Windows fails to boot – Error code 0xc0000001 and PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (cng.sys)

Question

Hello Microsoft Support,

I am experiencing a serious problem with my Windows PC and need assistance.

Problem description:

When I start my PC, I first see a black screen with the following message:

“Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.

Stop code: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (0x50)

What failed: cng.sys”

After this, a blue screen appears with a recovery message (Error code: 0xc0000001).

The on-screen options (F1 for recovery, F8 for boot settings, Esc for BIOS) do not work.

Pressing Enter does nothing; the PC immediately cycles back to the black screen and then blue screen.

I cannot access Windows at all, nor the built-in recovery environment.

Additional information:

I previously reset the CMOS battery and made some BIOS tweaks.

I have a second keyboard available if needed.

I do not currently have a bootable Windows USB stick.

What I need:

Guidance on how to repair or recover my Windows installation.

Advice on whether my system can be restored without losing data.

If external media is required, instructions on how to prepare it safely.

I would appreciate step-by-step instructions for someone in my situation, as I currently cannot boot into Windows at all.

Thank you very much for your support.

Kind regards,

Benjamin

Answer 1

Hi Benjamin Oflaz,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

Please note that this is the Netherlands region. Since you posted your thread in English, I will reply in English as well.

Since you previously reset the CMOS battery and made changes to the BIOS, these actions could have affected the system and may be a factor contributing to the issue.

The error code 0xc0000001 is typically linked to potential memory issues. I recommend resetting the CMOS again and then applying only minimal BIOS changes, ensuring that overclocking features and Intel XMP / AMD EXPO remain untouched.

In case the issue persists afterwards, it is likely that your Windows installation contains corrupted system files and will need to be repaired using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

If WinRE is unable to resolve the issue, the most convenient way to restore Windows is by using a bootable USB drive. In that case, please prepare a USB drive and let me know, I will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide.

 I hope that above information is helpful to you.

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