The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most dreaded issues faced by Windows users, signaling that the system has encountered a critical error. Among these errors, the 0x00000115 BSOD error is particularly concerning as it points to problems with the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) driver. This error can cause your system to crash, interrupting your work, gaming, or other activities. Understanding the causes of this issue, its impact, and the steps to fix it can help you restore your system's stability.
The 0x00000115 BSOD error is a common issue related to graphics drivers, specifically the AGP driver, which is responsible for managing the connection between your system’s graphics card and motherboard. This error generally occurs when the AGP driver encounters an issue or fails to function properly, causing a system crash.
When this error occurs, you may also see the term "AGP_INTERNAL" displayed alongside the error code. This indicates that an internal error within the AGP system has caused Windows to halt operations to prevent further damage.
The causes behind the 0x00000115 BSOD error can vary. Below are some of the most common reasons:
1. Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers:
The primary cause of this error is often a problem with the graphics card drivers. If your drivers are outdated, incompatible, or corrupted, they can fail to interact properly with your hardware, leading to crashes.
2. Faulty or Overclocked Graphics Card:
Overclocking a graphics card can push the hardware beyond its stable limits. While this can increase performance, it can also lead to crashes and errors like 0x00000115, particularly if the hardware is pushed too far or is not adequately cooled.
3. Hardware Failure:
A malfunctioning graphics card or a damaged AGP port can trigger this BSOD error. If the hardware itself is failing or the physical connection between the graphics card and motherboard is unstable, it can lead to system instability and crashes.
4. Conflicting Software:
Certain third-party software, especially programs that interact with your graphics hardware (like screen recorders, video editors, or games), can sometimes conflict with your graphics drivers, triggering the 0x00000115 error.
5. Corrupted System Files:
Sometimes, the operating system itself may be damaged or missing essential files, leading to this error. Corrupted system files can interfere with the proper functioning of your graphics drivers and other essential components.
When the 0x00000115 BSOD error occurs, you will typically experience the following symptoms:
A blue screen with the error code 0x00000115 and sometimes the message AGP_INTERNAL.
System crashes or freezes while using graphically demanding applications like video games or graphic design software.
Frequent restarts of the system, especially after launching software that uses your graphics hardware.
Now that we’ve identified the causes, let’s dive into the solutions for fixing this BSOD error.
One of the most common causes of the 0x00000115 BSOD error is outdated or corrupted graphics drivers. Here’s how to update them:
Via Device Manager:
1. Rightclick the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display Adapters section.
3. Rightclick your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Via Manufacturer’s Website:
1. Identify your graphics card model (e.g., Nvidia, AMD, Intel).
2. Visit the official website of the manufacturer.
3. Download the latest version of the driver for your card.
4. Install the new driver and restart your computer.
If you recently updated your graphics drivers and began seeing the BSOD error, the latest driver might be incompatible. Roll back to the previous version:
1. Open Device Manager and navigate to Display Adapters.
2. Rightclick your graphics card and select Properties.
3. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If updating or rolling back drivers doesn't work, you might need to uninstall and then reinstall your graphics drivers:
1. In Device Manager, rightclick your graphics card and select Uninstall device.
2. Restart your system. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
3. If it doesn’t reinstall, download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.
If you’ve overclocked your graphics card or CPU, return them to their default clock speeds:
If the error persists, it could be a hardware issue:
Corrupted system files may contribute to the error. Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool and DISM to repair damaged files:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for "cmd" and select Run as Administrator).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
`sfc /scannow`
3. After the scan completes, type the following command to fix Windows image issues:
`DISM /Online /CleanupImage /RestoreHealth`
4. Restart your system after the repairs.
If none of the above solutions work, consider that your graphics card or motherboard may be failing. Run hardware diagnostic tests or seek professional help to identify defective components.
To prevent encountering the 0x00000115 BSOD error in the future, follow these tips:
1. Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly check for driver updates from your graphics card manufacturer and install them to avoid compatibility issues.
2. Avoid Overclocking: Unless you are experienced and have proper cooling systems in place, avoid overclocking your graphics card to ensure stability.
3. Use Reliable Software: Avoid installing unnecessary or potentially conflicting software, especially programs that affect system performance or interact with hardware.
4. Perform Regular System Maintenance: Run regular checks for system updates and perform disk cleanups to keep your system running smoothly.
The 0x00000115 BSOD error can be a frustrating issue, but with the right understanding and troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it and get your system back on track. Start with updating drivers, and proceed with hardware checks or system repairs if necessary. By following the preventative tips, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering this error again in the future.
If you’re still having trouble, consider reaching out to Support.Com for a personalized solution to all technical support issues.