0x00000014 CREATED_BY_ZEROED_PAGE_LIST Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

Short Answer

The blue screen error 0x00000014, also known as CREATED_BY_ZEROED_PAGE_LIST, occurs when Windows encounters a critical issue with memory management. This stop code typically points to problems with drivers or hardware, especially related to memory allocation and virtualization. The error can appear during startup, system updates, or while running applications, leading to an immediate crash. While it is often caused by third-party software conflicts, it may also indicate deeper system instability that requires careful troubleshooting.

Overview

The CREATED_BY_ZEROED_PAGE_LIST (0x00000014) blue screen is a Windows error code that signifies a failure in the memory management subsystem. When this happens, Windows stops to prevent damage and displays a blue screen with technical details, including the stop code itself. Unlike some other BSODs, this one is less common but can be frustrating when it appears unexpectedly.

Common Causes

The 0x00000014 error usually occurs due to:

• Corrupted or incompatible system drivers, particularly those related to memory management.
• Faulty hardware, such as RAM modules or motherboard issues.
• Conflicts with third-party software, including antivirus programs or virtualization tools.
• Overclocking or incorrect BIOS settings that affect memory stability.
• System file corruption caused by incomplete updates or malware activity.

Fix Methods

1. Basic System Maintenance

Start with fundamental checks to ensure your system is stable:

• Restart your computer and check if the error persists after a clean boot.
• Run Windows Update to install the latest patches, which may resolve underlying issues.
• Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files:

sfc /scannow

• If SFC finds errors but fails to fix them, try the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool with a more thorough repair:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

2. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Driver-related issues are a frequent cause of this BSOD. Follow these steps to address them:

• Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the menu.
• Expand categories like “Display adapters,” “System devices,” or “Storage controllers.”
• Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click them, and choose “Update driver.”
• If no issues are flagged, manually check drivers related to memory management (e.g., chipset, RAM, or virtualization software).
• For problematic drivers, roll back to a previous version if available. Right-click the driver, select “Properties,” go to the “Driver” tab, and click “Roll Back Driver.”

3. Test for Hardware Issues

Faulty RAM can trigger this error. Perform these checks:

• Run the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool by searching for “Memory Diagnostics” in the Start menu and selecting “Restart now and check for problems.”
• If errors are detected, reseat your RAM modules or test them one at a time to identify the faulty component.

mdsched.exe

4. Disable Third-Party Software

Software conflicts, especially from antivirus programs or virtualization tools (like VMware or Hyper-V), can cause this BSOD:

• Temporarily disable third-party security software (e.g., McAfee, Norton) and check if the error reappears.
• If you use virtualization software, try disabling it or running your system in native mode without virtualization.
• Check for recent software installations that might have introduced conflicts. Uninstall any suspicious programs via “Settings” > “Apps” > “Apps & Features.”

5. Check Disk Health

Corrupted disk files can sometimes lead to this error. Run a disk check:

chkdsk /f /r

6. Advanced Troubleshooting (Last Resort)

If the above methods fail, consider these more advanced steps:

• Reset Windows to its default state using a recovery image or installation media. This will remove all third-party drivers and software but restore system stability.
• Check BIOS settings for memory-related configurations (e.g., XMP/DOCP profiles). Ensure they are set to default if overclocking is enabled.

FAQ

What does the CREATED_BY_ZEROED_PAGE_LIST error mean?

This stop code indicates that Windows tried to create a memory page but encountered an issue due to zeroed or invalid data. It often points to driver corruption or hardware instability, particularly with RAM.

Can I fix this BSOD without reinstalling Windows?

Is my RAM damaged if this error appears?

Why does this happen after a Windows update?

Windows updates sometimes introduce new drivers or system changes that conflict with existing hardware or software. Rolling back problematic drivers or performing a clean boot can often restore stability.

Does antivirus software cause this BSOD?

Antivirus programs, especially those that interfere with low-level memory operations (like some virtualization-based security tools), may trigger this error. Disabling them temporarily can help determine if they are the source of the problem.

Is my computer at risk of permanent damage from this BSOD?

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Last Updated: December 07, 2025
Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)