Windows BSOD KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR (0x0000007A) — Disk Read Failure

KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR occurs when Windows cannot read kernel data from the paging file due to disk errors, bad sectors, or failing storage hardware. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Stop code 0x0000007A — kernel requested data from the page file but the read failed. Parameter 2 contains the I/O status code identifying the type of failure. Common I/O status: 0xC000009C = bad disk block, 0xC000009D = device failure, 0xC000016A = disk hardware error. Strongly indicates physical disk problems — bad sectors, failing read heads, or cable issues. Can also be caused by faulty RAM where data was paged out incorrectly. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Hard drive or SSD developing bad sectors. Failing SATA cable or loose connection. Corrupted paging file (pagefile.sys) on a damaged disk region. RAM failure causing corrupted data to be written to the page file. Disk controller or driver malfunction. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Run chkdsk C: /f /r from elevated Command Prompt to scan and repair disk errors. Check disk health in CrystalDiskInfo — replace drive if SMART shows warnings. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to rule out RAM issues. Disable, delete, and recreate the page file: System > Advanced > Performance Settings > Virtual Memory. Replace SATA cable and try a different SATA port on the motherboard. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Windows Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.