In some cases, fatal errors are spontaneous and temporary, and you can safely continue using the computer without any additional problems. If fatal errors persist, and especially if these errors reoccur when using the same program or performing the same task, there could be a problem with either the hardware or software on the computer.
How Fatal Errors Appear
Fatal error messages typically appear when a program suddenly shuts down because of some type of failure, or when a Windows computer suddenly displays the blue screen of death before shutting down, or when a macOS or Linux computer suffers a kernel panic. When a fatal error occurs, a message like one of these appears:
FATAL ERROR: Unhandled xxx Exception at xxxA fatal exception xx has occurred at xxxx:xxxxxxxxFatal error detected, unable to continue. Terminating due to uncaught exception.
When you experience a fatal error message, whether or not it looks exactly like these examples, write down what you see. The specific type of error, and the series of numbers and letters that are often included, can help track down the problem.
What Causes a Fatal Error?
When you run a program on an operating system like Windows, and the program encounters something unexpected, it generates a message called an exception. These exceptions allow programs to run smoothly and operate normally, even when something unexpected happens. When a program is given or generates an unknown or unexpected exception, the result is a fatal error. This same type of problem can also be referred to as a fatal exception, or a fatal exception error. Depending on the severity of the error, you may be given the option to continue running the program, or the program may terminate automatically.
How to Fix a Fatal Error
Fatal errors can be caused by a variety of unexpected interactions between different programs, between programs and drivers, between programs and the hardware, and physical faults or defects in the hardware. Follow these fixes to get to the bottom of the fatal error.
A fatal exception 0E has occurred at xxxx:xxxxxxxx
The 0E is a code that might point you in the right direction. Run a search for the specific fatal exception error code, and see if you can find specific instructions. Verify that the fans work and aren’t clogged with dust or debris. If you’re comfortable taking the computer apart, check the internal fans and the heat sink. Carefully use canned air or a vacuum to remove any dust or debris that prevent the fans or heat sink from functioning efficiently.
