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Stop code 0x00000023: FAT_FILE_SYSTEM

Updated

Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .

What the code means

This indicates that a problem occurred in the FAT file system. (Bug Check 0x23: FAT_FILE_SYSTEM)

Code facts for 0x00000023

Code as Windows shows it0x00000023
TypeStop code (bug check)
Symbolic nameFAT_FILE_SYSTEM
Hexadecimal, 8 digits0x00000023
Decimal (unsigned)35
Decimal (signed 32-bit)35
GroupStop codes

Read with care

  • A stop (bug check) code is not a Win32 or HRESULT code. Do not look it up in the Win32 error list. (Bug check code reference)

Code facts: Bug Check 0x23: FAT_FILE_SYSTEM (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.

Code facts: Bug check code reference (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.

Where this error shows up

This code shows up on a blue screen, after Windows stops and restarts.

Applies to

Page states no Windows version

These steps come from a Microsoft page written for advanced users.

Try these first

These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.

4 steps to try, in order

Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x00000023 are not covered. 2 steps are flagged.

If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.

Microsoft also gives general steps that cover this code: see the general steps in the stop codes group. Each block there says which codes its Microsoft page gives the steps for.

From: Bug Check 0x23: FAT_FILE_SYSTEM

Source: Bug Check 0x23: FAT_FILE_SYSTEM (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.

From Microsoft's bug check page, which says it is written for programmers. Only its basic, non-debugger troubleshooting lines are used.

  1. Check logs

    Check Event Viewer for SCSI/FASTFAT (System log) or Autochk (Application log) messages.

  2. Disable monitoring tools

    Changes security settings

    Try disabling any virus scanners, backup programs or disk defragmenter tools that continually monitor the system.

    Microsoft advises: If you remove security software, first make sure you know how to reinstall it and that any product keys are on hand. Windows Defender helps protect the device in the meantime. (Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors)

  3. Run Chkdsk

    Changes disks

    Run Chkdsk /f /r; on a system partition it needs a restart before the scan.

    Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)

  4. Low memory

    For nonpaged pool depletion, add physical memory.

Stop and get help

If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.

Dates and review

Automated checksfirst check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check:
Microsoft pages read
  • Troubleshooting Windows unexpected restarts and stop code errors: read , the Microsoft page is dated Jul 28, 2026
  • Bug Check 0x23: FAT_FILE_SYSTEM: read , the Microsoft page is dated May 23, 2017
  • Bug check code reference: read , the Microsoft page is dated Jul 15, 2025
Review statusCleared for publishing after the automated checks on .