Explorer.exe application error: memory could not be read fix

In this article, I will discuss how to fix the Explorer.exe application error that states “memory could not be read.”

Symptoms and Status Overview

When encountering the Explorer.exe application error where the memory could not be read, users may experience a range of symptoms indicating a potential issue with their system. These symptoms can include frequent crashes or freezes of the Explorer.exe process, error messages indicating a memory read error, and general instability of the system.

To determine the status of the error and potential fixes, users should first check for any recent changes or updates to their system. This could include recent Windows updates, changes to hardware components such as the graphics card or RAM, or updates to software applications that may be causing conflicts with Explorer.exe.

Next Steps:

To address the Explorer.exe application error and resolve the memory read issue, users can take several steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem. First, it is recommended to perform a reboot of the system to see if the error persists. If the error continues to occur, users can try the following steps:

1. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your operating system is up to date with the latest patches and updates from Microsoft. This can help resolve compatibility issues that may be causing the error.

2. Scan for Malware: Run a full system scan with your preferred antivirus software to check for any malware or viruses that may be causing the memory read error.

3. Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your graphics card drivers are up to date. Visit the manufacturer’s website, whether it’s Nvidia, AMD, or another brand, to download and install the latest drivers.

4. Adjust Virtual Memory Settings: You can try adjusting the virtual memory settings on your system to see if that helps resolve the memory read error. Increase the virtual memory allocation or let Windows manage it automatically.

Common Causes Identified

• Update Windows:

  • Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
  • Click on Update & Security.
  • Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.

• Run System File Checker:

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

• Check for Malware:

  • Run a full antivirus scan on your computer to check for any malware.
  • If any malware is detected, follow the instructions provided by your antivirus software to remove it.

Recommended Workarounds and Fixes

One recommended workaround for the Explorer.exe application error: memory could not be read fix is to check for any Windows updates that may address the issue. Ensure that your operating system is up-to-date by following these steps:

First, open the Start menu and type “Windows Update” in the search bar. Click on “Check for updates” and allow the system to scan for any available updates. If updates are found, download and install them to see if the error is resolved.

If updating Windows does not fix the issue, another workaround is to run a System File Checker scan to repair any corrupted system files that may be causing the error. To do this, open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing “cmd” in the search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting “Run as administrator.” Then, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to initiate the scan.

Additionally, you can try checking for any conflicting software that may be causing the Explorer.exe error. Uninstall any recently installed applications or programs that may be incompatible with your system. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, then selecting the software you want to uninstall.

Another fix for the memory could not be read error is to check your computer’s RAM (random-access memory) for any issues. Remove and reseat the RAM sticks in their slots to ensure they are properly connected. If you have multiple RAM sticks, try using them one at a time to identify if one of them is faulty.

In some cases, the Explorer.exe error may be caused by a conflict with the graphics card drivers. Update your Nvidia or AMD drivers to the latest version available on their respective websites. You can also try rolling back to a previous driver version if the error started occurring after a driver update.

Additional Assistance Options

1. Check for Windows Updates: Make sure your system is up to date with the latest Windows updates. Sometimes, these updates can contain fixes for known issues that may be causing the Explorer.exe application error.

2. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can help resolve the issue. Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

3. Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can sometimes cause application errors. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.

4. Run a Memory Check: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for any issues with your RAM. Go to Start, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and follow the instructions to run the tool.

5. Check for Malware: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to check for any malware that may be causing the error.

6. Disable Startup Programs: Some programs that start with Windows may be conflicting with Explorer.exe. Disable unnecessary startup programs by going to Task Manager > Startup tab.

7. Perform a System File Check: Use the System File Checker tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

8. Check for Application Software Conflicts: Uninstall recently installed software or updates that may be causing conflicts with Explorer.exe. Monitor the error after uninstalling to see if it resolves the issue.

9. Reset File Explorer: If the error is related to File Explorer, you can reset it to default settings. Go to File Explorer Options > View tab > Reset Folders.

10. Contact Support:

FAQs

How do I fix application error memory could not be read?

To fix the application error “memory could not be read,” you can start by performing a clean boot, running System File Checker (SFC) and DISM, checking disk for errors, performing a memory diagnostic check, adjusting virtual memory settings, scanning for malware, and utilizing system restore if needed.

How to solve explorer.exe error?

To solve explorer.exe error, you can try running the System File Checker (SFC) command for 32-bit Windows or the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command for 64-bit Windows. Additionally, check for any memory issues such as problems with RAM or the hard disk.

How do I fix an exe application error?

To fix an exe application error, you can try various solutions like restarting File Explorer, changing the size of virtual memory, disabling fast startup, running SFC/DISM, running ChkDsk, updating Microsoft .NET Framework, running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, and scanning your PC for malware.

How do I fix Windows Explorer memory usage?

To fix Windows Explorer memory usage, you can try solutions like fixing corrupted system files, running disk cleanup, scanning for malware, uninstalling recent Windows updates, trying a clean boot, and using system restore.

Zane Willson