How to Fix BSOD Error 0x0000006B in Windows 7

• The BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7 indicates a failure in system initialization, often due to corrupted system files or hardware issues.
• Solutions include performing a startup repair, checking disk and file system errors, deleting the bootcat.cache file, and renaming or replacing the ntdll.dll file.
• Preventative measures and regular maintenance, such as updating Windows and drivers, can help avoid this error. Data recovery options are available if the system cannot boot.

If you are using Windows 7, you may encounter a blue screen of death (BSOD) error with the code 0x0000006B and the message PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED. This error indicates that the system failed to initialize properly, and it usually happens after a power outage, a Windows update, or a virus infection. In this article, we will show you how to fix this error by following some simple steps.

What Causes the BSOD Error 0x0000006B in Windows 7?

The BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7 can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Corrupted or missing system files, especially the ntdll.dll file or the bootcat.cache file.
• Damaged or incompatible device drivers, especially the ones related to the disk subsystem.
• Incorrect or outdated BIOS settings or firmware.
• Malware or virus infection that affects the system files or the boot sector.
• Hardware issues, such as faulty RAM, hard disk, or motherboard.

How to Fix the BSOD Error 0x0000006B in Windows 7?

To fix the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7, you need to have a Windows 7 installation media, such as a USB or DVD. If you don’t have one, you can create one from another computer by following the instructions on this link. Once you have the installation media, you can try the following methods:

Method 1: Perform a Startup Repair

The first method to fix the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7 is to perform a startup repair, which can automatically diagnose and fix the problems that prevent Windows from starting. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Boot your computer from the Windows 7 installation media.
2. At the first setup screen, click Next.
3. At the next screen, select Repair your computer.
4. Then click Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Startup Repair.
5. Wait while Windows diagnoses and fixes the problems.
6. When the startup repair is completed, try to boot into Windows normally.

Method 2: Check Disk and File System for Errors

The second method to fix the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7 is to check the disk and the file system for errors, which can repair the corrupted or missing system files. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Boot your computer from the Windows 7 installation media.
2. At the first setup screen, press SHIFT + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter, to find out the Windows drive letter:
4. wmic logicaldisk get deviceid, volumename, description
5. Look for the drive letter that has the description “Local Fixed Disk” and the volume name “System Reserved” or “Windows”. This is usually the C: drive, but it may vary depending on your system configuration.
6. Type exit and press Enter to close the command prompt.
7. Click Next -> Repair your computer -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Command Prompt.
8. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter, to check and repair the disk errors: chkdsk D: /f /r
   Replace D: with the actual Windows drive letter that you found in the previous step. This command may take some time to complete, so please be patient.
9. After the disk check is done, type the following command and press Enter, to check and repair the file system errors: sfc /scannow /offbootdir=D:\ /offwindir=D:\Windows
   Replace D: with the actual Windows drive letter that you found in the previous step. This command may also take some time to complete, so please be patient.
10. After the file system check is done, type exit and press Enter to close the command prompt.
11. Restart your computer and try to boot into Windows normally.

Method 3: Delete the Bootcat.cache File

The third method to fix the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7 is to delete the bootcat.cache file, which is located at C:\Windows\System32\CodeIntegrity. This file is used to store the catalog of system files and drivers, and it may get corrupted or changed due to various reasons. Deleting this file will force Windows to recreate it with the correct information. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Boot your computer from the Windows 7 installation media.
2. At the first setup screen, press SHIFT + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter, to change the directory to the CodeIntegrity folder: cd C:\Windows\System32\CodeIntegrity
   Replace C: with the actual Windows drive letter that you found in method 2.
4. Type the following command and press Enter, to delete the bootcat.cache file: del bootcat.cache
5. Type exit and press Enter to close the command prompt.
6. Restart your computer and try to boot into Windows normally.

Method 4: Rename or Replace the NTDLL.DLL File

The fourth method to fix the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7 is to rename or replace the ntdll.dll file, which is located at C:\Windows\System32. This file is a core system file that contains the NT kernel functions, and it may get corrupted or missing due to various reasons. Renaming or replacing this file will force Windows to use a backup copy or a fresh copy of the file. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Boot your computer from the Windows 7 installation media.
2. At the first setup screen, press SHIFT + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter, to change the directory to the System32 folder: cd C:\Windows\System32
   Replace C: with the actual Windows drive letter that you found in method 2.
4. Type the following command and press Enter, to rename the ntdll.dll file: ren ntdll.dll ntdll.old
5. If you have another working computer with the same version of Windows 7, you can copy the ntdll.dll file from that computer to a USB flash drive, and then plug the USB flash drive into your computer. Alternatively, you can download the ntdll.dll file from a trusted website, and save it to a USB flash drive. Make sure you download the correct version of the file that matches your system type (32-bit or 64-bit).
6. Type the following command and press Enter, to copy the ntdll.dll file from the USB flash drive to the System32 folder: copy E:\ntdll.dll C:\Windows\System32
   Replace E: with the actual drive letter of your USB flash drive, and C: with the actual Windows drive letter that you found in method 2.
7. Type exit and press Enter to close the command prompt.
8. Restart your computer and try to boot into Windows normally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7?

Answer: The BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7 is a stop error that occurs when the system fails to initialize properly. The error message is PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED, and it usually happens after a power outage, a Windows update, or a virus infection.

Question: How can I prevent the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7?

Answer: To prevent the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7, you can try the following tips:

• Keep your Windows 7 updated with the latest service packs and security patches.
• Keep your device drivers updated with the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website.
• Keep your BIOS settings and firmware updated with the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website.
• Keep your antivirus and antimalware software updated and scan your system regularly for any threats.
• Avoid installing or using any incompatible or suspicious software or hardware devices.
• Perform regular backups of your important data and system files.
• Perform regular disk and file system checks and repairs using the chkdsk and sfc commands.

Question: How can I recover my data if I cannot boot into Windows 7 due to the BSOD error 0x0000006B?

Answer: If you cannot boot into Windows 7 due to the BSOD error 0x0000006B, you can try to recover your data by using a data recovery software or a data recovery service. A data recovery software is a program that can scan your hard disk and recover the lost or deleted files. A data recovery service is a professional service that can physically access your hard disk and recover the data using specialized tools and techniques. However, both options may not guarantee a 100% success rate, and they may cost you some money and time. Therefore, it is always advisable to backup your data regularly and avoid any data loss situations.

Summary

In this article, we have learned how to fix the BSOD error 0x0000006B in Windows 7, which occurs when the system fails to initialize properly. We have discussed the possible causes of this error, and the methods to fix it by using a Windows 7 installation media. We have also answered some frequently asked questions related to this error, and provided some tips to prevent it and recover the data. We hope this article has been helpful for you, and if you have any questions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. The author and the website are not liable for any damages or losses that may result from the use or misuse of the information or methods described in this article. The users are advised to perform their own research and verification before applying any of the methods or solutions suggested in this article. The users are also advised to backup their data and system files before attempting any of the methods or solutions suggested in this article. The users are solely responsible for their own actions and outcomes.