Windows BSOD Error 0x00000155 — FATAL_SYSTEM_ERROR_V2

What Does This Error Mean?

Blue screen error 0x00000155 (FATAL_SYSTEM_ERROR_V2) means Windows detected an unrecoverable critical error in a core system process. The system forcibly shut down to prevent data corruption. This is usually caused by a corrupted system file, a faulty driver, or a serious hardware problem.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2022

Common Causes

A critical system file or Windows kernel component has become corrupted
A third-party driver (especially graphics, storage, or security software) is crashing a core Windows process
RAM modules are failing or have developed errors that corrupt in-memory system processes
Malware has infected and damaged core Windows system files
A recent Windows update installed a buggy component that is crashing the system

How to Fix It

Boot into Windows and open an Administrator Command Prompt. Run: sfc /scannow

The System File Checker scans all protected Windows files and replaces corrupted ones automatically. It takes 15 to 30 minutes.
After SFC completes, run DISM: open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

DISM repairs the Windows image from Microsoft's servers. Requires an internet connection. Takes 15 to 45 minutes.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic: open the Start menu, search for 'Windows Memory Diagnostic', and run it.

The test runs on reboot and checks your RAM for errors. If errors are found, one of your RAM sticks needs replacement.
Check for recently installed drivers or Windows updates. If the BSOD started after a specific update, use Device Manager to roll back the relevant driver.

Right-click the suspicious device in Device Manager, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver if available.
If the BSOD prevents Windows from loading, boot from a Windows installation USB in recovery mode and use Startup Repair.

Create a Windows 10 or 11 installation USB from another computer using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool.

When to Call a Professional

If SFC and DISM scans cannot repair the corruption and the BSOD keeps occurring, a Windows reinstall may be necessary. If reinstalling Windows does not help, the underlying hardware (RAM or storage) may be failing. A technician can run hardware diagnostics to identify a failing component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my data safe after a 0x00000155 blue screen crash?

Any unsaved work at the moment of the crash is lost. However, files already saved to your hard drive are safe — BSOD crashes do not delete saved files. Windows also creates a memory dump file after each crash, stored in C:\Windows\Minidump, which can help identify the cause.

How do I read the minidump file to find what caused the BSOD?

Download the free tool 'WhoCrashed' or 'BlueScreenView' and open the minidump file with it. These tools translate the raw crash data into plain English, usually naming the driver or system file that caused the crash. This information helps you know exactly which driver to update or uninstall.

Can antivirus software cause 0x00000155?

Yes, in rare cases. Security software runs at a deep level in Windows and a buggy update can crash core processes. If the BSOD started immediately after an antivirus update, temporarily disabling or uninstalling it is worth testing. Always re-enable or reinstall your security software once the issue is resolved.