0x00000064 SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED – Windows Blue Screen Error

Quick Answer

SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (Bug Check 0x00000064) is a Windows stop error associated with a failure during an operating-system initialization stage. When this bug check occurs, Windows encounters a condition that prevents normal operation and displays a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

Microsoft lists 0x00000064 as SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED in its official Bug Check Code Reference. However, detailed public documentation explaining its specific failure conditions and bug-check parameters is limited. The stop code alone is not sufficient to identify the underlying cause. Troubleshooting should therefore focus on crash-dump analysis, Windows recovery, system integrity and recent system changes.

What Does SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED Mean?

Windows performs multiple initialization operations when starting the operating system. These operations prepare essential kernel components and system resources required for normal operation.

SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED is the name assigned to bug check 0x00000064. It belongs to a sequence of Windows initialization-related stop codes, including:

• 0x00000060: PROCESS_INITIALIZATION_FAILED
• 0x00000061: HAL1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED
• 0x00000062: OBJECT1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED
• 0x00000063: SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED
• 0x00000064: SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED
• 0x00000065: MEMORY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED

Although these errors belong to the same general initialization-related group, their names do not establish that they share the same cause or repair procedure.

Symptoms of Error 0x00000064

A computer experiencing this bug check may exhibit the following symptoms:

• A Blue Screen of Death displays SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED.
• The stop code appears as 0x00000064.
• Windows unexpectedly restarts during startup.
• The computer fails to complete the boot process.
• Windows repeatedly enters Automatic Repair or recovery mode.
• The system becomes unable to start normally.

The exact symptoms depend on when the failure occurs and the condition of the affected Windows installation.

Possible Causes

Microsoft's public documentation identifies the bug check name and value but does not establish a comprehensive list of specific causes. The following areas can be investigated when diagnosing an occurrence of this error. They should not be considered confirmed causes without supporting evidence.

• Windows system-file corruption: Damaged or inconsistent operating-system files may contribute to startup failures.
• Recent Windows changes: A recently installed update or system configuration change may be relevant if the error appeared immediately afterwards.
• Driver or software changes: Recently installed low-level drivers or system utilities should be investigated.
• Registry or configuration problems: Changes to critical Windows configuration may affect system initialization.
• Storage problems: Disk errors or inaccessible system files may interfere with startup.
• Hardware instability: Memory, storage or other hardware problems may need investigation if diagnostic evidence indicates a hardware issue.

How to Fix SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000064)

Use the following troubleshooting procedures in order. Begin with basic checks and built-in Windows recovery tools before attempting advanced repairs.

1. Disconnect Unnecessary External Devices

Start by checking whether a recently connected peripheral is associated with the startup problem.

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices, external storage drives, printers and other peripherals.
3. Keep only essential devices connected.
4. Start the computer again.
5. Check whether Windows completes startup normally.

If Windows starts successfully, reconnect the devices individually to investigate whether a particular peripheral is associated with the problem.

2. Enter Windows Recovery Environment

If Windows cannot start normally, use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to access recovery and troubleshooting options.

Windows may enter Automatic Repair after repeated unsuccessful startup attempts. If it does not, use compatible Windows installation or recovery media to access the recovery environment.

1. Start the computer.
2. If Windows fails to start, interrupt the startup process using the manufacturer's recommended recovery procedure.
3. Repeat the interruption once if necessary.
4. Start the computer again and allow Automatic Repair to load, if available.
5. Select Advanced options.
6. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options.

Note: The exact recovery procedure may vary depending on the computer manufacturer and Windows version. If BitLocker is enabled, the recovery environment may request the BitLocker recovery key before allowing access to certain recovery operations.

3. Run Startup Repair

Startup Repair is a built-in Windows recovery utility that attempts to diagnose and repair certain problems preventing Windows from starting.

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
3. Choose Startup Repair.
4. Select the Windows installation if prompted.
5. Provide administrator credentials if required.
6. Allow the diagnostic and repair process to complete.
7. Restart the computer.

Startup Repair may help if the startup failure involves a problem that the utility can identify and repair. It is not a dedicated repair for bug check 0x00000064.

4. Uninstall a Recently Installed Windows Update

If the error started immediately after installing a Windows update, removing the latest relevant update may help determine whether the update is involved.

1. Open Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
3. Select Uninstall Updates.
4. Choose Uninstall latest quality update when appropriate.
5. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
6. Restart the computer and check whether the problem persists.

Not every update can be removed through this option. If an update is uninstalled, ensure that the computer receives appropriate security updates after the underlying problem is resolved.

5. Use System Restore

System Restore can return certain Windows system files, registry settings, drivers and installed programs to an earlier restore point.

This option may be useful when the problem began after a driver installation, application installation or system configuration change.

1. Open Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
3. Select System Restore.
4. Choose an administrator account if requested.
5. Select a restore point created before the problem appeared.
6. Review the affected programs if the option is available.
7. Confirm the restoration process.
8. Allow Windows to restart.

System Restore does not normally affect personal documents, but it can remove applications, drivers and updates installed after the selected restore point. It is also unavailable when no suitable restore point exists.

6. Repair Windows System Files Using DISM and SFC

If Windows can start, use the built-in DISM and System File Checker utilities to check and repair certain Windows image and system-file problems.

Requirements: Administrator privileges are required. An internet connection may be needed for DISM to obtain repair files from Windows Update.

Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt.

Search for Command Prompt, right-click it and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Repair the Windows component store.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the operation to finish. DISM checks the running Windows image and attempts to repair component-store corruption.

Step 3: Scan protected Windows system files.

sfc /scannow

System File Checker examines protected operating-system files and attempts to replace corrupted versions with valid copies.

Step 4: Restart the computer.

After both operations complete, restart Windows and check whether the problem continues.

Important: These commands are intended for a running Windows installation. Do not execute them using the same syntax in the Windows Recovery Environment, where the offline Windows installation requires a different procedure. These utilities are general repair tools and are not guaranteed to resolve this particular bug check.

7. Investigate Recently Installed Drivers

If the problem appeared after installing or updating a driver, investigate the affected hardware and driver.

1. Start Windows in Safe Mode if normal startup is unavailable but Safe Mode works.
2. Open Device Manager.
3. Identify recently installed or updated devices.
4. Check whether any device displays an error indicator.
5. If a specific driver is associated with the problem, consider using the Roll Back Driver option when available.
6. Restart Windows and test the system.

Obtain replacement drivers from the computer or hardware manufacturer's official website. Avoid removing unrelated drivers or installing multiple driver packages simultaneously.

Advanced Troubleshooting for IT Technicians

1. Analyse the Windows Memory Dump

If Windows generated a crash dump when the blue screen occurred, analyse it using WinDbg (Windows Debugger).

Common dump locations include:

• C:\Windows\Minidump\ – Small memory dump files, when configured and generated.
• C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP – Kernel or complete memory dump, depending on the configured dump type.

Open the dump file in WinDbg and execute:

!analyze -v

This command requests detailed bug check analysis. Examine the available bug check parameters, stack information, module information and other diagnostic details.

Do not automatically assume that a driver or module mentioned in the analysis is responsible. Correlate the findings with the circumstances of the crash and other available diagnostic evidence.

2. Check the Bug Check Information Using WinDbg

WinDbg also provides the !analyze -show extension for displaying available information about a bug check code.

Execute the following command in the debugger:

!analyze -show 0x64

This requests the available description of bug check 0x64. If Microsoft does not publish additional details for a particular stop code, the debugger may not provide a detailed explanation of its internal failure conditions.

3. Examine Windows Event Logs

If Windows is accessible, Event Viewer can help identify events recorded around the time of the crash.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Enter eventvwr.msc.
3. Open Windows Logs > System.
4. Review Critical and Error events around the crash time.
5. Examine relevant event descriptions, timestamps and associated components.

Event logs may provide additional evidence of startup failures, unexpected shutdowns, driver errors or storage problems. A nearby event is not necessarily the root cause of the blue screen.

4. Perform Hardware Diagnostics

If software recovery procedures do not resolve the problem, investigate hardware where the symptoms or diagnostic evidence justify it.

• Run the computer manufacturer's built-in hardware diagnostics.
• Test installed memory using an appropriate memory diagnostic utility.
• Check storage-device health using the manufacturer's diagnostic software.
• Inspect physical connections if hardware has recently been changed.
• Review firmware and BIOS/UEFI settings if the problem began after a hardware or firmware change.

Before updating BIOS/UEFI, verify the exact computer or motherboard model, follow the manufacturer's instructions and back up important data. An interrupted or incompatible firmware update can make the computer unbootable.

What If the Error Continues?

If SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED continues after the recommended troubleshooting procedures, consider the following options:

• Collect the latest available memory dump files.
• Compare crash information from multiple occurrences.
• Review relevant Windows event logs.
• Run manufacturer-provided hardware diagnostics.
• Use compatible Windows recovery media to access additional repair options.
• Consider reinstalling Windows only after less disruptive recovery methods have been exhausted.

Before reinstalling Windows, back up important files and verify the target drive. A clean installation can remove existing applications, settings and personal data from the selected installation drive.

How to Verify Whether the Problem Is Resolved

After performing a repair, check the following:

• Windows completes startup without displaying bug check 0x00000064.
• The computer does not enter a repeated restart or Automatic Repair cycle.
• Windows services and essential applications start normally.
• Device Manager does not show newly introduced device errors.
• Event Viewer does not show recurring critical errors associated with the original problem.
• The computer remains stable during normal use and subsequent restarts.

If the blue screen occurs again, record the complete stop code and collect the latest available crash dump for further investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Windows bug check 0x00000064?

Bug check 0x00000064 is named SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED in Microsoft's official Bug Check Code Reference. It is an initialization-related Windows stop error.

2. Does SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED mean Windows files are corrupted?

Not necessarily. Windows file corruption is one area that can be investigated, but the stop code alone does not establish that system files are damaged.

3. Is error 0x00000064 caused by faulty RAM?

The bug check does not independently establish a RAM failure. Memory diagnostics are appropriate when other symptoms or crash-dump evidence suggest a possible memory problem.

4. Can Startup Repair resolve this blue screen?

Startup Repair may help if the underlying startup problem falls within the issues it can diagnose and repair. It is not a specific repair for SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED.

5. Can I fix error 0x00000064 without reinstalling Windows?

Possibly. Startup Repair, System Restore, update removal and system-file repair are less disruptive options worth investigating before considering a Windows reinstallation.

6. Where are Windows blue screen dump files stored?

Small memory dumps are commonly stored in C:\Windows\Minidump\. Depending on the configured dump type, a larger dump may be stored as C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP.

7. How can I analyse SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED?

Use WinDbg to examine an available crash dump and run !analyze -v. The results should be correlated with event logs and other diagnostic evidence. The available public documentation for this particular stop code is limited.

Conclusion

SYMBOLIC_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000064) is a Windows initialization-related bug check listed in Microsoft's official stop-code reference. Its detailed internal failure conditions are not extensively documented publicly, so the underlying cause should not be assumed from the error name alone.

Begin with basic hardware checks and Windows Recovery Environment. Proceed with Startup Repair, System Restore and appropriate system-file checks. If the problem persists, analyse crash dumps, examine event logs and perform targeted hardware diagnostics before considering a Windows reinstallation.

Sources

• Microsoft Learn – Bug Check Code Reference
• Microsoft Learn – Analyze a Kernel-Mode Dump File with WinDbg
• Microsoft Learn – Repair a Windows Image
• Microsoft Support – Recovery Options in Windows
• Microsoft Support – Startup Repair