Windows Stop Code 0x00000042: ATDISK_DRIVER_INTERNAL

Quick Answer

ATDISK_DRIVER_INTERNAL (0x00000042) is a Windows stop code that Microsoft describes as very infrequent. Its dedicated documentation does not specify a detailed cause or parameter meanings. Microsoft recommends using the debugger’s !analyze extension to investigate the root cause. The name alone does not prove that a disk, controller, or particular driver has failed. Microsoft Learn

If crashes repeat, back up important files, record recent hardware and software changes, and preserve a crash dump. This guide provides initial checks for users and a diagnostic path for IT support.

What Is Known About This Error?

Treat storage-related changes as possible leads when the timing supports them. Microsoft’s published definition does not establish a universal hardware diagnosis or repair. Microsoft Learn

Before You Begin

• Back up important files before changing drivers or storage settings.
• Record the crash time, complete stop code, and any displayed driver filename.
• Note recent device installations, driver updates, and software changes.
• Have administrator access available for driver rollback.
• Keep your BitLocker recovery key available before entering recovery options.
• Coordinate changes with IT support on managed PCs and servers. support.microsoft.com

Storage precaution: Do not disable the controller hosting the Windows system disk or change its firmware operating mode as a trial fix. Have the system vendor confirm the appropriate procedure and recovery path first.

Recommended Troubleshooting

1. Record the Crash Pattern

Determine whether the error occurs during startup, file transfers, a scheduled operation, or normal use. Record whether it began immediately after a change.

A repeatable pattern helps narrow the investigation. It does not, by itself, establish which component caused the crash.

2. Check Recently Added External Hardware

If a newly connected external device coincides with the first crashes:

1. Shut down the PC.
2. Disconnect that device, provided Windows does not depend on it to start.
3. Restart and observe whether the same stop code returns.

Microsoft includes removing recently added hardware among its general stop-error troubleshooting steps. support.microsoft.com

3. Review a Suspected Driver Update

If the timing or dump evidence identifies a plausible device driver:

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Locate the device and open Properties.
3. Select Driver > Roll Back Driver, when available.
4. Follow the prompts and restart if requested.

If rollback is unavailable or unsuitable, obtain a compatible driver through Windows Update or the manufacturer’s official website. Match it to the device and Windows version. support.microsoft.com

Make one targeted change at a time. If the change creates a new problem, restore the previous driver where possible or reinstall the appropriate vendor package.

4. Install Applicable Windows Updates

In Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install applicable updates and restart when required.

This is general stop-error troubleshooting; Microsoft does not identify a particular update as a universal fix for 0x42. support.microsoft.com

If Windows Cannot Start Normally

Use Safe Mode to investigate a recent change:

1. Access the Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Press 4 or F4 to enable Safe Mode.
4. Investigate or reverse the suspected change.
5. Restart normally to test.

An encrypted device may request its BitLocker recovery key. Safe Mode starts Windows with a limited set of drivers and services. support.microsoft.com

Advanced Troubleshooting: Analyze the Crash Dump

Preserve the Relevant Dump

Depending on the configured dump type, check these default locations:

A dump is available only if Windows was configured and able to write it. learn.microsoft.com

Run WinDbg Analysis

Open the dump in WinDbg with appropriate symbols and run:

!analyze -v

Review the recorded stop code, call stack, module information, and any diagnostic findings. Compare them with the device configuration and recent changes.

Microsoft specifically recommends !analyze for this bug check. A module appearing in the stack needs investigation before being treated as the cause. The command analyzes the dump; it does not repair Windows. Microsoft Learn

A small dump may omit information needed to establish the cause. If analysis is inconclusive, support personnel may request a more complete dump. learn.microsoft.com

How to Verify the Fix

1. Restart after the targeted correction.
2. Repeat the activity that previously preceded the crash, where practical.
3. Confirm that affected devices and applications work.
4. Monitor across multiple sessions if the original failure was intermittent.

If 0x42 returns, preserve the new dump and compare the findings before making additional changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this code prove that my disk is failing?

No. Microsoft’s dedicated description does not establish physical disk failure. Use device diagnostics and crash evidence before deciding to replace hardware. Microsoft Learn

Should I run disk repair immediately?

The stop code alone does not identify a file-system problem. Back up important data and determine whether separate evidence supports a disk-repair operation.

Does the name identify a driver file I should delete?

No. The symbolic stop-code name is not an instruction to remove a file. Use a supported driver update, rollback, or vendor-directed removal procedure.

Are the bug-check parameters documented?

Microsoft’s dedicated 0x42 page does not define them. Do not apply parameter meanings from a different stop code. Microsoft Learn

What should I provide to technical support?

Provide the Windows version, computer model, crash times, recent changes, relevant driver versions, and WinDbg findings. Share the dump through an approved support channel.

Conclusion

For recurring ATDISK_DRIVER_INTERNAL crashes, preserve evidence and investigate recent changes. Microsoft provides limited detail for this rare code, making crash-dump analysis the next step when basic checks do not identify a supported correction.

Sources

• Microsoft Learn — Bug Check 0x42: ATDISK_DRIVER_INTERNAL.
• Microsoft Learn — Stop code error or bug check troubleshooting.
• Microsoft Learn — Small Memory Dump.
• Microsoft Support — Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows.
• Microsoft Support — Windows startup settings.
• Microsoft Support — Troubleshooting Windows unexpected restarts and stop code errors.