How to Fix UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP Error?

Many Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 users have experienced Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap Error. It is a blue screen of death (BSOD) error. The error appears in two scenarios that happen in the kernel mode. First, the CPU generates a condition where the kernel cannot catch or the condition cannot be recovered. These errors can either be caused due to hardware failure due to faulty or mismatched memory.

There can be cases where the error is caused by faulty software installed in your system that can cause an Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap Error. In Windows versions before Windows 8, the error was represented as the error code, which was later replaced by the Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap error.

Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap

Several reasons can cause the above BSOD error. But the most common reason that can lead to this error is if there is an issue with the RAM module that randomly returns read/write errors. If you are frequently facing the error, then you may need to perform a scan on the system, and if the issue is with the RAM module, it is best to replace the particular RAM module. Another reason that can cause the above BSOD error is if the Driver is corrupted or outdated.

Several drivers in the system may be corrupt or outdated. You may face the error if the user recently upgraded Windows or switched from a new system to an older one. The error is most likely to occur if the user uses an older Windows OS version.

Fixing Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap Error

Back up or Recover Data Before Solving Error

Below are some methods the user can use to resolve the above-mentioned error. But before starting with the fixes, the user should backup the necessary data in the system as an improper implementation can lead to data loss. It is advised to take precautions to ensure data safety.

You can use a cloud storage or an external disk to replicate the data stored in the system. If there is an issue with the system boot, you should first recover the data from the system. You can use third-party software that enables the user to recover the data.

You can proceed with the fixes once you have ensured the data is safe. Follow the fixes in the proper sequence if you don't know the specific cause responsible for the error.

Check Memory

First, check if the error is caused due to an issue with the system memory. The error is likely caused if the memory is either mismatched or malfunctions. You can only check if the problem is with the memory if you can boot the system into Safe Mode or Windows Normally.

Follow the below steps to boot your system in the safe mode.

1. First, start the system normally and interrupt the booting process if the system fails to boot twice. It will boot into Windows Recovery.
2. In the Recovery, click on troubleshoot, open the Advanced options and select Startup Settings.
3. Use the F5 key to boot in the Safe mode while using the network.
4. Now, once you are in Safe Mode, you can perform the check on memory. Follow the steps mentioned below to check memory.
5. Search for Memory Diagnostic in the Windows search bar. Open the Windows Memory Diagnostic. It is an application that enables Windows to scan to find and fix issues with the memory.
6. You will get two options: Restart Now and Check for problems.
7. The system will begin a reboot and check the memory for any errors. The system will boot again once the diagnosis is finished and return a diagnosis report.
8. Now open the Run Command box and execute the eventvwr command in the box.
9. Go to the Window Logs and click on System. Click Filter Current log.
10. It will open an Event Sources box. Click on Memory Diagnostic Results and OK.
11. It will open the results logs of the last run of the memory test.
12. Upon double-clicking the logs, you can check the details of the error if the system does not return an error with the memory. Then, you can move to the next fix. If you see errors, you can search the web and find a fix that addresses the issues with the memory.

Troubleshoot Hardware Failures

The error can also occur if the system hardware is no longer compatible with the current versions of the Windows OS. The error can also be caused due to malfunctioning hardware. If you have recently inserted new hardware in the system, remove the new equipment first and check if the error still occurs. If the error is resolved, replace the hardware.

If you cannot identify which hardware equipment is responsible for the error, you can execute the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter in Windows or Safe Mode. It will determine and fix the problems with the associated hardware component.

Follow the steps to run the troubleshooting:

1. Open the system settings. Use the search bar or click the start button; settings are available in the lower-left corner of the menu.
2. Click on the Update and Security tile and select Troubleshoot.
3. Go to the right side of the page and scroll down. You will see the Hardware and Devices and run the troubleshooter.

Check for Windows Update

Windows resolves various security issues and introduces bug fixes that can either be related to the system hardware or software. It is essential to perform regular updates on Windows as it ensures a stable operating system. You can perform the update in Safe mode.

Here are the steps to perform the Windows Update:

1. Open the system settings. You will see the Update and security tiles.
2. Go to the right menu in the section and select Check for updates.
3. It will open a wizard following the instructions to update the Windows OS.

Check Drivers

The error can also frequently occur when the user installs a new device driver or updates the existing one. It can be resolved by removing or replacing the Driver. If you want to remove the device driver, you can roll back or uninstall the Driver after your system boots into Safe Mode.

Follow the below steps to uninstall or roll back the Driver:

1. Open the Windows Search bar and search for device manager from the menu.
2. Open the directories to check if drivers were recently installed, and then right-click the directory.
3. You will see the option to uninstall or roll back the recent updates performed on the Driver.
4. If you want to revert to the previous version of the Driver, then click on Properties and then proceed to Driver. Select Rollback Driver and press OK. It will remove the recent updates from the Driver.
5. If you want to uninstall the Driver, you must have an existing Driver with a suitable driver. You can download the Driver from the manufacturer's website. Once the download is complete, you can proceed with the uninstalling process once the improper Driver is uninstalled. You must open and install the new Driver by running the setup file.

Update Firmware

If the error occurs in a newly installed system, the user should first check that hard drives, controllers, and adapters are functioning properly. The latest version of Windows may not be compatible with the hardware component of the system. You can check by referring to the Windows Compatible Products list.

If the hardware version is compatible with the Windows version, you may need to update the BIOS or SCSI controller. The user can update the controller and network cards by using the Device Manager. You can find the option to update adapters and controllers in the list for updating the drivers.

To perform an update on the BIOS for Windows, first, the user must know the current version of the BIOS.

Follow the below steps to update BIOS in your system:

1. Open the Run command box in your Windows. You can use the Windows + R shortcut to open the command box, type the command msinfo32, and press OK.
2. It will display current system configuration details. Check for the current version of the BIOS and note it.
3. You can check the manufacturer's website to find an updated version of the current BIOS. Download the upgraded version from the website. Store it in a USB device.
4. Attach the USB device that contains the upgraded BIOS version and enter BIOS to upgrade the system firmware.
5. Updating the BIOS or system firmware is more complex; you can check the video tutorial before upgrading the firmware.

Disable Overclocking and Memory Caching

Some users have reported the error when the system is overclocked. Overclocking is used to enhance the CPU performance. If you face the above error while the system is overclocked, switch the CPU to default clock speed settings or turn off overclocking. You can also turn off memory caching to resolve the mentioned error.

Follow the below steps to turn off memory caching:

1. Open the system BIOS. Hold the F2 key while the system performs booting to start the BIOS. In some OS, you must use the Del key instead of F2.
2. Next, turn off the overclocking in the system.
3. Open the overclocking configuration page. You will find the option to turn off the speed step and change the memory profiles to XMP. You can go to the Exit page and click Load Setup Defaults.
4. It will most likely turn off the overclocking.
5. Open the Advanced menu in the BIOS and turn off the cache memory.
6. After completing the above changes, click on Save and exit the BIOS.