Machine Check Exception Error

Question

Hello,

I got the below dmp file. I am trying to see where my error is coming from. Seems to be hardware, but I am not sure where to go from that as I am not familiar with reading these dmp files.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION (9c)
A fatal Machine Check Exception has occurred.
KeBugCheckEx parameters;
    x86 Processors
        If the processor has ONLY MCE feature available (For example Intel
        Pentium), the parameters are:
        1 - Low  32 bits of P5_MC_TYPE MSR
        2 - Address of MCA_EXCEPTION structure
        3 - High 32 bits of P5_MC_ADDR MSR
        4 - Low  32 bits of P5_MC_ADDR MSR
        If the processor also has MCA feature available (For example Intel
        Pentium Pro), the parameters are:
        1 - Bank number
        2 - Address of MCA_EXCEPTION structure
        3 - High 32 bits of MCi_STATUS MSR for the MCA bank that had the error
        4 - Low  32 bits of MCi_STATUS MSR for the MCA bank that had the error
    IA64 Processors
        1 - BugCheck Type
            1 - MCA_ASSERT
            2 - MCA_GET_STATEINFO
                SAL returned an error for SAL_GET_STATEINFO while processing MCA.
            3 - MCA_CLEAR_STATEINFO
                SAL returned an error for SAL_CLEAR_STATEINFO while processing MCA.
            4 - MCA_FATAL
                FW reported a fatal MCA.
            5 - MCA_NONFATAL
                SAL reported a recoverable MCA and we don't support currently
                support recovery or SAL generated an MCA and then couldn't
                produce an error record.
            0xB - INIT_ASSERT
            0xC - INIT_GET_STATEINFO
                  SAL returned an error for SAL_GET_STATEINFO while processing INIT event.
            0xD - INIT_CLEAR_STATEINFO
                  SAL returned an error for SAL_CLEAR_STATEINFO while processing INIT event.
            0xE - INIT_FATAL
                  Not used.
        2 - Address of log
        3 - Size of log
        4 - Error code in the case of x_GET_STATEINFO or x_CLEAR_STATEINFO
    AMD64 Processors (If Param 1 is < 0x80000000)
        1 - Bank number
        2 - Address of MCA_EXCEPTION structure
        3 - High 32 bits of MCi_STATUS MSR for the MCA bank that had the error
        4 - Low  32 bits of MCi_STATUS MSR for the MCA bank that had the error
    AMD64 Processors (If Param 1 is > 0x80000000)
        1 - Failure Type
           VALUES:
                0x80000001: Spurious MCE
                    2 - Address of MCA_EXCEPTION structure
                0x80000002: Rendezvous failure
                    2 - Address of MCA_EXCEPTION structure

Answer 1

Hi,

I'm Sumit, here to help with your query on the Microsoft Q&A forums.

Apologies for any inconvenience you are experiencing. I am happy to help you today.

Machine Check Exception, as the name suggests, indicates a failing hardware. I would suggest you to check one-by-one to see which component is failing.

I suggest you run a memory test for at least 8 passes, preferably overnight.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/14201-memtest86-test-ram.html

When the test is complete, post the Image (you can use your phone's camera).

Content on the above blog is written by a Windows MVP so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads.

Answer 2

Dear Team,

The "Machine Check Exception" (Stop code: 0x0000009C) is almost always a hardware-level error. It means your CPU has detected a fatal hardware problem that Windows can't handle. This is NOT a normal software crash.

Root Causes

Most common causes:

Failing CPU (overheating, aging, or manufacturing defect)

  **Bad RAM**
  
     **Power supply issues** (inconsistent or insufficient power)
     
        **Motherboard issues** (VRMs, capacitors, bad slots)
        
           **Overclocking** (unstable settings, even if it’s “mild”)
           
              **Dust/thermal issues** (overheating due to poor cooling or dust buildup)
              
                 **Corrupted BIOS/UEFI or outdated firmware**
                 
                    **Very rarely: defective expansion cards (GPU, RAID card, etc.)**
                    

What to do, in order:

1. STOP all overclocking. Reset BIOS/UEFI to defaults.
2. Monitor CPU temperatures. If high, clean the system, reapply thermal paste, and check fans.
3. The "Machine Check Exception" (Stop code: 0x0000009C) is almost always a hardware-level error. It means your CPU has detected a fatal hardware problem that Windows can't handle. This is NOT a normal software crash. Root Causes
   • Most common causes:
   1. Failing CPU (overheating, aging, or manufacturing defect)
   2. Bad RAM
   3. Power supply issues (inconsistent or insufficient power)
   4. Motherboard issues (VRMs, capacitors, bad slots)
   5. Overclocking (unstable settings, even if it’s “mild”)
   6. Dust/thermal issues (overheating due to poor cooling or dust buildup)
   7. Corrupted BIOS/UEFI or outdated firmware
   8. Very rarely: defective expansion cards (GPU, RAID card, etc.)
   What to do, in order:
   1. STOP all overclocking. Reset BIOS/UEFI to defaults.
   2. Monitor CPU temperatures. If high, clean the system, reapply thermal paste, and check fans.

Best Regards,

Answer 3

Perfect. Please run IPDT as next step:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/15951/intel-processor-diagnostic-tool.html

Standard 3rd party link disclaimer:

There may be links to non-Microsoft websites that provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on websites frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers, as they sometimes do more harm than good.

Answer 4

Cool. Let me dig deeper into the issue.

To better understand the issue, Please see the article below on how to share System logs.

http://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2017/12/how-to-share-event-logs-in-case-of.html

Content on the above blog is written by a Windows MVP so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads.