How To / Software

Repairing STOP: C000021A Error with 0xC000026C or 0xC000034 Status in Windows XP

by Bernard Sinai · Published May 13, 2013 · Updated March 20, 2017

If you ever come across the error message below in a Windows XP computer then it’s an indicator of a corrupted or missing system file, win32k.sys.

The STOP: c000021a {Fatal System Error}

The Session Manager Initialization System process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc000026c (0x000000000 0x000000000)

The STOP: c000021a {Fatal System Error}

The Session Manager Initialization System process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc0000034 (0x000000000 0x000000000)

The first error message indicates the system file has been corrupted while the second one suggests a missing file. Either way, you will have to replace the file in order to get the system back and running.

The main tool required for this repair is a genuine Windows XP installation CD.

Firstly, you need to boot up using the disc. Make sure your boot sequence is selected to CDROM first and then the others.

The installation window will load and once complete choose the option to load the XP Recovery Console. This is done by pressing R on the keyboard.

In the console, you will be asked to choose which windows to load; the usual option would be 1. However, that will depend on your installation. You will also be asked to enter the administrator password.

Once you’ve entered the right password and in windows, type the following command to copy and replace the corrupted or missing win32k.sys file.

copy c:windowssystem32dllcachewin32k.sys c:windowssystem32

Windows usually keeps a backup of critical system files on the installation drive in the dllcache folder (C:WindowsSystem32DLLCache).

You will now be asked if you want to overwrite an existing file (if it’s only corrupted), input Y and enter. However, if the file is missing then no messages will appear.

When the copying is done, remove the disc and type “exit” to reboot the system.

You windows should now be able to load normally. However, if the problem persists then troubleshoot further using Microsoft’s guide http://support.microsoft.com/kb/156669