Introduction

Hey readers! Are you facing the dreaded "system call failed" error on your Windows system? Don’t despair, because we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you rectify this pesky issue swiftly and effortlessly. In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into various potential causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it once and for all. So, let’s dive right in and empower you to conquer this technical challenge like a pro!

Causes of "System Call Failed" Error

The "system call failed" error on Windows can arise due to a plethora of factors, including:

Corrupted System Files

Malware, viruses, or improper system modifications can corrupt crucial system files, leading to this error.

Outdated or Incompatible Drivers

Outdated or incompatible device drivers can interfere with system calls, causing this error to surface.

Antivirus Interference

Overzealous antivirus software can sometimes mistakenly flag legitimate system calls as malicious, resulting in the "system call failed" error.

Sections on Fixing the Error

Troubleshooting System Files

Utilize System File Checker (SFC)

SFC is a built-in Windows utility that can scan and repair corrupted system files. To run SFC, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command: "sfc /scannow".

Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

DISM is another Windows tool that can repair system image corruption. To run DISM, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command: "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth".

Updating and Verifying Drivers

Manually Update Drivers

Identify the outdated or incompatible drivers via Device Manager and manually update them by downloading the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website.

Utilize Windows Update

Windows Update can automatically detect and install missing or outdated drivers. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click "Check for updates".

Disabling Antivirus Temporarily

Pause Antivirus Protection

Temporarily disable your antivirus software to check if it’s causing the "system call failed" error. Be sure to re-enable it after troubleshooting to ensure system security.

Exclude System Files from Antivirus Scans

Add important system files and folders to the antivirus exclusion list to prevent it from interfering with system calls.

Troubleshooting Table

Troubleshooting Step	Description
Run System File Checker (SFC)	Repairs corrupted system files
Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)	Repairs system image corruption
Manually Update Drivers	Updates outdated or incompatible drivers
Utilize Windows Update	Automatically detects and installs missing or outdated drivers
Pause Antivirus Protection	Temporarily disables antivirus software
Exclude System Files from Antivirus Scans	Prevents antivirus from interfering with system calls

Conclusion

Congratulations, readers! By following these comprehensive troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix the "system call failed" error on your Windows system. For more in-depth technical guidance and insights, don’t forget to check out our other articles on optimizing Windows performance and resolving common system errors. Stay tuned for the latest tech tips and solutions to empower your digital adventures!

FAQ about "fix system call failed error on windows"

What is the "system call failed" error?

The "system call failed" error is a common error that can occur on Windows systems when a program tries to make a system call but the system call fails. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a problem with the program itself, a problem with the Windows system, or a problem with the hardware.

How can I fix the "system call failed" error?

There are a few things you can try to fix the "system call failed" error:

Restart your computer. This will often fix the error if it is caused by a temporary problem.
Update your software. Make sure that you are running the latest version of the program that is causing the error.
Check for hardware problems. If you are using a USB device, try connecting it to a different USB port. If you are using a network connection, try connecting to a different network.
Run a system file checker. This will scan your system for corrupted files and replace them with the correct versions.

What if I have tried all of the above and the error still occurs?

If you have tried all of the above and the error still occurs, you may need to contact the software vendor or Microsoft for further assistance.

What are some other things that can cause the "system call failed" error?

Some other things that can cause the "system call failed" error include:

Malware. Malware can damage your system files and cause the "system call failed" error.
Registry errors. Registry errors can also cause the "system call failed" error.
Hardware driver problems. Hardware driver problems can also cause the "system call failed" error.

How can I prevent the "system call failed" error?

There is no surefire way to prevent the "system call failed" error, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of it occurring:

Keep your software up to date. This will help to prevent errors from occurring in the first place.
Be careful about what you download and install. Make sure you only download and install software from trusted sources.
Use a virus scanner. This will help to protect your system from malware.

What is the difference between a "system call" and a "kernel call"?

A system call is a request made by a program to the operating system. A kernel call is a request made by the operating system to the hardware.

What is the "NTSTATUS" code in the "system call failed" error?

The "NTSTATUS" code is a code that is used to identify the specific error that occurred. You can look up the meaning of the "NTSTATUS" code in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

What is the "win32k.sys" file?

The "win32k.sys" file is a system file that is responsible for rendering the user interface on Windows systems. If the "win32k.sys" file is damaged, it can cause the "system call failed" error.

How can I repair the "win32k.sys" file?

You can repair the "win32k.sys" file by following the steps in this Microsoft Knowledge Base article: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2642948