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PNL_LIST_CORRUPT (BSOD)

I recently encountered an issue with my Windows XP Home machine crashing while it was in system standby mode. When the machine awoke, it came only to a black screen with a cursor. I let it sit about 10 minutes. I hit ctrl-alt-del, and there was a program showing for One-Note (which should not have been runinng (though t might have been just a process in the system tray)). I ended that task, let it sit for another 10, and nothing had happened on the screen (the task manager was still on). I then did a restart from there. I got two seperate "can't stop application" messages. The first referenced PNL_List, the second Explorer.
When the machine restarted, it came directly to a BSOD, which showed the PNL_LIST_CORRUPT error.
I can't seem to find word one about what this is from MS, or from the internet community in general. I'm hoping I'm not the only one who has ever seen this!
Thank you in advance for any help.

LeeTutor

You must have copied down the error message incorrectly. Find this about the error on the following page:

http://aumha.org/win5/kbestop.htm

0x0000004E: PFN_LIST_CORRUPT
(Click to consult the online MSDN article.)
This indicates that the memory management Page File Number list is corrupted. Can be caused by corrupt physical RAM, or by drivers passing bad memory descriptor lists.
How to Troubleshoot a “STOP 0x0000004E PFN_LIST_CORRUPT” Error Message {KB 291806} Win 2000
STOP 0x4E, STOP 0x1A, STOP 0x50, and STOP 0xA Errors Occur When You Try to Start the Computer {KB 271955} Win NT 4.0 (corrupt physical RAM)

Go to the actual page to be able to click on the links in the above quotation.

In the meantime, I would first start a memory test. One good free program for this is:

Windows Memory Diagnostic
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tests the Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. The diagnostic includes a comprehensive set of memory tests. If you are experiencing problems while running Windows, you can use the diagnostic to determine whether the problems are caused by failing hardware, such as RAM or the memory system of your motherboard. Windows Memory Diagnostic is designed to be easy and fast. On most configurations, you can download the diagnostic, read the documentation, run the test and complete the first test pass in less than 30 minutes.

rmq103

ASKER

Great info, as soon as I get home I'll give this a try. Sorry about the transposed error message.

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LeeTutor

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rmq103

ASKER

I do believe you were right, it appears to be the memory. I ran tests, and it showed no problems, but I have sometimes found memory tests do not pick things up properly everytime. Since I am not positive of the solution I gave good.
Thanks for your help!