The “Reference by Pointer” error is a type of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that usually suggests there are problems with your computer, like issues with graphics drivers, system files, or even malware. This error can make your computer unstable and cause you to lose unsaved data.
This guide will help you understand what causes this error and provide detailed steps on how to fix it, including how to recover any data you might have lost.
What is a “Reference by Pointer” BSOD Error?
The “Reference by Pointer” BSOD, or 0x00000018 error, usually signals issues with your computer’s system files or drivers. In Windows, everything open, like a window, is called an “object.”
Each object has a number that goes down when it’s no longer needed, helping to free up memory. If you get this error, it means Windows found a mistake in how an object is tracked. This could pose a security risk, prompting Windows to restart to clear the memory and keep your data safe.
Common Causes of Reference by Pointer
This error often comes from problems with software, particularly outdated or broken drivers for devices like graphics cards or network adapters. It might also come from damaged system files or failing hardware.
How Can I Fix to Reference by Pointer BSOD?
Method 1. Run The DISM Command
If the “Reference by Pointer” BSOD error persists even after an SFC scan, it might be due to more severe system issues. You can use the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool to fix this. Here’s how to do it in simple steps:
- Open the command prompt as administrator again.
- Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
This command helps repair your system’s Windows image and could solve the error.
Method 2. Run A Full Scan
To fix the “Reference by Pointer” BSOD, you should run a full system scan to check for viruses or bad sectors that might be causing the issue. Here’s a simple way to do it:
Step 1: Open the search bar on the Windows taskbar, type “Settings,” and select the top result.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Update & Security” section and choose “Windows Security.”
Step 3: Click on “Virus & threat protection,” then select “Scan options.”
Step 4: Choose the “Full scan” option and click “Scan now” to initiate the scan.
Method 3: Use SFC to Verify System Files
To check if corrupted system files are causing the “Reference by Pointer” BSOD, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool. Here’s a simple guide to run an SFC scan:
- Type “cmd” in the search box on the taskbar, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and choose “Run as administrator.”
- In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
This will start a scan of your system files. The tool looks for any damaged files and fixes them. This process might take a while, depending on your system’s health.
Method 4: Boot Your Pc
If the “Reference by Pointer” BSOD is still causing trouble, it might be due to third-party apps or services on your computer. You can do a clean boot to find out which application is the problem. Here’s a simple way to perform a clean boot:
1: Type “msconfig” in the search box on the taskbar and click on “System Configuration” from the search results.
2: Choose “Hide all Microsoft services” from the “Services” tab, click “Disable all,” and then choose “Apply.”
3: After choosing “Startup” from the menu, click “Open Task Manager.”
4: In the Task Manager under “Startup,” right-click on each item and choose “Disable.”
5: Restart your computer.
This process helps you identify if a specific application is causing the error by starting Windows with minimal drivers and programs.
Method 5: Turn off Antivirus Software Temporarily
To solve the “Reference by Pointer” BSOD, you might need to turn off your antivirus software temporarily, as it can sometimes cause system issues. Here’s how to do it easily:
- After typing “Windows Security” into the Start menu’s search bar, select the “Virus & threat protection” tab.
- Choose “Manage settings” from the “Virus & threat protection settings” section.
Method 6: Turn off “Real-Time Protection”
If turning off the antivirus fixes the issue, your antivirus software might be causing the problem. Consider updating it or switching to a different antivirus program that doesn’t cause errors.
Method 7: Check If Your Computer is Overheating
Overheating can lead to various Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Normally, your PC’s temperature should be between 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (65 to 70 degrees Celsius) when it’s not doing much.
It might reach about 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) during gaming or while running demanding applications. Here’s how to check your PC’s temperature:
- Download and install a program called Core Temp.
- Open the application to monitor if your CPU temperatures are unusually high.
Method 8: Update Your Graphics Driver
Updating your graphics driver can often fix the “Reference by Pointer” error. Here’s a straightforward way to update your graphics driver:
- Enter “device manager” into the taskbar’s search field, then choose “Device Manager.”
- Click on “Display adapters” to see a list. Then, right-click on your primary graphics card and select “Update driver.”
- Follow the prompts to allow Windows to search for the latest driver software for your device both on your computer and online.
- Alternatively, you can visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer to download and install the latest driver manually.
Method 9: Update Windows
To make sure your Windows is up to date, which can help fix the “Reference by Pointer” error, follow these simple steps:
- Type “settings” in the search box on your taskbar and open the first app that appears.
- Click on the “Windows Update” tab on the left side and then press “Check for updates.”
Method 10: Check The Hardware
To check if hardware issues are causing the “Reference by Pointer” error, here’s what you can do:
- Bring your laptop or PC to a technician for a thorough inspection.
- If they find any faulty parts, have the technician replace them.
How to Recover Data Lost Due to the “Reference by Pointer” Stop Code
If you’ve lost unsaved data because of the “Reference by Pointer” error in Windows 10, the Recoverit application can help you retrieve it. Here’s how to use this tool to get your files back:
Step 1: Select a Location
- Go to the “hard drives and locations” section after starting Recoverit.
- Choose a hard disk listed under this section or select “Desktop.” Click “Start” to begin the scan.
Step 2: Scan the Chosen Location
- Recoverit will now scan for files. During this time, you can highlight specific files for recovery.
- Use the “File Path” and “File Type” options to locate files, or apply the “Search Filter” for a more focused search.
- If you spot the file you need during the scan, you can pause or stop the scanning process by clicking “Pause” or “Stop.”
Step 3: Preview and Restore Files
- Click on a file to view a thumbnail on the right side of the window. Hit the “Preview” button to see the file.
- You can preview various file types, including photos, audio, videos, PowerPoint, Word documents, Excel sheets, and PDFs.
- Once you’ve confirmed the files you want to recover, click “Recover.” Choose a safe location that is different from where the data was originally lost to avoid any potential issues.
Conclusion
The “Reference by Pointer” error is a type of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that can be caused by many different problems, like outdated drivers, overheating, or malware.
To fix this error, it’s important to identify the cause by using system scans, updating your software, and checking your computer’s temperature.
If you lose data because of this error, recovery tools like Recoverit can help you get it back. Keeping your system updated and monitoring its performance can also help prevent this error from happening again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Overheating Cause a “Reference by Pointer” Blue Screen?
Yes, overheating can lead to a system crash and show a blue screen with the “Reference by Pointer” error code.
To prevent this, ensure your computer has good cooling systems in place and check that the thermal paste on your CPU or GPU hasn’t dried out.
What is the Difference Between Reference by Pointer and Reference by Value?
In programming, referencing by value means a variable directly holds a value. In contrast, referencing by pointer means the variable holds a memory address where the value is stored, offering an indirect way to access the value.
Can You Make a Reference to a Pointer?
Yes, it is possible to use a pointer as a reference to another pointer, though the implementation must be done correctly to avoid errors.
What is Reference vs Pointer in go?
Go does not have reference types; all data is passed by value. While some of these values are pointers, they do not function as references do in many other programming languages.
Why Use a Reference Instead of a Pointer?
References are typically used over pointers when you do not need to change the address they point to, known as “reseating.” This is particularly useful in defining the public interfaces of classes.
What Does Reference by Pointer Mean?
The “Reference by Pointer” BSOD error signals issues with system files or device drivers, commonly stemming from faulty hardware drivers like those for graphics cards or network adapters.
Can References Be Null?
Unlike pointers, references cannot be null. Every reference must be connected to an object, though the object’s validity can vary
