How to Fix a Pfn List Corrupt BSOD

A very tricky error to solve

Windows 10 relies on an index called the Page Frame Number (PFN) database to distinguish between free and allocated portions of physical memory. It consists of multiple lists—Active, Standby, Modified, etc.—that provide the operating system with the relevant information.

However, if a list within the PFN database is corrupted, you’ll likely encounter a complete system crash with an accompanying PFN_LIST_CORRUPTblue screen of death (BSOD) stop code.

Outdated or faulty device drivers and conflicting system-related settings are typical reasons that trigger the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD. On a more serious note, disk-related errors and defective RAM (random access memory) can also corrupt PFN lists.

Should you keep running into the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD repeatedly, you can fix it by working your way through the list of solutions below.

Note:If the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD prevents you from booting into Windows 10, tryloading the operating system in Safe Mode.

Update Device Drivers

The latest device drivers help fix most BSOD errors in Windows 10, so it’s best to kick things off by installing them on your computer.

You can obtain new drivers for hardware components such as the graphics card and motherboard by searching through the manufacturer websites—NVIDIA,AMD,Intel,Dell,HP, etc. Alternatively, you can use a driver updater tool such asDriverPack,DriverUpdate, orDriver Boosterto speed up the process.

Microsoft also releases driver updates from hardware manufacturers via Windows Update. You can get to them by heading over toStart>Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update>View all optional updates>Driver updates.

Update Windows 10

Drivers aside, you must also update Windows 10. That should eliminate any known issues within the operating system from corrupting the PFN database.

Open theStartmenu and go toSettings>General>Windows Updateto scan for and apply the latest operating system updates.

Roll Back or Reinstall Drivers

If the issue with the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD started right after applying a specific driver update, you must roll back or reinstall it. You can use Nirsoft’s freeBlueScreenViewapplet toanalyze BSOD dump filesand identify the problematic driver.

PressWindows+Xand selectDevice Managerto open the Device Manager. Then, locate and right-click the driver that you want to roll back and selectProperties.

On the Properties dialog box that shows up, switch to theDrivertab and selectRoll Back Driver. That should revert the driver to its previous version.

If you can’t roll back the driver, right-click and selectUninstall device. Check the box next toDelete the driver software for this deviceand selectUninstall. Then, restart the computer to reinstall the driver.

Disable Anti-Virus Utility

Rarely, non-Microsoft security software can interfere with critical system-related components and bring about the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD error.

If you do have a third-party antivirus utility on your computer, check whether disabling it helps. If it does, remove it andfall back to using Windows Security.

As long as you keep Windows 10 up-to-date andtake precautions while browsing online, Windows Security should provide adequate protection.

Disable Microsoft OneDrive

Online chatter indicates Microsoft OneDrive as a reason for the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD. If updating Windows 10 did nothing to fix the issue, try deactivating the cloud storage service.

Learn how tounlink and disable OneDrive in Windows 10.

Fix Corrupt System Files and Drive Errors

If none of the fixes above helped, you must check for and repair instances of corrupted system files using the System File Checker (SFC). You should then follow up by fixing drive errors using the Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK).

PressWindows+Xand selectWindows PowerShell (Admin)to open an elevated Windows PowerShell console. Then, typesfc /scannowand pressEnter.

Typechkdsk C: /rinto an elevated PowerShell or Command Prompt console and pressEnter. Then, pressYto schedule the Check Disk Utility to run automatically the next time you restart your computer.

The Check Disk Utility can take a notoriously long time to complete, so do be patient whenever it appears to get stuck.

Fix Corrupt System Files and Drive Errors in Windows Recovery Environment

Suppose the issue with the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD is severe enough to prevent you from booting Windows 10 normally or in Safe Mode. In that case, you can run the System File Checker and the Check Disk Utility byentering the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). In WinRE, selectCommand Promptand run the commands that follow.

If needed,use the DiskPart command-line utilityto identify (and replace) the drive letters related to the boot volume and the Windows 10 partition.

Copy and paste the following command in the Command Prompt console and pressEnter:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=D:\Windows

Run both commands one after the other to fix drive errors in both the boot volume and the Windows 10 partition.

Boot volume:chkdsk C: /r

Windows 10 partition:chkdsk D: /r

Check the RAM on Your PC

Faulty RAM modules can also result in the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool toscan for instances of bad memory.

To do that, pressWindows+R, typemdsched.exe, and selectOpen. Then, chooseRestart now and check for problems.

Once the tool finishes scanning your computer, pressWindows+Xand selectEvent Viewer.

On the Event Viewer window that shows up, selectWindows Logs>Systemon the left-pane. Then, go toAction>Findand search formemorydiagnosticsto bring up the Windows Memory Diagnostic report.

If you see any errors, you must replace your PC’s RAM.

Reset Windows 10

If none of the fixes above helped, you mustrestore Windows 10 to factory settings. You can keep your data intact or choose to reset the operating system completely.

To reset the operating system, head over toSettings>Update & Security>Recovery>Get startedand follow all on-screen instructions.

Alternatively, you can reset Windows 10 via the Windows Recovery Environment. After loading WinRE, selectTroubleshoot>Reset this PC.

Reinstall Windows 10

If resetting your PC didn’t help, considerwiping your computer and reinstalling Windows 10via abootable USB installation stick.

Since reinstalling the operating system permanently deletes all data, make sure tocreate a backup of your data beforehand.

PFN_LIST_CORRUPT: A Tricky BSOD

The PFN_LIST_CORRUPT stop code isn’t the most straightforward BSOD error to troubleshoot. If the fixes above point toward a corrupted storage drive or defective RAM stick, you must contact your local PC technician for assistance. You can alsoupdate the BIOS/UEFIandclean the insides of your computerin a last-ditch effort to fix the issue yourself.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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How to Fix a Pfn List Corrupt BSOD#

Update Device Drivers#

Update Windows 10#

Roll Back or Reinstall Drivers#

Disable Anti-Virus Utility#

Disable Microsoft OneDrive#

Fix Corrupt System Files and Drive Errors#

Fix Corrupt System Files and Drive Errors in Windows Recovery Environment#

Check the RAM on Your PC#

Reset Windows 10#

Reinstall Windows 10#

PFN_LIST_CORRUPT: A Tricky BSOD#

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