How to fix the Reference_By_Pointer error in Windows step by step

Has your computer surprised you with a dreaded blue screen just when you needed it most? If the Reference_By_Pointer message has appeared before an unexpected restart, you're facing a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error that's quite common in Windows 10 and Windows 11. While it may seem intimidating, there's no need to panic. The important thing is to understand why it occurs and how to fix it properly.

This error usually indicates a system conflict related to memory, drivers, or even the installed hardware. Throughout this article, we'll look at all the possible solutions, from the simplest to the most technical. Break down in a clear and detailed way what the causes may be and, above all, how to solve this problem step by step so that it doesn't happen again.

What does the Reference_By_Pointer error mean?

The Reference_By_Pointer error, also known as stop code 0x00000018, appears when There is an inconsistency with the reference count of an object in the operating systemThis usually happens when a driver doesn't properly manage the routines that increment and decrement references to certain system objects.

This failure may result in the system shutting down unexpectedly as a protective measure, Because a poorly managed reference can seriously affect stability. Simply put, it's as if the system were trying to access something that had already been deleted or reused, creating a fatal conflict.

Main causes of this BSOD error

There are several factors that can cause this error to appear, some more common than others. Below we list the most common causes:

• Outdated drivers, especially graphics or network drivers.
• Corruption of operating system files.
• Physical problems with RAM or storage devices.
• Third-party antivirus that interferes with system processes.
• Failed Windows updates or incorrectly applied settings.
• CPU or GPU overheating.
• Recently installed incompatible or corrupted software.

Knowing the root of the problem is the first step to applying the most appropriate solution and preventing the error from recurring.

Practical solutions to eliminate the Reference_By_Pointer error

Below we present a set of methods you can apply in order of simplicity and effectiveness. If one solution doesn't solve your problem, simply move on to the next.

1. Restart the computer

It may seem basic, but A simple reboot can fix temporary errors, especially if the failure was caused by a temporary memory, driver, or application conflict. If this is the first time you've encountered this BSOD, it's advisable to restart before attempting more complex solutions.

2. Update graphics and motherboard drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are one of the main causes of this error.Updating your drivers can fix this problem immediately. To do so:

1. press Windows + R and writes devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager.
2. Expand the section Display adapters and right click on your graphics card, choosing Update Driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. Repeat the process for other relevant drivers such as chipset or network drivers.

If you can't find new versions, you can go to the manufacturer's official website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, etc.) and manually download the latest version.

3. Run a system scan with SFC

System File Checker (SFC) is a tool that analyzes and repairs damaged files in the operating system. To use it:

1. Open the start menu and search cmd.
2. Right-click on the “Command Prompt” result and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow

The process may take several minutes. When it's finished, restart your computer and check if the error has been resolved.

4. Use the DISM command if SFC does not solve the problem

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is used to repair the Windows image, especially useful if SFC fails to repair files due to severe corruption.

To run it:

1. Open a command prompt window again with administrator privileges.
2. Type this command and press Enter:
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
3. Wait for the analysis to finish and then try to run it again. sfc / scannow.

5. Clean Boot and Removal of Problematic Software

When the error is caused by conflicts between background services or applications, The ideal is to perform a clean bootThis temporarily disables all non-system services and programs.

1. press Windows + R and writes msconfig.
2. Go to the tab Services and check the box Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Click on Disable all.
4. Then go to the tab Home and press Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all programs that run at startup.
6. Restart the computer.

If the error disappears, you can activate the services or programs one by one to identify the culprit. Uninstall or replace the one causing the error.

6. Check for interfering antivirus software

Some antivirus programs can generate conflicts with operating system processes, causing memory errors like this one.. Norton and other third-party antivirus programs have been implicated multiple times.

Test to temporarily disable your antivirus and see if the error stops appearing. If so, consider replacing it or adding exceptions to system processes.

7. Check for overheating

Excessive temperature increases in both the processor and graphics card can trigger blue screens., including Reference_By_Pointer.

To check:

• Download tools like Core Temp o HWMonitor.
• Run the program and monitor the temperature while using your PC.
• If the temperature frequently exceeds 80°C, it could be a ventilation problem or dry thermal paste.

Clean your PC, make sure the fans are working properly, and consider applying new thermal paste if you notice chronic overheating.

8. Check and test the RAM memory

Faulty memory modules are a common source of BSOD errors.You can check for RAM errors using these methods:

1. Use the built-in Windows tool called Memory diagnostic.
2. press Windows + R, writes mdsched.exe and accept.
3. Choose the option to restart and check for errors.

If any errors are detected, replace the RAM module with another one or try a different slot.

9. Scan the system for malware

A virus or malware can disrupt the functioning of critical files or drivers, causing blue screen errors. To rule out this possibility:

• Run a full scan with a program like Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or similar.
• Update the antivirus database before scanning.

If malware is present, remove it completely and perform a reboot after cleaning.

10. Check the recently installed hardware

If you added new hardware just before the failure occurred, it may be incompatible or defective.. Remove it and try starting the system without it to see if the error goes away.

You can also check for firmware updates or specific drivers for that hardware on the manufacturer's website.

Did you lose data after the error? You can recover it.

Often, the Reference_By_Pointer error appears after a forced restart, which can lead to the loss of unsaved files. Fortunately, There are solutions to recover that information.

Use Recoverit to recover your files

With the Wondershare Recoverit app, you can restore over 800 file types from internal or external drives. The process is very simple:

• Open the application and choose the location on your hard drive where the files were lost.
• Click “Start” to begin the scan.
• During the scan, you can filter by file type or path.
• Preview and save recoverable files to a separate folder.

Alternative: Stellar Data Recovery

Another great option is Stellar Data Recovery, which offers recovery for BSODs and unbootable systems. You can even use it from another machine using a rescue USB drive if your PC won't boot.

Both options are equally valid. Just make sure Do not save recovered files on the same affected disk to avoid overwriting..

Tips to prevent the error from appearing again

Prevention is always the best strategy. To prevent Reference_By_Pointer from doing its thing again:

• Keep Windows and all drivers always updated.
• Perform routine maintenance on your system: cleaning temporary files, temperature control, etc.
• Avoid installing dubious or unsigned software.
• Create automatic restore points in case you need to return to a previous state.
• Make regular backups of your important data.

Everything you've learned in this article reinforces the idea that the Reference_By_Pointer error isn't an unsolvable problem. Investing time in understanding its causes and implementing effective recovery and maintenance methods can save us a lot of headaches. With the right tools and a little patience, we can not only resolve it, but also prevent it from happening again.