Troubleshooting BSOD Errors: Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption and Bad_Pool_Caller on New M.2

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is an all-too-familiar sight for many Windows users, signaling that something serious has gone wrong. If you’re experiencing the frustrating Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption and Bad_Pool_Caller errors, particularly after upgrading to a new Samsung 990 M.2 SSD, you are not alone. These errors can disrupt your gaming experience, especially with large, resource-intensive games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Helldivers 2, and the Forza series. This article aims to dive deep into the potential causes and solutions for these BSOD errors.

Understanding BSOD: What Are Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption and Bad_Pool_Caller Errors?

BSOD errors usually indicate a serious hardware or Software issue that’s causing your Windows system to crash. The two error codes mentioned in this scenario provide insight into potential problems:

Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption

This error typically occurs when the kernel mode heap manager in Windows detects an error in a kernel-mode driver. The heap manager allocates memory to different parts of your system, and corruption here often suggests a driver issue, faulty RAM, or Software conflicts.

Bad_Pool_Caller

This error indicates that a process or thread is trying to use resources that are unavailable, corrupted, or have been misplaced. Like the Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption error, this can occur due to driver problems, memory issues, or hardware conflicts.

Possible Causes of the Errors

Identifying the root cause of these errors can be challenging, but understanding common triggers can be helpful:

1. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause memory handling errors, leading to these BSODs. This is especially common with storage or graphics drivers.

2. Hardware Conflicts: When multiple new hardware components interact, conflicts can arise. Given the recent SSD upgrade, the Samsung 990 M.2 might be conflicting with other existing hardware like your older Samsung 870 SSD.

3. RAM Problems: Faulty or mismatched RAM can lead to memory corruption and subsequent BSODs. The G.Skill Trident Z NEO is known for performance, but issues can occur if not configured correctly.

4. Incompatible Software: Certain software running in the background might not be compatible with the new hardware or updated system.

5. Operating System Bugs: While Windows 11 is designed to be stable, new systems can have undiscovered bugs leading to system crashes.

Troubleshooting Steps

Let’s explore some in-depth troubleshooting steps you can follow to identify and resolve these errors.

Update Your System Drivers

Since you’ve already attempted to update your drivers, ensure you’ve included the following:

• Chipset Drivers: Crucial for the motherboard to communicate correctly with other components.
• Graphics Drivers: Directly impact gaming performance and stability.
• Samsung NVMe Driver: Ensure Samsung’s official NVMe driver is installed to manage the SSD optimally.

Checking for driver updates through your component manufacturer’s website is recommended, as Windows Update might not always provide the latest versions.

Run a Memory Diagnostic

Issues with RAM often result in BSOD errors. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can help identify memory issues. Here’s how to use it:

1. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu and select it.
2. Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
3. Your PC will restart and analyze your RAM. Review the results to determine if there are any memory-related issues.

Analyze the Event Viewer Logs

The Windows Event Viewer can be a valuable tool in identifying the source of your crashes:

1. Press Win + X, then select “Event Viewer.”
2. Navigate to “Windows Logs” > “System.”
3. Look for errors marked with a red exclamation point around the time of your crashes.

These logs might offer more specific details or error codes related to your BSODs.

Check for System and Software Updates

Ensure that Windows 11 is updated to the latest version, as some BSODs can be resolved with system patches that fix bugs and enhance compatibility.

Inspect Physical Connections and Firmware

• Re-seat RAM and SSD: Physically remove and reinsert the RAM modules and SSD to ensure they are seated correctly.
• Update BIOS/UEFI: Outdated motherboard firmware can lead to hardware compatibility issues. Visit ASUS’s official site to download any updates for your TUF X570-Plus motherboard.

Disable Overclocking

If you’ve overclocked components like your CPU, RAM, or GPU, these settings can cause instability. Return these settings to their default values in BIOS/UEFI and test if the crashes persist.

Perform a Clean Boot

Identifying software conflicts can be streamlined with a clean boot, which starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. Under the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click “Disable all.”
3. Go to the “Startup” tab and open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
4. Restart your computer and see if the crashes persist.

Test the System with Diagnostic Software

• Samsung Magician: Use this tool to run performance benchmarks and health checks on the Samsung SSDs.
• HWiNFO64: Monitor temperatures, voltages, and other parameters that might indicate hardware issues.

Consider Professional Help

If all else fails, seeking professional assistance might be necessary. A knowledgeable technician can perform hardware stress tests and diagnostics to pinpoint issues that might be causing the BSODs.

Conclusion

Encountering BSOD errors like Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption and Bad_Pool_Caller can be incredibly frustrating, especially with a newly upgraded system meant to enhance your gaming experience. By systematically approaching potential software and hardware issues, you can identify and resolve the root cause of these errors. Remember, steady and comprehensive troubleshooting is key, and sometimes a bit of patience is required to get your system back to optimal performance.

Taking these steps can not only fix your current setup but also enhance your understanding of PC maintenance, making any future upgrades or issues easier to tackle. Happy gaming, and may your next loading screen be BSOD free!