What is Ntdll.dll?
Ntdll.dll is a Native API file of Microsoft operating systems and it contains NT kernel functions. Depending on your operating system version, this file is located in the C:\Windows\System32, C:\Winnt\System32, or C:\i386 folder.
Ntdll.dll Error
Ntdll.dll error usually occurs due to an unknown hard drive error. When the error occurs your Microsoft Windows system may stop working or crash. These errors may cause IE7 and Windows explorer problems and you may find it difficult to complete any task on your PC.
The following are some of the common error messages that you may encounter when an Ntdll error occurs.
STOP: C0000221 Unknown Hard Error \SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll
STOP: C0000221 unknown hard error Path\File_name
STOP: 0xC0000221 unknown hard errorC:\Winnt\System32\Ntdll.dll (or another specific file or driver)
STOP: 0xC0000221 STATUS_IMAGE_CHECKSUM_MISMATCHPath\File_name
Discussed below are some of the common causes of these errors and the methods that you may use to fix them.
Corrupt or Faulty Windows Installation
If you receive Ntdll error soon after you have installed windows on your system, then you must first check that the disk you used to install the operating system is not damaged or scratched. This is because, many times, even with a damaged disk you may be able to complete the installation but the installation process may encounter some problems that may generate the error later.
The error may also occur if you try to perform the installation using an illegal copy or a burned copy of the operating system. Therefore, it is recommended that you install Windows only by using the original, legitimate installation disk.
Malfunctioning Hardware
Windows installation problems and Ntdll errors may also occur if the cable that is used to connect the hard disk to the motherboard of your system is defective.
You may troubleshoot the problem by connecting your hard disk to another cable of the same type used by some other device on your PC. Some of the devices that use the same cable as the hard disk are CD, DVD, and Zip drives.
If you are able to resolve the error by changing the cable, you must purchase a new cable for your hard disk to permanently fix the error.
Obsolete or Faulty Driver Files
Outdated and faulty drivers may also cause Ntdll.dll errors on your system. Therefore, it is important for you to ensure that the drivers of your motherboard, hard disk, CD/DVD, and any other disk drivers connected to your system are updated and free of errors. Also, while downloading and installing the drivers, you must ensure that you download drivers that are compatible with your hardware and operating system.
To enjoy an error-free computing experience, it is important for you to perform the preventive PC maintenance tasks listed below on regular basis.
- Keep your operating system, device drivers, and other software installed on your PC up-to-date with the latest updates released by their manufacturers.
- Keep your PC free from malware infections by performing regular full system scans with antivirus and antispyware tools-and you must remember to keep this tools updated with the latest definitions.
- Keep the Windows registry free from unwanted, invalid, and incorrect information by scanning and repairing it regularly with help of a reliable registry maintenance tool.
- Keep a clean and healthy hard disk by using Windows tools such as Disk Cleanup and Disk defragmenter.
Remember, a little vigilance and some proactive maintenance can assure you a healthy, trouble-free PC for a long time.