What is PAGE-FAULT-BOOT?
PAGE-FAULT-BOOT shows up as a critical-severity system memory (RAM) fault. BIOS/UEFI detected a fatal page fault during operating system startup. Windows won't load. The usual suspects are dead or severely damaged RAM module, high interference on the motherboard and unsupported RAM speed or timing. Work through the steps below in order.
Common Causes
- Dead or severely damaged RAM module
- High interference on the motherboard
- Unsupported RAM speed or timing
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
-
1
Start the PC with only one RAM module sequentially in all slots
Most reports of PAGE-FAULT-BOOT clear up after Start the PC with only one RAM module sequentially in all slots, so it's worth trying before anything more involved.
-
2
Reset BIOS to default settings (Clear CMOS)
If it comes back, the next steps in the sequence are there specifically for atypical ram instability cases.
-
3
Update BIOS for better RAM compatibility
For lingering PAGE-FAULT-BOOT cases, "Update BIOS for better RAM compatibility" is worth running through.
Commands & Diagnostics
No specific commands required for this error. Follow the step-by-step guide above.
Frequently Asked Questions
PAGE-FAULT-BOOT is most often triggered by dead or severely damaged RAM module. Other reports point to high interference on the motherboard and unsupported RAM speed or timing as contributing factors.
Most PAGE-FAULT-BOOT reports resolve after "Start the PC with only one RAM module sequentially in all slots". The rest of the guide above is there for the cases that don't.
PAGE-FAULT-BOOT is rated critical severity in our database. It's worth acting on quickly rather than letting it recur.
Usually. PAGE-FAULT-BOOT is fixable with the steps above; a full Windows reinstall is rarely necessary unless everything else has failed.
MemTest86 is strongly recommended if PAGE-FAULT-BOOT occurs repeatedly. It runs overnight and tests all RAM slots independently. Even a few errors in MemTest indicate faulty RAM that should be replaced.
Still Need Help?
Search our full database of 535+ documented PC errors for more solutions and step-by-step repair guides.
Search Error Database