If you’ve encountered the Windows System Error Code ERROR_240, you’re not alone. This error can be frustrating and often halts your workflow or disrupts system processes. But don’t worry! In this detailed, step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to understand, diagnose, and fix ERROR_240 — even if you’re not a tech expert.
Let’s get started.
What is Windows System Error Code ERROR_240?
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand what ERROR_240 means. Windows Error 240 usually refers to a problem where the system fails to perform a specific operation due to an unexpected interruption or corruption within system files or configuration.
Common symptoms of ERROR_240 include:
- Applications crashing or failing to launch
- Background services not starting
- Error popup messages with code 240 during system boot or app use
Possible causes range from corrupted system files, driver conflicts, malware infections, or registry problems.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer Thoroughly
Sometimes, the simplest fixes work best.
- Close all open apps.
- Shut down your PC completely.
- Wait about 1-2 minutes.
- Power on your computer again.
Restarting clears temporary glitches and refreshes system resources. Check if the ERROR_240 persists after rebooting.
Step 2: Run Windows System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted or missing system files are a common cause of ERROR_240. Windows has a handy tool to scan and repair these files.
How to run SFC:
- Press Windows Key + S and type
cmd. - Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
-
In the black command window, type this command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- The scan can take several minutes. Don’t close the window until it finishes.
- After the scan completes, it will tell you if it found and repaired any errors.
Restart your PC and check if this fixed the issue.
Step 3: Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix errors like ERROR_240.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all available updates.
- Restart your machine when prompted.
Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility and improved stability.
Step 4: Update or Roll Back Device Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers (especially for hardware like printers, graphics cards, or network adapters) can trigger Error 240.
To update drivers:
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand the categories and find devices with a yellow warning triangle.
- Right-click and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow prompts and restart your PC once updated.
To roll back drivers:
If Error 240 started after a recent driver update, try reverting:
- In Device Manager, right-click the device.
- Choose Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver and follow instructions.
- Restart your computer.
Step 5: Run a Full Malware Scan
Malicious software can interfere with Windows processes and lead to errors like ERROR_240.
- Use Windows Defender or any trusted antivirus tool.
- Perform a Full system scan.
- Quarantine or remove any threats.
- Restart your PC after cleaning.
Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot eliminates software conflicts by running Windows with minimal startup programs and services.
How to do a clean boot:
- Press Windows Key + R, type
msconfig, and hit Enter. - Go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items.
- Close Task Manager and click OK on System Configuration.
- Restart your computer.
If ERROR_240 disappears, re-enable services and startup items one-by-one to find the culprit.
Step 7: Use System Restore
If the error started recently and you’ve tried everything else, try restoring your system to an earlier state.
- Type Create a restore point in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Click System Restore.
- Follow the wizard to select a restore point before the error appeared.
- Confirm and wait for the process to complete.
Note: This won’t affect your personal files but may remove recent applications or updates.
Step 8: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)
If none of the above solutions work, consider:
- Resetting Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose whether to keep your files.
- Clean reinstall: Back up your data and install a fresh copy of Windows.
Both options require time and care but will definitely fix persistent ERROR_240 problems.
Final Thoughts
ERROR_240 can feel intimidating, but with patience and these guided steps, you can troubleshoot and fix it without calling a technician. Always keep your important files backed up, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if needed.
Feel free to bookmark this guide and revisit it whenever you run into system errors. Share this with friends or colleagues who might find it useful!
If you have questions or want personalized help, just drop a comment below. Good luck, and happy troubleshooting!
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Written with care to make your PC experience smoother and stress-free.
