows updates.

The PFN list is a critical component of Windows’ memory management system. It is responsible for overseeing the allocation and deallocation of physical memory pages. It monitors the status of each physical page in the system, determining whether it’s free, reserved, or in use. When the operating system or a driver accesses a physical memory page, it consults the PFN database to look up the corresponding page frame number.

When the PFN list becomes corrupt, it can lead to a host of issues, including system instability, application crashes, and the dreaded blue screen error. The PFN list is responsible for tracking the physical location of each page of memory in your computer’s RAM, making it an essential part of your PC’s overall performance.

Several factors can contribute to the corruption of the PFN list. These include hardware issues such as faulty RAM modules or a failing hard drive, software problems like corrupt drivers or malware infections, and even improper system shutdowns or power outages. Understanding the root cause of the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error is critical in determining the best course of action for resolving the issue.

Common Causes of pfn list corrupt Error

There are several common causes of the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD error that you should be aware of when troubleshooting. These include:

Corrupt or damaged drivers: Inefficient or outdated drivers can often lead to the PFN List Corrupt error, especially for gamers who rely on their PC’s performance. Ensuring that your drivers are up-to-date and functioning correctly is a critical step in resolving this issue.
Corrupt system files: When system files become corrupt, the PFN list may be affected. To resolve this issue, you have to repair and restore these damaged system files. Running built-in Windows utilities such as the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help identify and repair any issues with system files.
Memory (RAM) issues: If you experience the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error code, it could be caused by your PC memory. To get rid of this issue, resolve any issues present with your computer’s RAM. Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can help detect and fix problems with your system’s RAM.
Third-party applications: If you’re seeing the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT stop code after installing a new application, it’s likely that this software is causing the blue screen error. To bring your system back to normal, you’ll need to uninstall the problematic app. This can be done through the Windows “Apps & Features” settings or by using a third-party uninstaller tool.
Outdated Windows updates: Running an older version of Windows can contribute to the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error, especially if you have not installed the latest updates. Keeping your operating system up-to-date can help prevent the blue screen error from occurring.
Hardware issues: Faulty or incompatible hardware components, such as a failing hard drive or an incompatible graphics card, can cause the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error. Resolving hardware-related issues may require replacing the problematic component or updating its firmware.

By identifying the potential cause, you can take appropriate steps to fix the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD error.

Effective Solutions to Fix the pfn list corrupt Error

After determining the potential cause of the error, you can begin troubleshooting and fixing the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD in Windows 10/11. The following are some of the most effective solutions:

Utilize the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool is an inbuilt utility designed to diagnose and resolve memory-related issues. It tests the memory installed in a computer for errors and provides a report of any issues found.

To access the tool, click the search icon on your taskbar or press Windows + S to open the search bar.

2. Type “Memory Diagnostic” into the textbox and select this option from your list of results.

3. After the new pop-up window appears, select “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” to initiate memory diagnostics. Before pressing this button, make sure all of your documents are saved.

4. Upon restarting your computer, the memory diagnostics tool will quickly ascertain any discrepancies concerning your RAM. If it finds an issue, you’ll be notified.

Employ the Blue Screen Troubleshooter (Windows 10)

The Blue Screen Troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users resolve pfn list corrupt error and keep their operating system running efficiently. The tool analyzes the error message and other information from the BSOD and provides recommendations for resolving the issue.

To access the Blue Screen Troubleshooter, click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen to open the Start menu.

2. Then select Settings (or use the keyboard shortcut Windows + I).

3. Click on the Update & Security tile, then switch to the Troubleshoot tab using the left-side pane.

4. Here, you should see a troubleshooter titled Blue Screen.

5. If you don’t share full diagnostic data with Microsoft, click on the Additional troubleshooters link and locate the Blue Screen troubleshooter there.

6. Click on the Run the troubleshooter button and wait for the troubleshooter to scan your device and identify any issues.

Uninstall Recent Applications

To address the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error, consider uninstalling any recently installed apps or programs that could be causing compatibility issues.

To uninstall applications on Windows, click on the Start menu and choose Settings (or use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut).

2. Switch to the Apps section using the menu on the left, then click Installed apps.

3. All of your installed applications will load on this page.

4. Switch your filter to All drives and sort by Date installed to show the most recent applications installed on your computer, which could be causing conflicts and leading to the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error.

5. Click on the three dots next to an application’s name and click Uninstall from the list.

6. Allow the uninstaller to remove the application and any residual files.

7. When the process is done, reboot your device and see if this helped resolve the error at hand.

Update Windows

Updating Windows to the latest version can help resolve the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that address memory management issues, including the PFN List Corrupt BSOD.

Before updating, ensure your device is connected to a reliable power source and network to avoid any interruptions during the process.

To update Windows 10:

Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to open the Start menu. Choose Settings (or use the Windows + I shortcut).
Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Then click on the Check for updates button and wait for Windows to find available updates.
If any updates are displayed, click on the View all optional updates link to see and install them.
When Windows finds a new update, it’ll automatically start installing on your computer.
Wait for Windows to download and apply the necessary updates.

To Update Windows 11, follow a similar process:

Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen to open the Start menu.
Then select Settings (or use the keyboard shortcut Windows + I).
Switch to the Windows Update tab using the menu on the left.
Then click on the Check for updates button.
Windows will automatically detect if there’s a new update compatible with your device.
If a new update is available, allow Windows to install it, and then follow the instructions to restart your computer.

Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in utility in Windows that scans and verifies the integrity of all protected system files on a computer, replacing any corrupted or missing files. SFC can help resolve various system issues, including the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error, by fixing corrupted system files that may be causing the problem.

To use the System File Checker, open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon or press Windows + S on your keyboard.
Type Command Prompt in the search box, right-click on it in the results.
Choose Run as Administrator.
When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
Type the following command and press Enter to execute it: sfc /scannow.
Wait for the System File Checker to finish scanning your computer.
If any discrepancies are found, the utility will restore system files and fix all errors related to them.

Execute the DISM Scan

The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan is a built-in utility in Windows that helps repair and maintain a Windows installation, including system files and components. The DISM scan can check for and fix corruptions in the Windows image, including system files and drivers.

To run the DISM scan, open the search bar in your taskbar (or press Windows + S).
Type Command Prompt.
Right-click on it in the results and choose Run as Administrator.
When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click Yes to grant the app administrative privileges.
Type the following command and press Enter to execute it: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
Allow the process to complete, then close the Command Prompt and restart your device to check if the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT stop code has been resolved.

Perform the CHKDSK Scan

The CHKDSK (Check Disk) scan is a built-in utility in Windows that checks the file system and file structure of a disk (such as a hard drive) for errors and repairs any found. The CHKDSK scan verifies the integrity of the file system, checking for bad sectors, lost clusters, cross-linked files, and other disk errors.

To run the CHKDSK scan, open the search bar in your taskbar (or press Windows + S).
Search for Command Prompt and right-click on it in the results.
Select Run as Administrator.
When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click Yes to grant the app administrative privileges.
Type the following command in the Command Prompt and press Enter: chkdsk C: /r.
Allow the CHKDSK scan to finish, then check if the blue screen error you are experiencing on your computer has been resolved.

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data

Windows users may encounter the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error code due to a corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD). BCD controls the boot process in Windows, and fixing this issue should resolve the error.

To rebuild the BCD, open the search bar in your taskbar (or press Windows + S) and search for Command Prompt.

2. Right-click on it in the results and select Run as Administrator.

3. When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click Yes to grant the app administrative privileges.

4. Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot

5. Allow the commands to complete, then restart your system and check if the PFN List Corrupt error still occurs.

Disable Microsoft OneDrive

In some cases, disabling the Microsoft OneDrive app can help resolve the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error. Before disabling OneDrive, note that this may affect the app’s functionality and files stored in the OneDrive cloud. Therefore, this solution is best used as a temporary measure until a more permanent solution can be found.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD error can be frustrating, but with the right steps and techniques, it can be easily fixed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to troubleshoot the problem and resolve it quickly. Understanding the causes and potential solutions will allow you to take control of the situation and get your computer running smoothly again. If the issue persists after trying these steps, it may be best to seek help from a professional.

The key to resolving the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error is to be patient and methodical, as you may need to try multiple solutions before finding the one that works for your specific situation. Always remember to back up your important data before making any significant changes to your system, as this can help prevent data loss in case something goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.

In summary, the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error is a common issue that many Windows users face, but it is not insurmountable. With persistence and the right guidance, you can identify the root cause of the problem and apply the appropriate solution to restore your computer’s stability and performance.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the necessary knowledge and tools to tackle the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error head-on. Let us know in the comments when you successfully fix the error.

Good luck and happy troubleshooting!