Windows is a versatile operating system designed by Microsoft. With each new upgrade, it gets increasingly better and more efficient. However, it is not perfect, and technical problems pop up from time to time. Some of these issues can prevent you from using your computer. You might even get interrupted midway through a task, and this can be frustrating.
Windows 10 users have been reporting the FAT FILE SYSTEM blue screen error. If you are reading this article, chances are you have encountered this error message as well and would like to know how to fix it.
There are several possible reasons for the fastfat.sys error. Some of the causes include an outdated Windows operating system, corrupted hard drives, obsolete system drivers, and broken or damaged system files. Other factors include a third-party antivirus tool giving false positives, conflicts between the OS and encrypted applications or protected folders, and a corrupt Windows installation.
The FAT FILE SYSTEM error forces your Windows computer to restart without warning. As with every other Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error, this is a protective mechanism designed to keep your system safe from damage.
In this guide, you will learn how to fix the fastfat.sys blue screen on Windows 10. However, before we begin, let’s take a look at what this error is all about and why it is popping up on your computer.
What Is Fastfat.sys in Windows 10?
FastFAT is an acronym for Fast File Access Table. It is a device driver on Windows systems.
Drivers are software that the system uses to communicate with your computer’s hardware and other connected devices. They have direct access to the internal functions of your operating system and play a vital role in accomplishing many tasks.
The fastfat.sys file is a system driver that allows your computer to read and write to FAT-formatted devices, such as USB sticks, digital cameras, and external drives.
So, is fastfat.sys safe? Absolutely! Not only is it safe, but your PC also needs it to work correctly. If you delete this file from your computer, the FAT FILE SYSTEM BSOD error will occur.
What Is Causing the FAT FILE SYSTEM Error (Fastfat.sys)?
Several factors can cause your Windows 10 computer to produce the FAT FILE SYSTEM error. This means that there is no universal solution to apply when looking to resolve this problem. However, by knowing what can make this error message appear on your PC, you get a better understanding of what needs to be done.
The FAT_FILE_SYSTEM bug check has a value of 0x00000023. This indicates that the problem is with the FAT file system. Here are some of the established causes of the fastfat.sys file error on Windows 10:
1. An outdated OS
An outdated operating system can lead to blue screen errors. Whenever Microsoft releases a Windows update, you should install it in order to fix security loopholes and improve your system’s performance. Therefore, if your computer is running an old OS, it is exposed to attacks and likely to encounter errors, including the FAT FILE SYSTEM error.
2. A corrupt or broken system disk
If your computer’s hard drive has corrupt sectors, the system will be unable to read or write to the affected disk properly. In such instances, the fastfat.sys file error can occur, putting your personal data at risk.
3. Damaged hardware
When parts or components of your hardware are damaged, it may affect system function and lead to the error in question on your Windows 10 computer.
4. Outdated system drivers
Drivers play an essential role in the core function of your Windows system. Without these useful tools, your computer will be unable to perform important functions. When your device drivers are outdated, lots of problems can occur on your Windows 10 PC, including the FAT FILE SYSTEM BSOD error.
5. Corrupt system files
System files contain information needed by your computer for optimum operation. If access to this data is unavailable because of corrupt or missing data, you will encounter the fastfat.sys error on your Windows device.
6. Conflicting folder encryption applications
Some applications run on encryption technology. These apps have encryption methods that can interfere with the functionality of your system. In such cases, they can damage or restrict essential files that your computer needs to perform basic tasks. This malfunction can give you the fastfat.sys error.
7. False positives by a third-party antivirus
Antivirus programs can sometimes block access to core system files. This happens when the antivirus app mistakenly detects them as malware, preventing the computer from utilizing these files. You can resolve this by whitelisting the blocked system files or uninstalling the antivirus completely.
8. A corrupt Windows installation
When Windows installations are not completed correctly, several errors can pop up. One of them is the FAT_FILE_SYSTEM problem.
Important Steps to Take Before Trying the Solutions
Before applying the troubleshooting techniques in this guide, ensure that these conditions are met:
- For starters, ensure that you have Administrator access to the system having this error.
- If your system is connected to a network or domain, you need to disconnect your computer from it. This is because certain domains have policies that can restrict you from carrying out specific operations on your Windows 10 device. Therefore, remove your PC from the network and rejoin when you are done resolving the error.
- Ensure you boot your PC in Safe Mode. Here is how to do this:
- Go to the Start
- Then go to the bottom left pane and click the Power
- Now press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard while clicking the Restart
- From the list of options, choose Troubleshoot to go to the next page.
- In the next window, select Advanced options from the list and then click on Startup Settings. From here, you can restart your computer.
- Once your computer is done rebooting, you will see a list of options that you can select using the F1 to F9 function keys. To boot into Safe Mode, press the F4 You can also press F5 or F6 depending on what extra options you require. Your PC will now launch in Safe Mode.
- Ensure you create a backup of all essential data that you do not want to lose. For example, you can back up to an external drive or the cloud.
How to Fix the FAT FILE SYSTEM BSOD Error
- Remove all faulty hardware from your computer
- Launch the ChkDsk command
- Run Driver Verifier to locate the malfunctioning driver
- Update your drivers automatically
- Uninstall any folder encryption app
- Reset Windows 10 to its default state
We will explain each of these methods in detail. However, before we discuss how to fix the FAT FILE SYSTEM error, it is essential to know if the problem is related to hardware failure.
BSOD is a safety mechanism that Windows uses to protect itself from damage. This feature causes your PC to shut down abruptly in order to prevent data loss if it senses a threat or malfunction. BSOD errors occur because of hardware failure, driver failure, or malfunction in other related software.
Therefore, before you proceed to the solutions, you should determine whether the problem is software- or hardware-related.
Common causes of hardware errors include bad blocks or sectors within the system’s disk. They can also occur because of a depletion of nonpaged pool memory, which means you need to check if your computer’s HDD and memory are still working properly.
There should be HDD- and memory-testing tools embedded in the BIOS or setup of your computer. In this guide, we will use HP’s Startup menu to describe how to test for hardware function. You can check your system’s manufacturer guide for steps on how to use this feature on your PC.
- Turn off your computer and then turn it back on.
- Immediately it turns on, start pressing the Esc key on your keyboard. This will open the Startup menu of your system.
- Once the Startup menu comes up, go to your keyboard and press the F2
- From here, select the Component Tests
- On the next list of options, run a hard disk test by selecting Hard Drive.
- Wait patiently for Windows to complete the hard drive test. Once it is done, run a memory test by repeating steps 1 to 4 and then choosing Memory from the options.
If Windows reports errors after completing the memory and hard drive tests, it means that the FAT FILE SYSTEM error is from a hardware problem. We recommend taking your computer to a trusted repair shop to have it checked.
However, if no errors have been reported, it is an indication that the fastfat.sys problem is software-related. Therefore, you can now proceed to the solutions described below.
Solution 1: Remove all faulty hardware from your computer
One of the most common causes of the FAT FILE SYSTEM error is damaged or malfunctioning hardware. If you have any removable peripherals connected to your computer, you need to figure out which of them is to blame. To identify the culprit, you should unplug all of them and then reconnect them one after another until you are able to recreate the problem. This allows you to pinpoint the problematic hardware. Here are the steps to follow:
- The first step is to shut down your system.
- Remove all devices plugged into your computer’s USB ports and SD card slots. Also, unplug any external HDDs.
- If you are using a detachable mouse and keyboard, remove them and plug them back in when they are needed to communicate with the computer.
- If you are using more than one RAM stick, leave just one of them and remove all the others.
- Disconnect any external storage drives (SSDs and HDDs). Simply unplug their cables from the system. However, leave the one that has the system’s OS on it.
- Any additional graphics cards should be removed as well, except the integrated one.
- When you are done, power up your PC to check if the FAT FILE SYSTEM error has been resolved. If the problem has been cleared, shut down your system again.
- Now, plug back in one of the removed devices and restart the system. Check if the problem pops up again. Repeat this for each of them until you find the device causing the issue. Your PC will show the error once you connect the faulty device and boot the system.
- Now that you have identified the faulty peripheral, test the device on a different computer to see if it is truly damaged. If yes, then replace it with a new one.
Solution 2: Launch the ChkDsk command
A hard disk drive that has undergone prolonged use might begin to malfunction over time. This happens because of accumulated damage and errors following computer misuse and issues such as improper system shutdowns, bad sectors, and corrupt software and metadata.
These factors occurring repeatedly can cause numerous system malfunctions, including the popular FAT FILE SYSTEM error seen on Windows 10 PCs. Fortunately, Microsoft designed a built-in tool that allows users to check for and repair any corruption or damage within the HDD. This utility is known as CHKDSK.
You can use the CHKDSK tool to solve the fastfat.sys file error on your PC:
- First, boot your PC in Safe Mode following the steps described previously in this guide.
- Once your computer is in Safe Mode, go to the Windows search box and type in From the options, select Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command line and then press the ENTER key:
Chkdsk /f /r
- When prompted to “schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts”, press the Y key on your keyboard.
- At this point, if Windows does not reboot your system automatically, you should manually restart your computer. Now, wait patiently while Windows is checking your HDD for any damage or corruption.
After running the ChkDsk tool, restart your system in normal mode to see if the error has been resolved.
Solution 3: Run Driver Verifier to locate the malfunctioning driver
Device drivers allow your operating system to communicate with its hardware. When there is a missing, corrupt, or faulty driver, this connection is broken, causing malfunctions, such as the FAT FILE SYSTEM error, to occur on Windows 10.
Fortunately, Windows comes with a built-in tool that allows users to verify which drivers need to be repaired. This utility is called Driver Verifier. You can use it to pinpoint faulty drivers, after which you can update them to the latest version to resolve the fastfat.sys file error.
Here is what you should do:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard and then type “command prompt” (without quotation marks). From the search results displayed, right-click on the Command Prompt option to bring up its menu list.
- Select Run as administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt. Type in the following command and then press the ENTER key on your keyboard:
verifier
- In the Device Verifier Manager window, select Create standard settings, and then choose Next to continue.
- Choose the Automatically select all drivers installed in this computer option, and select Finish.
- Wait patiently while Windows scans the drivers for errors. When the process is complete, restart the system when you are prompted to do so.
- As soon as Windows restarts, it will perform a thorough analysis of every driver installed on your computer. If it identifies errors with any of them, you will receive a notification. This may take several minutes to complete. So, be patient and give it time.
If there are damaged drivers on the system, you can update them. Once you are done, restart your PC to see if the error has been resolved. Proceed to the next solution for steps on how to update and repair any missing or broken drivers automatically.
Solution 4: Update and repair your drivers automatically
While you can update or repair your drivers manually, it is sometimes risky to do so. You might install the wrong driver mistakenly and cause further damage to your system. Besides, going through the long process of finding the authentic website and appropriate driver version can be stressful.
Some tools allow you to automatically identify, repair, and update any missing or broken drivers with just the click of a button. This is both convenient and time-saving.
Auslogics Driver Updater is a handy tool designed for just this purpose. You can use this app to resolve device conflicts, restore smooth hardware operation, and keep your Windows 10 computer free from BSOD errors related to driver malfunction. It works by performing an analysis of all drivers installed on your PC, after which it provides you with a report on all outdated, corrupt, or missing drivers. It then proceeds to update them to the most recent manufacturer-recommended versions.
Auslogics Driver Updater is easy-to-use software that saves you time and executes the entire process for you. All you have to do is download and install the tool, then launch it to make your system error-free. In addition, it creates backups of all your existing drivers before performing any repairs or updates. This allows you to revert to previous driver versions if you do not like the updated ones.
Auslogics Driver Updater has been tested by multiple PC manufacturers and has been certified safe and effective.
If the FAT FILE SYSTEM BSOD error persists after updating and repairing all damaged or missing drivers, this means there is something else interfering with your system’s operations. Proceed to the next solution.
Solution 5: Uninstall any folder encryption app
Some folder encryption and protection applications can disrupt system operations and cause the FAT_FILE_SYSTEM error on Windows 10. This is because their encryption method interferes with the core aspects of your hard drive. If you are using any of these programs, you need to uninstall them to see if they are responsible for the BSOD on your computer:
- Power on your system in Safe Mode using the method previously described.
- Once the computer is done booting, press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “control panel” (without quotation marks). From the search results, select Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel window, choose Uninstall a program.
- On the Programs and Features page, locate and right-click on the Protection/Encryption software you are using, and choose the Uninstall
- From here, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Restart your system in normal mode once you are done uninstalling the encryption/protection app. Then check to see if the FAT FILE SYSTEM BSOD error has been cleared from your Windows 10 computer. If the problem persists, this indicates that there might be an issue with your Windows operating system.
Solution 6: Reset Windows 10 to its default state
If you have tried all the solutions listed above and none helped, you might need to reset Windows to its factory or default settings. You can do this by using the built-in Windows Recovery utility. Be sure to back up any important files you do not want to lose before using this method.
Here are the instructions to follow:
- First, launch the Start menu and select
- In the Settings window, choose the Update & Security
- Now, go to the left pane and select
- On the right pane, under Reset this PC, select the option Get Started.
- From there, choose Keep my files. Choosing this option will instruct Windows to reset the system without deleting the files stored on your computer. Alternatively, you can choose Remove everything. If you select this option, Windows will reset your PC and delete all the data stored on it.
Note: Before using the second option, we recommend that you back up any data you do not want to lose.
- If you have chosen Keep my files, simply proceed to the next step. On the other hand, if you have selected the option Remove everything, then select either Just remove my files (to delete your files only) or Remove my files and clean the drive (to delete your data and clean your hard disk as well). Keep in mind that the second option takes longer to complete.
- If a warning prompt appears, select
- In the next window, look through the information to ensure everything is in order, and then select Reset to start the process.
At this point, your PC will restart. Wait patiently as this can take a few minutes. When presented with options on the screen, click on Continue to complete the reset.
Note: Whether you choose the Keep my files or the Remove everything option, Windows will uninstall all your applications and programs. This means that you have to reinstall all your apps once the reset process is complete. In addition, resetting your Windows 10 PC will revert all your settings and preferences to their factory values.
Conclusion
We believe the solutions discussed in this article will help resolve the FAT FILE SYSTEM BSOD error on your Windows 10 computer.
If you find this article helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and colleagues. Are there other solutions that we did not list in this guide? You can share them with us in the comments section below.
— Update: 13-03-2023 — us.suanoncolosence.com found an additional article Fix FAT_FILE_SYSTEM BSOD Error in Windows [100% Working Solutions] from the website www.easeus.com for the keyword fat file system fastfat sys blue screen.
The “Blue Screen of Death” is frustrating for all of us. Unless you know what the error code means, it can be challenging to understand why this occurs. If you’re seeing the FAT_FILE_SYSTEM error, it’s because of outdated drivers or hardware failure.
In this article, we’ll show you how to fix the error FAT_FILE_SYSTEM and tell you what causes it so you can take precautions. Continue reading!
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What Caused FAT_FILE_SYSTEM BSOD Error
So what’s a “FAT” file, and what causes it to crash and cause an error? When Windows crashes and shows the BSoD screen, Windows reports this error: “fastfat.sys.” The “fastfat.sys” is a short form for “Fast FAT File System Driver.” So, “fastfat.sys” is a driver built by Microsoft for disk management and involved with file allocation table organization; it was the default with the NTFS file system.
It is currently used as a file system for floppy disks, SD cards, and hard drives. This file operates in the background silently, but if you’re seeing this error in the “Blue Screen of Death,” here are the possible reasons for it:
- Corrupted, outdated, incompatible drives
- Faulty hardware
- Hard drive bad sectors
- An issue with the file system
- Virus or malware
- System files are damaged
- Windows is out of date
So those are the possibilities for what is causing the error. But let me show you how you can fix the error.
How to Fix FAT_FILE_SYSTEM BSOD Error
If this is the first time you see the error “FAT_FILE_SYSTEM,” Windows should automatically fix it and boot you in. Since Windows already set it, it doesn’t mean the issue won’t reappear. If you leave it as is, the frequency can increase, or your PC can break down permanently.
We have eight solutions for you to try to fix and remove the error altogether. Here they are:
- Fix 1. Update Windows Drivers
- Fix 2. Remove the Faulty Hardware
- Fix 3. Check and Fix Hard Drive Bad Sector
- Fix 4. Run Driver Verifier to Find Malfunctioning Driver
- Fix 5. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter
- Fix 6. Run an SFC or DISM Scan
- Fix 7. Run CHKDSK Command
- Fix 8. Reset Windows
Let’s look at how each solution works to solve this problem.
Fix 1. Update Windows Drivers
If you’ve opened Device Manager, I’m sure you’ve noticed too many drivers in the listing, and it is difficult to update each individually in one sitting. Furthermore, the drivers already available by Windows are outdated, and it takes time for Windows to add new drivers from the component manufacturer to the driver library.
The best method to keep all the drivers of your PC components updated is by downloading a dedicated program that will update all the drivers in the background as soon as the manufacturer releases them.
EaseUS DriverHandy is one such tool that has helped millions across the world update the drivers of their computers with the latest drivers. EaseUS DriverHandy is an all-in-one Windows driver manager, and it detects if there are any outdated or corrupted drivers and then updates them.
Download and install EaseUS DriverHandy and update your drivers with a single click.
Step 1. Open EaseUS DriverHandy and click “Scan.”
Step 2. Click “Update” to keep all drivers updated.
Fix 2. Remove the Faulty Hardware
If a removable and ejectable device is malfunctioning, we need to disconnect and replace it to fix the error. The hardest part is finding out what device is malfunctioning. Here’s how to do that simply:
Step 1. Turn off your PC.
Step 2. Eject the external hard drive and remove unplug connected to your PC (keyboard, mouse, SSD, headphones, and others).
Step 3. Power on your PC.
Step 4. Check if you’re still seeing the error after unplugging all the devices.
Step 5. Power off your PC again and plug in each device one by one to see if the problem occurs when a specific device is plugged in.
If you see the error while using a specific PC peripheral, say a mouse, and it is confirmed that that is causing the error, you should consider replacing it.
Fix 3. Check and Fix Hard Drive Bad Sector
If the system files, file systems, or even a registry file are damaged, you can see the “FAT_FILE_SYSTEM” error. Using EaseUS Partition Master, you can scan for any bad sectors on your drive and fix them with just a few clicks.
Step 1. Open EaseUS Partition Master. Right-click the disk that you want to check, and then click “Surface Test”.
Step 2. The operation will be immediately performed and all bad sectors will be marked as red.
If you see the error “FAT_FILE_SYSTEM,” it is possible that your drive may have bad sectors due to damaged system files, so check and fix the bad sectors using EaseUS Primary Partition today and fix the error.
Besides, using EaseUS Partition Master, you can create or delete partitions, change file systems, such as converting NTFS to FAT32 and vice versa. So, you can download it to solve many problems related to disk partition.
Fix 4. Run Driver Verifier to Find Malfunctioning Driver
Drivers help the hardware communicate with the software and make it run smoothly. If your PC’s component drivers are corrupted, outdated, or missing, you’ll encounter the error FAT_FILE_SYSTEM. Thankfully, Microsoft has let its Windows users verify which driver on their computer needs to be updated. And then, you can try to solve the blue screen of death error.
Here’s how:
Step 1. Click on “Start” in the taskbar.
Step 2. Search for “command prompt” and open it as administrator by clicking on “Run as administrator.”
Step 3. Type and enter the command “verifier.”
Step 4. The Device Verifier Manager will now open. Click on “Create standard settings” and click on “Next.”
Step 5. Now, select “Automatically select all drivers installed in this computer” and click “Next.”
Step 6. Allow some time for Windows to scan all the drivers on your computer and determine if any need to be updated.
Step 7. Your PC may also restart during this process. Once it detects drivers that are needed to update it, update them.
Fix 5. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter
You can also troubleshoot the “Blue Screen of Death” to fix the error. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1. Click on the “Windows” icon on the taskbar, and click on the “Settings” icon to open it.
Step 2. Select “Update and security” and “Troubleshoot” on the left-side window.
Step 3. Under “Find and fix other problems,” find “Blue screen.”
Step 4. Under “Blue Screen,” click on “Run the troubleshooter.”
Step 5. Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to run the BSOD troubleshooter.
Fix 6. Run an SFC or DISM Scan
Here’s how to run SFC and DISM scans to fix the Blue Screen of Death error that shows FAT_FILE_SYSTEM as the error:
Step 1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
Step 2. Type and enter the command “sfc /scannow.”
Step 3. Wait for a few seconds until the command is executed and the scan is completed.
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Step 4. Once completed, type and enter the command “DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.”
Step 5. Once the command has been executed, and the action has been completed, restart your computer.
Fix 7. Run CHKDSK Command
If you see the error because of a problem with your hard drive or suspect it’s because of your drive, you can use the CHKDSK tool to fix it. Here’s how:
Step 1. Boot your PC in safe mode and open “Command Prompt.”
Step 2. Type and enter the command “chkdsk /f /x.”
Step 3. Press “Y” on the keyboard when prompted with the option “Schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts.”
Step 4. Wait for your PC to reboot and boot it in normal mode to see if the issue has been resolved.
Fix 8. Reset Windows
Resetting Windows resets all the settings and restores all the deleted system files that you might have accidentally deleted, which could be why you’re facing the problem.
Here’s how to reset Windows:
Step 1. Open “Settings.”
Step 2. Click on “System.”
Step 3. On the right-side menu, click on “Recovery.”
Step 4. Now, in the right-side window, click on “Reset PC.”
Step 5. In the next window, select “Keep my files.”
Step 6. Select “Cloud download” and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the resetting of your Windows.
These are the eight solutions to fix the FAT_FILE_SYSTEM error. Hope one of the solutions can be helpful to you. And if you meet the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM blue screen of death error, you can click the link below for help.
Conclusion
The FAT_FILE_SYSTEM is one of the “blue screen of death” errors. It happens when the driver “fastfat.sys” used for disk management is facing an error.
You can follow our solutions mentioned above to fix the issue. Or even better, try EaseUS Partition Master and fix this blue screen of death error.
FAQ of FAT_FILE_SYSTEM Error
Here are some more answers to your questions about the FAT_FILE_SYSTEM error.
1. How do I fix the FAT file system error?
It depends on the reasons that caused the error. You can update the drivers, disconnect faulty hardware, fix bad sectors, or reset Windows to fix the error.
2. What causes the FAT_FILE_SYSTEM error?
If the drivers are corrupted or outdated, you’ll see the error. You can also see the error if the system files are damaged, or your computer is infected with a virus or malware. By following our above solutions, you can quickly fix this error.
3. What is the meaning of the FAT_FILE_SYSTEM error?
The driver responsible for disk management, “fastfat.sys,” has malfunctioned due to outdated drivers or because the system files are corrupted.
— Update: 19-03-2023 — us.suanoncolosence.com found an additional article Fix FAT FILE SYSTEM ‘fastfat.sys’ Error Windows 10 from the website appuals.com for the keyword fat file system fastfat sys blue screen.
FAT File System Error on windows 10 happens because of outdated Windows, outdated device drivers, corrupted system files, corrupted drives, conflicting folder protecting / encryption applications, false positive by Anti-virus and corrupted Windows.
FAT FILE SYSTEM error restarts your system to avoid damage to the system just like any other Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error.
What Causes FAT File System Error on windows 10?
Our team of experts, after careful analysis of the different case scenarios, were able to identify the following causes of the FAT File System Error on windows 10.
Steps Before Trying the Solutions:
Before moving on with troubleshooting of the system,
- Make sure you have administrator access to the system.
- If your system is part of a network or domain then network or domain policies may restrain you from performing different operations on the system, so remove the system from network or domain and try the solutions and after solving the problem, rejoin the PC to network/domain.
- Make sure to boot your system in Safe Mode. And if you cannot boot your system in Safe Mode, then use the Windows Installation Media.
- Do not forget to “backup” the essential Data, whenever you can log in to the system.
- Make sure to have a detailed look at Common BSOD Fixes. Remember that you don’t need to try every solution there, just figure out the possible reason causing this error for you and take steps accordingly.
Hardware Problem or Software Problem
BSOD is a Windows self-protection feature in which the computer shuts down itself abruptly to protect itself from data loss or damage. Any BSOD error can be caused by the failure of a hardware device, its driver, or related software. Before moving with the troubleshooting, it is essential to make sure if the problem is hardware related or software-related.
One of the main causes of this error is corruption in the file system, bad blocks or bad sectors on the system’s disk. Another possible cause is the depletion of nonpaged pool memory. To factor out, if the error is hardware-related, we should check the HDD and Memory if these are functioning properly.
Manufacturers have included HDD and memory testing in their BIOS or Setup. And using these tests we can identify if our problem is software related or hardware related. For demonstration purposes, we will use HP Startup Menu (you should follow the guidelines for your system’s manufacturer).
- Power off the system.
- Then Power on the system and immediately start pressing the Esc button to open the HP Startup Menu
- When the HP Startup Menu appears, press the F2
- On the main menu, click Component Tests.
- In the Component Tests, select Hard Drive to run Hard Disk test.
Run Hard Drive Test in Components Test - And after completion of the Hard Drive test, repeat steps 1 to 4.
- Now in Components Test, select Memory to run Memory test.
Memory Test in Components Test
If any errors were reported after the Hard Drive test and Memory tests, then FAT File System Error on windows 10 is hardware related and you should get your PC checked from an Authentic Repair Shop.
And if no errors were reported after the tests, then it is a software-related issue.
Solution 1: Remove Faulty Hardware From The System
FAT File System Error on windows 10 can be caused by faulty hardware or its driver and removing all peripherals (that could be removed) and plugging back in one after another to identify the problematic hardware (if any).
- Power off the system.
- Clear all USB ports, SD Card slots, and remove external HDD.
- Remove mouse and keyboard and plug them back in when they are required to communicate with the PC.
- Leave only one RAM in the system and remove all others, if more than one is present.
- If there is more than one storage drive either SSDs or HDDs in the system then remove all of them (simply unplug their power cables) except the one which has OS on it.
- Remove Graphics card except integrated one.
- Now restart the computer to check if it is still having the FAT File System Error on windows 10 error and if the system is clear then power off the system.
- Add any of the removed devices, and power on the system, check if the error appears. Repeat these steps until you find the faulty device.
- Once the faulty device is identified, test the faulty device on another computer to see if the device is damaged. If yes, then replace the faulty one with a new one.
Solution 2: Run ChkDsk Command
A hard disk drive with prolonged use starts to accumulate damages and errors caused by factors including unexpected system shutdowns, corrupted software, bad sectors, and metadata corruption. This factor alone can cause numerous system errors including FAT File System Error on windows 10. Microsoft has included a utility CHKDSK in Windows to check and repair the HDD for any corruption or damage. So, running CHKDSK may solve the problem.
- If you can boot your system in Safe Mode, then move to step 10.
- If you cannot boot into Safe Mode, try to use Advanced Repair Options and go to command prompt (proceed further from step 10).
- If you cannot boot in safe mode and cannot use Advanced Repair Options then create Windows Installation Media.
- Plug the Windows Installation Media, start your system and boot from Windows Installation Media (Do not forget to change BIOS to Boot from Windows Installation Media).
- In the Windows Setup screen, click on Next.
Click Next on Windows Setup screen - Click on Repair your computer link in the next screen of the same window.
Click Repair your computer on Windows Screen - Now click Troubleshoot on the next screen.
Troubleshoot in Windows RE - Then press Advanced options in the Troubleshoot window:
Advanced options in Troubleshoot screen - Now in Advanced Recovery Options, click on the Command Prompt
Click Command Prompt - In Command Prompt, type
chkdsk /f /r
and press Enter.
- Then, if asked for, press Y on your keyboard to enable this volume to be checked next time when your computer restarts.
Confirm to Run CHKDSK at next system restart
Remember that you can also run CHKDSK by connecting the problematic’s system HDD to another working PC.
After running ChkDsk by any method, restart your system in normal mode and check if your system is clear of FAT File System Error on windows 10.
Solution 3: Run Driver Verifier To Identify The Problematic Driver
Device Drivers communicate between the operating system and the hardware. If any of these drivers is configured wrongly, corrupted or outdated you will experience numerous errors including FAT File System Error on windows 10. Windows has a built-in utility Driver Verifier to check if any of the drivers are not functioning properly and any errors are detected by Driver Verifier, then we can fix it by updating it to the latest build.
- Press the Windows button and type “command prompt”, and in the list displayed, right-click on the “Command Prompt” and click on Run as administrator.
Run Command Prompt as Administrator - Now in the elevated command prompt, type the following command:
verifier
And press Enter.
Run Driver Verifier in Administrator Command Prompt - Now in the Driver Verifier Manager, select “Create standard settings” and press “Next” to proceed.
Create Standard Settings in Driver Verifier Manager - Select the option “Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer” and then click on the “Finish”.
Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer - Now Windows will scan for errors. After you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.
- When Windows restarts the next time, it will analyze all the drivers installed on your computer for issues. If it finds some issues, it will notify you accordingly. This may take time so be patient and let the process finish.
If any broken drivers are found, then update them.
After updating drivers, see if you can boot the system without FAT File System Error on windows 10 error.
Solution 4: Uninstall Folder Protection/Encryption Applications
Certain folder protection and encryption software can cause FAT_FILE_SYSTEM to appear. These applications can cause BSOD error since their encryption method interferes with your hard drive. If you are using any of these tools, then uninstalling them may solve the problem.
- Boot your system in Safe Mode.
- Press the Windows button and type “control panel” and in the list displayed, click on the “control panel“.
Control Panel in Windows Search Box - In Control Panel, click on “Uninstall a Program“.
Click on Unistall a Program in Control Panel - In Program and Features window, find and right-click on the Protection/Encryption software and then click on “Uninstall”.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the screen to complete the uninstallation.
After uninstallation of Protection/Encryption software, boot the system in normal mode and check if the system is clear of FAT File System Error on windows 10.
Solution 5: Reset Windows 10 To Default
If nothing has helped you so far, then it is time to use the built-in Windows feature that lets you reset the Windows to its default/factory settings. For resetting the Windows, please follow our article on Reset Windows 10.
Hopefully, you can now use your system without any problem, so keep enjoying and do not forget to visit us later for the latest tips and tricks.
Source: https://www.auslogics.com/en/articles/fix-bsod-error-fat-file-system-fastfat-sys/