Undoubtedly, many people are familiar with a situation where, for example, during the passage of a modern game or the launch of a heavy application, the system crashes, moreover, it is critical (Kernel-Power (event code 41, category 63)). In some cases, the so-called “blue screen of death” may appear, sometimes the computer just hangs and does not respond to anything, sometimes the message appears on a black background. Let's try to figure out what this is connected with.
Kernel-Power Error (Event ID 41): General
Perhaps it’s worth starting with a description of the failure itself. Based on the translation of this term from English, it can be described as a Windows kernel power error. Without special knowledge, this, however, is quite difficult to understand. We confine ourselves to the fact that event code 41 (Kernel-Power), category 63 indicates that the system is unable to process too many requests for processing complex operations, for example, floating point calculations. This, by the way, confirms the freezing of modern resource-intensive games that use just such platforms.
On the other hand, even the Microsoft source does not explain such a failure. Kernel-Power (event code 41) as a failure can occur for a variety of reasons. This is already enthusiasts of their craft literally dug up the possible symptoms. What is most sad, they differ so much that figuring out the real cause of the failure is far from the easiest thing. In addition, an indication of such a failure can only be found in the reports (no visual confirmation is issued).
No reason for the disease - no medicine?
After the computer or laptop stops responding to user manipulation, only a full reset (reboot) helps, but only by long pressing and holding the power button. By the way, it is far from a fact that after this the system will work fine. Some time - maybe, but then the repeated occurrence of the Kernel-Power error (event code 41) is absolutely not excluded. And, judging by the fact that even Microsoft experts cannot name the true cause of the failure, many users are unable to determine its true nature. So what to do in this case?
We should also say that reinstalling Windows does not help. So from here we can make the only possible conclusion: the conflict is at the level of hardware, system and installed software. However, in the case of programs or games, the explanation of the failure by the fact that the hardware simply does not meet the recommended system requirements looks quite logical. However, despite the lack of official decryption, as is customary for most Windows errors, there are still several treatment options. Well, firstly, you should check whether all the loops are tight, and secondly, the power supply (if any) can simply "not pull" the load, causing voltage surges. But now is not about that.
Kernel-Power critical error (event code 41): we configure BIOS
The most common failure occurs when the processor overheats. This can be observed in two cases: either it is under load, for which it is not designed in the program plan (resource-intensive games), or it was simply dispersed.
To begin with, when a Kernel-Power problem occurs, event code 41 (Windows 7, for example) should look at the characteristics of the central processor and change all the overestimated parameters corresponding to overclocking in the BIOS (we are not talking about physical overclocking now). To the average user, in order not to delve into the settings, and without special knowledge, the easiest way is to reset the settings to factory settings.
As a rule, in any BIOS there is an option Load BIOS Setup Defaults or something like that. Don't like the software way?
In stationary computers on the motherboard, you can remove the battery for a few minutes or move the Clear CMOS jumper from position “1-2” to position “2-3” for 15 seconds, and then return everything to its place. As already clear, the settings will be reset. However, with a weak processor (especially with its physical overclocking) this may not always help. Yes, and note: this method is only suitable for desktop computers. For laptops, it is absolutely unacceptable.
Processor test
In the event that the Kernel-Power kernel error, event code 41 (Windows 8 for example) occurs again, you will have to check the CPU itself.
In the simplest version, you can use the free Everest utility or something similar. True, she only tests the “iron” components, and by no means restores the original or optimal parameter values. But at least it will be at least known how such a failure can be associated precisely with the processor overheating.
In general, it is best to use the so-called Prime95 test, where you must first select the Just Stress Testing mode, and in the options of the Torture Test ... set the In-place large FFTs mode.
RAM problems
Unfortunately, the option is not ruled out when a malfunction, designated as Kernel-Power (event code 41), occurs when the RAM is malfunctioning.
In this situation, for starters, you can use the standard means of checking the "RAM", which is present in any Windows-system. You can access it, for example, by setting the corresponding request in the Start menu search field or by entering the mdsched command in the Run menu, and then select the desired action (reboot with verification or test at the next system boot). Please note: in both cases, the utility should be launched on behalf of the administrator, and if necessary, enter the password, if one has been set.
On the other hand, the test may not reveal anything critical, and the user will again see the Kernel-Power error (41). What to do in such a situation? Everything is simple - you just need to remove the memory strips one by one, followed by a reboot of the system and watch how stable it works. Perhaps the problem is in the recently installed planks or simply in the mismatch between them. Again, this can be done on stationary computer terminals.
Problems with Winchesters
Another situation related to this failure is that not all hard drives are “friends” with 64-bit “OSes”, starting with Windows 7. In particular, this is seen with Seagate hard drives.
In this case, it is recommended to use utilities like HDD Life or HDD Health and look at the test results. In some cases, you may need to upgrade the hard drive firmware, although this is very rare. If testing shows that there is a problem with the screw, you will either have to carry it in for repair, or, alas, install a new one.
In extreme cases, you can try the HDD Regenerator software package , which, according to the developers, is capable of not only repairing bad sectors, but even remagnetizing hard drives of any type. However, there is no complete confidence in the restoration of their performance, so you will have to use this utility at your own peril and risk.
Problems with sound or video cards
No less common problem, no matter how surprising it sounds, can be the installation of two sound or video chips, between which there is a conflict both on the physical and on the software level.
As for correcting the situation, you can just temporarily remove one of them, and then see how the system as a whole will behave.
Update drivers for network cards
Another common situation when Kernel-Power crashes (event code 41), according to experts, is the presence of incorrectly installed or outdated drivers for network cards in the system.
As already understood, they must either be removed first and then reinstalled, or simply updated. For updating, the standard system tool or even the free version of the Driver Booster utility is perfect, which is able to perform all actions in automatic mode within a few minutes. If there is no Internet connection, you will have to download the latest drivers from another computer, and then install them manually.
Be sure to enable Windows updates
Finally, many experts who have investigated this failure agree that it is imperative to enable automatic system updates . This can solve many problems associated with the system, as the hardware segment is practically unaffected (with rare exceptions in the form of updating specific drivers).
To do this, the "Windows Update" simply selects the appropriate mode. It is advisable to use full automation, without involving downloads and offers for installation. Let the system find itself better, and install everything that it needs itself. If this fixes the problem, over time (if someone does not like it), automatic updates can be turned off.
Conclusion
As can be seen from the foregoing, the Kernel-Power problem is quite serious, and it is not so easy to solve it (all the more so since there are no official explanations about this). So in most cases, users will have to identify the source of the failure on their own, although it is better to immediately use the services of specialists or service centers.
Nevertheless, it seems that even such simple tips in finding the source of the problem can sometimes help to find the right solution to resolve it, especially since there is nothing particularly complicated in them.