This error can be a nuisance on Windows 10, but fortunately, there are a few ways to solve it, as we will show in this guide.

What causes reference by Pointer BSOD?

Like other BSOD, the reference_by_pointer blue screen error is mainly caused by hardware issues. Below are some of the known causes:

Memory issues: If you are facing the reference_by_pointer error with any stop code, your PC memory is the first thing you need to check. Most users have found the problem to be with their C drive. So, you need to run the CHKDSK command to fix any faulty memory partition. Corrupt system files: Like other BSODs, a broken, faulty, or missing system file cannot be ruled out in this case too. The way out is to repair and restore fix these files using the built-in tools. Activities of third-party apps: Sometimes, the reference by pointer error on Windows 10 can be caused by problematic third-party apps. You need to remove these apps using one of the best uninstaller software to restore normalcy.

How do I fix the reference_by_pointer error?

There are some prerequisite troubleshooting steps you need to try before proceeding to the solutions in this section:

Disable any overclocking setting and remove overclocking apps Deactivate or remove third-party antivirus

If these do not work, you now apply the fixes below:

1. Run the CHKDSK command

The prominent cause of the reference_by_pointer (18) error issues with some partitions on the C: drive. Running the CHKDSK command has fixed this for many users and should help you too.

2. Repair system files

Since the reference_by_pointer ntoskrnl.exe error is a BSOD issue, you cannot rule out the possibility of broken system files. However, running the commands above should fix this and restore regular service. You should still run the DISM command even if the SFC scan fails. However, you can now rerun SFC after DISM finishes. To remove any uncertainty, it is advised to use a unique BSOD fixer in Restoro.

3. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

Another known cause of the reference_by_pointer error is problems with your RAM. Again, the Windows Memory Diagnostic is ideally placed to fix these issues. This software can also help you by creating a restore point before starting the repairs, enabling you to easily restore the previous version of your system if something goes wrong. This is how you can fix registry errors using Restoro: As soon as the fixing process is completed, your PC should work without problems, and you will not have to worry about BSoD errors or slow response times ever again. ⇒ Get Restoro Disclaimer: This program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions. If the tool does not work, you can employ a third-party tool in MemTest86.

4. Remove problematic software

After your PC restarts, check if your computer is stable. If there are no BSOD errors, the error was caused by one of the installed applications. Now, you need to find the problematic application. To do that, you need to enable the applications in batches and check the one that brings the error again. Then, all you need to do is to remove it using a top-notch uninstaller in CCleaner. This should restore normalcy on your PC. This solution has primarily helped fix the reference_by_pointer blue screen on Dell. We have come to the end of this guide with this solution. The reference_by_pointer BSOD error can be problematic, but we hope you fix it with one of these solutions. If you are facing other BSOD errors like system exception on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly. Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

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