The error code 0x0000003C translates to “INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED” on Windows systems. This error signifies an unexpected situation where a device driver attempted to unwind (clean up) its operations while still interrupting the system. This typically results in a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crash.

Here’s a breakdown of the causes, solutions, and additional resources to troubleshoot the 0x0000003C error:

Causes:

• Buggy or Incompatible Device Driver: The most common culprit is a faulty, outdated, or incompatible device driver that encounters issues during the interrupt handling process. Interrupt handling manages how devices communicate with the system and how the system responds to those requests.
• Software Issues (Less Likely): In rare cases, bugs within system software or applications might also contribute to the error.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Here are some approaches you can take to fix the 0x0000003C error:

1. Update Device Drivers: Make sure your Windows system and all device drivers are up-to-date. Updated drivers can address compatibility issues and bugs that might be causing the error.

2. Identify Problematic Driver (if possible):

   • The Windows Event Viewer might contain information about the specific driver that caused the error. You can access Event Viewer by searching for it in the Start menu. Look for events around the time the BSOD occurred, and search online for specific error messages related to the driver.
   • If you can identify the problematic driver, try:
     • Updating the driver.
     • Disabling the driver temporarily (if possible) to see if the error resolves. Disabling a driver might render the corresponding device unusable, so use this step with caution.

3. System Restore (if applicable):

   • If the error started occurring recently after installing new software or updating drivers, consider performing a System Restore to revert your system to a point before the error appeared.

4. Safe Mode: Booting your computer into Safe Mode can help identify if the error is caused by a recently loaded driver. In Safe Mode, only essential drivers are loaded, and if the error doesn’t occur, it suggests a problem with a non-essential driver.

Additional Considerations:

• Windows Updates: Keep your Windows system fully updated, as updates might include fixes for known driver issues.
• Data Backup (Important): While less likely the sole cause, hardware issues with your storage device or RAM can contribute to the 0x0000003C error in rare cases. If none of the software solutions work, consider backing up your data and consulting a qualified technician for hardware diagnostics and potential replacements.

Additional Resources:

• Microsoft article on Bug Check 0x0000003C (for programmers): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/bug-check-0x3b–system-service-exception
• How To Fix INTERRUPT_UNWIND_ATTEMPTED Blue Screen Errors (0x0000003C): https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/microsoft-store-malicious-app-dropping-malware/38bb5d0c-62a6-4eec-8854-f2c83d90c845

Remember: If you’re not comfortable with troubleshooting device drivers, consider seeking help from a qualified technician to diagnose the issue and identify the problematic driver.