“I was working on my computer as usual for my office tasks when suddenly, a blue screen error appeared out of nowhere. The error code displayed was “0xc000021a,” and I’m not well-versed in troubleshooting such issues. I urgently need guidance on resolving this problem since I’m currently working from home. I’m also concerned about potential data loss due to this error. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.”
The error code 0xc000021a is often referred to as the dreaded “blue screen of death.” While it is not a frequently encountered issue, it can occur somewhat unpredictably. This error tends to manifest more frequently in Windows 8 and 10, especially following system updates. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to address various errors, some, like 0xc000021a, continue to pose challenges. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this error, why it occurs, and offer multiple solutions tailored to your specific situation for resolving it.
“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart you. (0% complete)”
What leads to the error 0xc000021a?
Reports from users indicate that after updating Windows, an error disrupts the usual startup process. This error, which is causing inconvenience to many users, is attributed to several potential factors. Let’s investigate these factors in detail:
CSRSS File: The first file that leads to this error is csrss.exe. It is a Microsoft server or client file, if this file gets damaged due to an update or for whatsoever reason, you may face this error.
WINLOGON File: As you may have already understood by its name, this file is necessary for the login and logout operations of Windows. It is an internal process and takes place inside Windows. Any damage that occurred to this file may lead the PC to boot to the Windows login. Conflicting system files or sometimes third-party software may damage winlogon.exe.
External Devices: Sometimes, the external devices that are connected to your system may also cause this error. Especially, unhealthy external devices may interrupt or interfere with your Windows and cause this error to occur.
Incompatible Applications: If you have recently installed any application, then that tool might be the reason why you are facing this error. Any tool that is incompatible with your Windows will lead this error to occur.
Damaged Windows Registry: If your Windows Registry is damaged or corrupt, then also your system is vulnerable to error 0xc000021a.
Early Clearance of wbmprox.dll: Sometimes, users clear their wbmprox.dll library way too early than they should clear it. Hence, this error may show up.
Corruption in Device Drivers: If your device drivers are corrupt, then this error might occur on your system. Also, if the configuration of device drivers is incorrect, you can be a victim of this error.
So, this is how this error may find your address. Now, let’s move forward to how one can fix this error.
How to Fix Error 0xc000021a?
We will tailor our solutions based on the specific circumstances that have led to the issue at hand. If you have already identified the root cause of the error in your system, feel free to select the appropriate solution. However, if you haven’t pinpointed the cause yet, we recommend trying each solution sequentially to determine which one resolves the problem. Let’s begin:
Remove External Devices
Uninstall Recently Installed Tools
Try SFC to Fix Corrupt System Files
DISM Command
Try Resetting BIOS
Reinstall Windows OS
Boot Windows
Recover Missing Data
Methods to fix error 0xc000021a?
Remove External Devices: If you’re encountering this error due to an external device, we recommend removing it as a first step. Begin by disconnecting any external devices currently connected to your system. After removing them, attempt to restart your system. If this action resolves the issue and the error disappears, it indicates that the problem originated from the external device.
Uninstall Recently Installed Tools: If you’ve recently added new hardware or software to your system, consider uninstalling them as they may be the cause of the error you’re experiencing. Incompatible tools can disrupt your operating system and lead to such issues. However, it’s important to note that if you’re currently stuck with the error, you might find it challenging to proceed with the uninstallation. No need to worry, though! You can still resolve this issue by booting your system into Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode, navigate to the Control Panel, select the “Programs & Features” option, and proceed to uninstall any unwanted software or tools.
Try SFC to Fix Corrupt System Files: Running SFC command will fix the issue with the damaged system files. SFC stands for System File Checker and is an inbuilt feature in Windows OS. Even for this method, you first have to boot into the Safe mode. Once done, just open the Command Prompt window and run the SFC command. Follow the below-mentioned steps for the same:
Click on the Start button and type Command.
As you type this, a few options will pop-up. From those options, make a right-click on the Command Prompt option and then click on the Run as administrator option.
As the Administrator Window shows up, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.After performing this, wait for some time, and once the process is over, your issue should be fixed.
DISM Command: You can try using the DISM command in Safe mode. So, now just follow the below-mentioned steps:
Click on the Start button and type Command, then make a right-click on the Command Prompt option and select Run as Administrator.
Now in the Administrator Command Prompt type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Hit Enter once done.After you hit the Enter button, wait until the process finishes. Once the process is over, your issue should be fixed.
Try Resetting BIOS: Resetting BIOS means that you have to detach the CMOS battery from your system’s motherboard for some time. Follow the below-mentioned steps before doing that:
Start with shutting down your system.
Once done, remove all the power cables from the sockets to completely stop the electric flow.
Now proceed to remove the chassis.
Look for the CMOS battery, once located, remove it from your system.
Before putting the battery back to its place, wait for a few minutes.
Now place the battery back to its position and reboot your system.
If you are able to boot your system into Windows, your issue is fixed.
Reinstall Windows OS: Reinstalling Windows is one of the result-oriented methods. So, try to reinstall Windows and see if it works for you.
Boot Windows: Windows comes with a security feature known as the Driver Signature Enforcement feature. This feature may sometimes interfere with the drivers that are not digitally signed to run on Windows 10. So, disabling this feature may work for you in this case. Let’s know how o do it:
Keep a Windows installation media handy and reboot your system. (Do not forget to set that media as the first boot order in the BIOS page).
Once rebooted, follow the instructions given on the screen of your system to enter WinRE, which is the Windows Repair Environment.
Now click on the Troubleshoot option.
Select Advanced Options.
Now click on the Startup Settings option.
Finally, click on the Restart option. Once your system restarts correctly, press the key F7.
This is the time when you need to select the Disable Driver Signature Enforcement option.
If done correctly, this should fix the issue for you.
Recover Missing Data: If you cannot resolve the problem, your data may be irretrievably lost. However, you have the option to attempt data recovery using Kernel’s Windows Data Recovery Software. This robust third-party solution offers automated data retrieval capabilities for missing, deleted, or permanently removed files and folders from both your computer and external devices. You can begin with a complimentary version of the tool. allowing you to recover and safeguard up to 2GB of data at no cost. Check this free data recovery tool out.
Meanwhile, let’s know how this tool works:
From the home screen of the tool, select Quick Scan. (You can select any mode as per your requirement)
In the next step, select the drive from which you want to recover your files. Click on Next to proceed.
Next, the tool will provide you the drive information, read it, and proceed by clicking on the Next button.
Wait for the tool to scan your drive for the missing files. Click on the Stop button anytime to stop the process.
In this step, the tool will suggest you try any other intense scan mode if you don’t find the missing files.
At this stage, the tool will present all the recovered files on the screen. Select the files you want to restore and have the preview.
Once satisfied with the preview, click on the Recover option.
Now, provide a destination to the files you want to save on your system. Click on OK once done.
Wait for the tool to finish the saving process.
Once done, click on OK.
Conclusion:
In this blog post, we’ve delved into the error code 0xc000021a, examining its possible causes and offering solutions to resolve it. We explored various remedies and concluded by recommending the use of Kernel for Windows Data Recovery Software as a reliable means to recover and restore any missing files. We trust that this blog has been of assistance in resolving your issue.
After performing this, wait for some time, and once the process is over, your issue should be fixed.
After you hit the Enter button, wait until the process finishes. Once the process is over, your issue should be fixed.
