The error code 0x000000A0 is associated with the bug check message INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR in Windows. This indicates a critical issue related to how the power policy manager experiences a fatal error.

Here’s a breakdown of the error and potential solutions:

Understanding INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR:

• The power policy manager is a critical system component responsible for managing power settings, sleep states, and overall system power consumption.

• The 0x000000A0 error signifies that the power policy manager encountered a problem it couldn’t recover from. This could be due to several reasons, such as:

  • Faulty or outdated device drivers (especially power management drivers)
  • Corrupted system files related to power management
  • Hardware malfunctions (less likely)
  • Software conflicts interfering with power management

Symptoms of INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR:

• You might encounter a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the error code 0x000000A0.
• System instability, crashes, or unexpected shutdowns can occur.
• Erratic behavior related to power management, like sudden sleep states or inability to wake from sleep mode.

Troubleshooting Steps for INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR:

Here are some steps you can take to try and fix the 0x000000A0 error:

1. Update Device Drivers:

   • This is crucial. Update the drivers for your graphics card, network adapter, storage controllers, and other major hardware components, especially those related to power management. You can usually find updated drivers on the manufacturer’s website for your specific device model.

2. Scan for Malware:

   • Although less likely, run a thorough malware scan using your preferred antivirus software to rule out the possibility of malicious software interfering with system processes.

3. System File Checker (SFC):

   • Open Command Prompt (Admin).

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     <code data-test-id="code-content">sfc /scannow
     </code>

   • This command scans your system files and attempts to repair any corrupted files related to power management or device drivers.

4. System Restore (if applicable):

   • If the error started happening recently after a specific event (program installation, driver update, etc.), consider performing a System Restore to revert your system to a point before the error occurred. (Caution: This will revert any changes made to programs and settings since the restore point).

5. Check System Logs (Advanced Users):

   • Event Viewer can be used to access system logs that might contain more details about the power management error. Look for entries mentioning “power management” or “BugCheck 0xA0” around the time of the error.

6. Check BIOS Settings (Advanced Users):

   • In rare cases, incorrect BIOS settings related to power management can contribute to issues. Consult your motherboard manual for instructions on how to access and adjust BIOS settings related to power options (proceed with caution).

7. Hardware Check (Less Likely):

   • In rare cases, hardware problems with your power supply unit (PSU) or other components might contribute to power management issues. Consider testing your PSU with a voltage tester or using a different power supply (if possible) to isolate the problem.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your Windows system up-to-date with the latest patches and security fixes.
• Disable Fast Startup (if applicable) as it can sometimes cause conflicts with power management.
• Consider using a reliable driver update utility to ensure all your drivers are updated.

Seeking Help:

If none of these solutions work, it’s recommended to seek help from a computer technician. They can delve deeper into the specific details of your BSOD using tools like debuggers and analyze system dump files to pinpoint the root cause of the internal power error. This might involve identifying a specific faulty driver, software conflict, or hardware issue.