What is DRIVER-CORRUPTED-EXPOOL?
This high-severity issue affects the system driver. A driver attempted to access an invalid memory pool at an elevated IRQL. This can also stem from faulty system RAM. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.
Common Causes
- Buggy driver attempting to access invalid memory
- Kernel memory pool corruption
- Faulty system RAM
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Run System File Checker (SFC)
Most reports of 0x000000C5 clear up after Run System File Checker (SFC), so it's worth trying before anything more involved.
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2
Update system drivers and BIOS
For the minority of cases that need more work, the later steps dig into less usual drivers instability causes.
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3
Test memory using MemTest86
"Test memory using MemTest86" targets buggy driver attempting to access invalid memory, one of the documented causes of DRIVER-CORRUPTED-EXPOOL.
Commands & Diagnostics
sfc /scannow
mdsched.exe
Frequently Asked Questions
Buggy driver attempting to access invalid memory accounts for the majority of DRIVER-CORRUPTED-EXPOOL reports; kernel memory pool corruption and faulty system RAM come up less often but are documented.
Most DRIVER-CORRUPTED-EXPOOL reports resolve after "Run System File Checker (SFC)". The rest of the guide above is there for the cases that don't.
Rated high severity — DRIVER-CORRUPTED-EXPOOL isn't immediately destructive, but recurring instances are a sign to fix it sooner rather than later.
Usually. DRIVER-CORRUPTED-EXPOOL is fixable with the steps above; a full Windows reinstall is rarely necessary unless everything else has failed.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including DRIVER-CORRUPTED-EXPOOL. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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