What does BSOD 251 (RECURSIVE_MACHINE_CHECK) mean?

 
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HTTP_DRIVER_CORRUPTED ATTEMPTED_EXECUTE_OF_NOEXECUTE_MEMORY

RECURSIVE_MACHINE_CHECK

Recursive machine-check exception

RECURSIVE_MACHINE_CHECK is bug check code 0x000000FB. The built-in table identifies it as A machine check exception occurred just after processing a previous machine check, but before an exit from the machine check code could be completed.; the useful diagnostic question is what Windows component raised the stop and which invariant failed.

This bug check means a hardware error path became recursive: the processor signaled another machine check while the system was handling an earlier machine-check exception.

How to read the parameters

  • The nested nature matters more than the symbolic name: the original hardware error may be hidden by the recursive failure.
  • Check WHEA records, MCA banks, firmware logs, and machine-check status registers if available.
  • It is related to MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION and WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR but indicates recursion during handling.

What to check in the dump

  • Look for severe CPU, memory, cache, interconnect, power, thermal, or firmware problems.
  • Disable overclocking and capture firmware/WHEA logs before replacing parts.
  • If virtualization is involved, check whether the hypervisor reports machine checks or masks hardware-error state.

References


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