DATA_BUS_ERROR (0x0000002E): Windows Blue Screen Fix

Quick answer

The Windows stop code DATA_BUS_ERROR (0x0000002E) means: A memory parity error was detected, which usually means faulty RAM or other hardware. This code often points to hardware, disk or startup problems. Back up important files as soon as you can and follow the steps below; if it keeps returning, have the PC checked.

Before you start: note the stop code shown on the blue screen. If Windows will not start normally, it usually opens Automatic Repair after two failed starts; from there choose Advanced options to reach Safe Mode or System Restore.

Is it serious? Can I keep using my PC?

Severity: High

This code often points to hardware, disk or startup problems. Back up important files as soon as you can and follow the steps below; if it keeps returning, have the PC checked.

Common causes

Faulty or incompatible RAM
Hardware fault (processor, motherboard, power supply)

How to fix it

Restart the PC. If the blue screen happened only once and does not return, no further action is usually needed
Test the RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe)
Reset any overclocking or XMP/EXPO profile to default and check temperatures and cooling
Disconnect recently added hardware and external devices, then restart
Run the PC or component maker's hardware diagnostics; the part may need repair or replacement

Frequently asked questions

What does DATA_BUS_ERROR mean?

The Windows stop code DATA_BUS_ERROR (0x0000002E) means: A memory parity error was detected, which usually means faulty RAM or other hardware.

Is DATA_BUS_ERROR serious?

Severity: High. This code often points to hardware, disk or startup problems. Back up important files as soon as you can and follow the steps below; if it keeps returning, have the PC checked.

How do I fix DATA_BUS_ERROR?

Start with these steps: Restart the PC. If the blue screen happened only once and does not return, no further action is usually needed; Test the RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe); Reset any overclocking or XMP/EXPO profile to default and check temperatures and cooling; Disconnect recently added hardware and external devices, then restart; Run the PC or component maker's hardware diagnostics; the part may need repair or replacement.

Related codes

0x1A MEMORY_MANAGEMENTA serious memory management error occurred, often caused by faulty RAM or a driver.0x4E PFN_LIST_CORRUPTWindows' list of memory pages is corrupted, usually by a driver or faulty RAM.0x7F UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAPThe processor raised a trap that the Windows kernel could not handle, often a hardware or overclocking problem.0xA IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUALA driver or system process tried to access memory it was not allowed to use, usually because of a faulty driver.0x19 BAD_POOL_HEADERThe memory pool used by Windows has become corrupted, usually by a faulty driver.0x1E KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLEDA program running in the Windows kernel caused an error that it did not handle.0x50 PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREAWindows tried to use memory that does not exist or is not available, often due to a driver, security software or faulty RAM.0x77 KERNEL_STACK_INPAGE_ERRORWindows could not read kernel data from the page file into memory, usually because of a disk problem or faulty RAM.0x7A KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERRORWindows could not read a page of kernel data into memory, usually because of a disk, cable or RAM problem.