How to Fix Kernel Data Inpage Error | Step-by-step Guide

Imagine encountering this frustrating blue screen during your Windows loading in your system, and it’s preventing your system memory from loading. It’s usually a hardware issue; that’s likely a kernel data inpage error. To bypass this crash screen, you need to know how to identify this kernel data inpage error and fix it.

The KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR is a Windows Blue Screen of death (BSOD) stop code, which means a failure in reading necessary kernel information on disk and loading it into memory. To put it simply it was an attempt by the system to page important data out of storage (such as hard drive or page file) into RAM and this failed.

This typically arises from hardware issues – especially faulty RAM or a failing disk – but can also be triggered by corrupted drivers or malware.

As we journey through this piece, you will gain full knowledge on this kernel data inpage error; what it is all about, its cause, and how to fix it.

1What is kernel data inpage error?

2What does “inpage error” actually mean?

3Can bad RAM cause kernel security check failure?

4How to fix kernel data inpage error?

What is kernel data inpage error?

The term “inpage” refers to paging data into memory. Windows keeps some kernel data (critical OS information) on disk or in the page file. When the system needs that data, it performs an in-page read (bringing data into RAM).

If this fails — perhaps because the data is unreadable due to hardware failure — the operating system halts to avoid running on bad data. Thus, a KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR means the OS could not read a needed page of kernel memory from disk.

For example, Microsoft documents this error in a crash dump as: “The requested page of kernel data from the paging file could not be read into memory”. This precisely describes the issue: Windows tried to load kernel data from the page file into RAM, and the read failed.

This may be due to a faulty cable, corruption in the disk, RAM error or even a driver issue that interferes in the read. Concisely, it is an I/O error on a crucial piece of data.

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What does “inpage error” actually mean?

An “inpage” error means a page fault during a disk-to-memory transfer. Technically, windows rely on paging to handle memory. In-page operation is when the system is reading data in the page file or the disk that the required data was not in RAM. If that read fails (for example, due to a bad disk sector), Windows throws a BSOD to prevent using bad data.

The error’s description is: “the requested page of kernel data from the paging file could not be read into memory.” This clarifies that some kernel page (a 4 KB block) could not be fetched from storage. In essence, “inpage error” simply means “unable to page data in from disk.”

Common causes include a damaged disk file system, bad sectors on the drive, a loose or failing cable, or faulty RAM that corrupts data during transfer. The error is Windows’ way of saying “Disk read failed for a critical data page.” Understanding this helps guide the fix: check disk health, cables, and memory integrity.

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Can bad RAM cause kernel security check failure?

Faulty RAM can cause many types of BSODs, including both KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR and KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE. In fact, bad memory often underlies these kernel-level errors.

KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR often stems from bad memory or hard drive issues. Similarly, tech forums report that a failing RAM stick “will cause corruption when expanding files,” leading to file read errors.

So yes, a malfunctioning RAM may cause KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR. It is also capable of triggering a KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE (another BSOD) since the two errors are both triggered when bad data being corrupted by bad RAM is the data of critical nature.

In actual practice, if you experience either of these errors, running a memory test is wise. Tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 can identify bad modules. Replacing any faulty RAM usually resolves the error.

How to fix kernel data inpage error?

To fix a KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR, you focus on hardware tests and basic software modifications. These are the main steps of fixing the problem as proposed by this step-by-step guide:

1. Check the memory modules. Open your PC and make sure each RAM stick is fully seated. Sometimes a loose RAM causes data transfer errors. Reseat each module and see if the error persists. Then run memory diagnostics: use Windows Memory Diagnostic (search “memory” in Start) or a tool like MemTest86. In case of any errors, change the faulty RAM. The most prevalent is faulty memory.

2. Inspect and reseat storage cables. Unplug and re-plug the SATA or data cable of your hard drive/SSD. A bad connection can cause read failures. Also, listen to the drive for clicking noises – this can indicate a failing drive. If your drive shows defects, back up your data and replace the drive.

3. Run disk checks. Use Windows’ built-in error checker or chkdsk. You can execute chkdsk /f C: (or your drive letter) in an Admin Command Prompt. This runs scanning on bad sectors and tries to repair. It is advisable to let the disk utility fix any issues. Doing this can clear up any corruption causing the in-page error.

4. Update drivers and firmware. Make sure that you update your disk controller and storage drivers. In some cases, SSDs will get BSODs due to outdated firmware. It is also important to update your BIOS/ UEFI as recommended by your PC manufacturer.

5. Scan for malware. Even though it is less prevalent, the error could be caused by a virus that corrupts system files or memory. Conduct a complete antivirus scan to eliminate this possibility.

6. Disconnect peripherals. In case the mistake is temporary, one can try to disconnect external devices (USB drives, printers, and others) and reboot the system. Unplug all non-essential hardware and see if the error returns. This can identify if a USB or other device is causing the issue.

7. Restore or reinstall the windows. Should all of the above fail, then a more radical solution is to do a windows repair or clean install. This has the ability to correct any system file corruption that is causing the BSOD.

In many cases, addressing the hardware problems (bad RAM or failing drive) resolves the error. Most kernel data inpage errors result from faulty memory modules or hard drives, often fixed by identifying and replacing the malfunctioning part.” After applying these steps, your system should stop throwing the error.

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FAQs

What is kernel page error in blue screen?

indicates the kernel has requested data from the hard drive, but it couldn’t read the data correctly or fast enough.

What is the cause of Page_Fault_In_Nonpaged_Area?

faulty memory

Can RAM cause a Page Fault?

When the available RAM is insufficient, the operating system needs to constantly swap pages between RAM and secondary storage, leading to a high number of page faults.

Conclusion

The KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR signals a critical hardware fault during memory paging. it means Windows couldn’t read kernel data from disk into RAM. The first step is always to check your hardware: reseat and test your RAM, ensure drive cables are secure, and run disk repairs. If hardware checks pass, also look at drivers and malware, as these can occasionally corrupt data and cause the same symptoms.

But in most scenarios, fixing a faulty RAM stick or bad sectors on a drive will eliminate the error. Following the diagnostic and repair steps above will restore stability and prevent the kernel from halting with an in-page read error.