Encountering the pesky NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error on your Windows PC can be frustrating and disrupt your workflow. This is a blue screen of death (BSOD) error that can occur for a variety of reasons, including corrupted system files, hardware problems, or incompatible device drivers. Let’s go through the step-by-step solutions to overcome the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error and get your Windows system back on track.
good to know: You can get rid of any BSOD error in your system with this collection of tips.
Quick fixes to try
First, check out this list of quick solutions that can easily fix the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error in Windows.
- Restart the computer and disconnect external devices: First, try restarting your computer to refresh system processes. At the same time, you should disconnect any external devices, as they may cause conflicts.
- Check the storage: Make sure your drive has enough free space, as low disk space can lead to errors. Delete unnecessary files or move them to another storage location. Learn how to free up space on your “C” drive.
- Run a virus scan: Run a comprehensive scan using a reliable antivirus or command-line software to detect and remove any viruses or malware that may be causing system instability, leading to the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error.
- Run DISM and SFC scans: Run these two scans to check for and repair damaged system files that may be contributing to the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error.
If none of these methods prove effective, move on to the more advanced methods.
1. Enable safe mode
Since the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM problem is a BSOD error, it may occur while you are booting your computer, so you will not be able to perform some troubleshooting steps in the normal Windows environment. In that case, start the computer in safe mode.
Safe Mode starts your computer with minimal drivers and services so you can isolate and identify problematic software or drivers that might be causing the error. This prevents unnecessary software and drivers from loading during boot, providing a clean and stable environment for system troubleshooting.
Once in safe mode, try to isolate the problem using one of the methods described below, then restart your computer to enter the normal Windows environment again.
advice: Experiencing slow boot times? Learn what to do to speed up your computer as much as possible.
2. Clean the system files
Performing a system file cleanup can resolve issues related to corrupted or damaged files, which can be a possible cause of an NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error. Windows provides a built-in utility, called Disk Cleanup, that allows you to remove unnecessary system files and reclaim disk space.
- Tap on Windows key, and type “disk cleanup” in the search bar. Choose the best match below.
- Select the disk drive where your Windows operating system is installed (usually the “C” drive) and click “OK”.
- Disk Cleanup will calculate the amount of space you can free up by scanning your system files. Click the “Clean up system files” button in the Disk Cleanup window.
- Select the appropriate drive again and click “OK”. Disk Cleanup will rescan the system files, including additional system cleanup options.
- Check the boxes for the types of files you want to remove, such as “Temporary files,” “Windows Update cleanup,” and “System error memory dump files.”
- Click “OK” to start the cleaning process. Depending on the options selected and the size of the files, this process may take some time.
- After the cleanup is complete, it will free up disk space and remove unnecessary system files that may be causing the problem.
3. Use the event viewer
Windows Event Viewer can also help diagnose and troubleshoot the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error. This tool provides a detailed log of system events, including error messages, warnings, and critical events, which can help identify the root cause of the error.
- Press the Windows key and type “event viewer” in the search bar.
- In the Event Viewer window, select “Windows Logs -> System”.
- Scan the list of events in the middle pane for errors or warnings with time stamps around the time the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error occurred.
- Click on a specific event to see its details, including the event description and associated error code.
- Pay attention to the source and description of the events to identify patterns, specific drivers, applications, or system components mentioned. Use the error codes or event descriptions as a reference for further research or troubleshooting steps. You can take appropriate actions based on the problems identified, such as uninstalling problematic software or seeking further assistance.
for your information: Learn how to roll back a driver in Windows.
4. Use Driver Validation Manager
If you can’t tell which driver needs help, using the Windows Driver Validator is a great way to find and resolve driver-related issues.
- Press the Windows key, type “Verifier.exe” in the search bar and open the application.
- Click “Create Standard Settings -> Next.”
- Select “Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer” and click “Finish”.
- Restart your computer to start the driver verification process.
- The driver verifier will diagnose the device drivers during system startup and use, and check for irregularities or violations. If a problematic driver is detected, Windows will generate a crash report and provide information about the driver causing the problem.
Memory related issues can often lead to errors like NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool allows you to thoroughly analyze your system memory, helping you identify potential problems that could be causing the error.
- Tap on Windows key, and type “Windows Memory Diagnostics” in the search bar.
- Choose between two options: “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” or “Check for problems the next time I turn on my computer.” Choose an option according to your schedule.
- With the first option, your computer will restart and access the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. The tool will start scanning your system memory for errors. This process may take some time, so be patient.
- After the scan is complete, your computer will restart automatically and display the test results on the screen. If errors are detected, it indicates faulty memory modules or other memory-related problems. Depending on the severity of the errors, you may need to replace or repair the problematic memory modules.
good to know: Find out what best suits your needs: cloud download or local reinstallation?
6. Reset your Windows PC
Resetting your Windows computer is another effective way to resolve the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error. Since this is often due to software-related issues such as corrupted system files, performing a PC reset helps resolve these underlying issues and restore the system to a stable state.
When you reset your computer, you have two options: a soft reset and a hard reset. A soft reset preserves your files while reinstalling Windows and removing third-party applications. This process replaces damaged or corrupted system files, eliminating potential triggers for the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error.
On the other hand, a hard reset or factory reset erases everything on your PC and installs Windows from scratch. This method is recommended when the error persists despite other troubleshooting attempts.
7. Manually reinstall Windows
If all else fails, you can try reinstalling Windows manually. The NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error often indicates file system problems or corrupted system files, which can be resolved by performing a clean install of the operating system.
During the reinstallation, the system files are recreated and replaced, which can fix any underlying problems causing the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error. Moreover, the installation ensures that all necessary drivers and system components are installed correctly.
advice: Make sure you’re always monitoring the health of your hard drive with these handy tips.
8. Get a new hard drive
Last but not least, getting a new hard drive may help overcome the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error in Windows. Sometimes, this error is caused by a corrupted or damaged hard drive with bad sectors or other hardware issues.
However, changing the hard drive may not always be necessary and should be your final solution. In many cases, software-related issues, such as corrupted system files or incompatible device drivers, can be resolved using troubleshooting steps and repair procedures without the need to replace hardware.
advice: When buying a new computer, it’s difficult to determine how much hard drive space you need. Learn how to decide which size is right for you.
Common questions
What is NTFS in Windows?
NTFS (New Technology File System) is a process that modern versions of Windows use to efficiently store, organize and locate files on a hard disk. It comes with advanced features, such as file and folder permissions, disk compression, encryption and logging. It also offers improved reliability, performance and security compared to its predecessor, the File Allocation Table (FAT) process.
What are the signs of a failed hard drive?
Signs of a failing hard drive include frequent crashes or system freezes and unusual noises, such as clicking or grinding. Moreover, slow and sluggish performance, frequent file corruption or errors, and files disappearing or being inaccessible, indicate a failing hard drive.
Can BSOD cause data loss?
When a BSOD (blue screen of death) occurs, it can cause data corruption or loss if the system crashes or data is written or modified during the error occurrence.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Khizer Kaleem.
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